Transitioning to a 55+ retirement community can be exciting and perhaps daunting. To ensure a well-planned and coordinated move to your new apartment, it’s important to plan for contingencies. Check out this list of best practices to help you navigate the moving process with ease.
Enlist a Senior Moving Company
Ask your realtor to recommend local businesses that specialize in later-life moves. You can also visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers’ website to find resources in your area. NASMM members specialize in helping older adults and their families navigate the process of organizing, downsizing, and relocating. They also offer services like house cleaning, auctions/estate sales, selecting a realtor, and preparing your home for prospective buyers. Utilizing a senior mover can help reduce stress and may save you money – a win-win!
Take Inventory of Your Home
Having a detailed plan can streamline the downsizing process. Start by taking inventory of your belongings and decide which items you can let go. Determine if selling or donating is the best option and create separate piles for each category; be mindful when shopping for new household items. Contact the sales team at your new senior living community and request a floor plan with measurements of your residence to help determine the layout and what pieces will fit.
Ask Family & Friends for Help
Whether you need assistance paring down and packing your belongings or finding the right senior move manager for your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends and family for help. Transitioning to a senior lifestyle community is a major life change for everyone, so it can be comforting for loved ones to take an active role in the process.
Timing is Everything
Timing can be a critical factor in planning a successful move to independent living. What if your house doesn’t sell right away? What if it sells too quickly? Take advantage of flexible leasing options and ask the sales team at your new community about any special programs they may offer residents who need additional time to sell their homes or downsize their belongings. Having a guarantee that the apartment you selected will be available when you are ready to move in can offer greater peace of mind and add an extra layer of confidence to your planning process.
Thinking about downsizing or selling your home? Call Arbor View Senior Living at 303-268-4747 to speak with a member of our experienced sales team who can help guide you through the process and ensure a successful move built around your timeline.
