No matter what stage of life you’re in, moving into a new home carries a certain amount of stress, and moving into a senior living community is no different. However, there are certain steps you can take to reduce the level of stress you or a loved one might be feeling during the move. In this article, we’ll detail some of the ways to support yourself or a loved one during the transition.
Who Can I Talk to?
The move to a senior living community can feel especially isolating if you don’t know anyone who has successfully navigated the situation before. Even if your adult children are supportive of your move, it doesn’t necessarily mean they can fully relate to your situation. Even so, having someone to talk to about your move into senior living can help calm your nerves.
Here are some possible ways to find support for your move:
- Connect with family or friends prior to the move. While family and friends may not fully understand your situation, they certainly want you to be happy. Sometimes it can be helpful just to have someone who you can engage in conversation with each day.
- Communicate with the community you’re moving into. Let your senior living community know what date you plan on bringing your belongings into your new home. The more aware they are of your move-in date, the more options they have to help.
- Find others who have had similar experiences. Older adults who are making the move to or who have already moved into senior living can be a great source of support.
Where Will I Put My Stuff?
Moving into a senior living community is a little different than other moves, because you’re reducing the total amount of space you’re living in. This means you’ll need to downsize and relocate some of your belongings. While this process may sound stressful, having fewer items to worry about and maintain can actually reduce your stress.
Here are some key considerations to make about your belongings:
- Review available floor plans. Use your floor plan as a guide for determining what things you can realistically fit in each room. Don’t try to cram too many items in any one room.
- Make a list of your must-bring items. You likely have some possessions that hold special emotional value. Add these onto your short list of must-bring items for senior living.
- Rent a storage space for the uncertainties. There may be some items you are on the fence about getting rid of. This is when it can be helpful to rent a storage space and see how well you can live without them.
What If I Need Extra Support?
No matter how prepared you feel, moving is still physically and emotionally draining. There’s no shame in recognizing your need for extra support at any stage of the moving process. However, the sooner you consider your options for extra support the less you will have to stress about.
Here are some potential steps you can take ahead of your move to reduce stress:
- Check if your community offers moving support. It’s in your senior living community’s best interest to ensure you have a successful move. Don’t hesitate to ask your contacts there whether they offer some type of move-in support for incoming residents.
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- Consider third-party options for moving assistance. Give yourself plenty of time to research and vet moving companies ahead of your move if going this route.
- Don’t forget about friends and family. While you may not want to burden others with your move, it’s more than likely your friends or family are more than willing to help.
Stress Less at GreenFields of Geneva
Moving into a senior living community is different from other moves because you have a support network built right into your new home. This is especially true at GreenFields of Geneva, an exceptional senior living community in Geneva, Illinois. From the moment you arrive at our community, you’ll have access to luxurious services and amenities designed to make your life better, such as delicious dining options, private transportation, and on-call maintenance.
In addition, every incoming resident to GreenFields of Geneva has access to a move-in coordinator who will make your transition to our community that much easier.
Contact us, or fill out the form below, to learn more about what’s possible at GreenFields of Geneva.
