Moving to a Retirement Community: Timeline and Tips
Published on December 20, 2018
Moving is never easy, especially when you’re leaving your long-time family home and moving into a retirement living community. For some older adults, this move represents the next chapter in their life, which is full of treasured relationships, new opportunities, and adventures. For others, moving into a retirement community can be very challenging and stressful for both them and their caregivers or relatives. With so many things to consider before the move, it’s good to have a plan or a list of tasks to remember. Here are some helpful tips for moving to a retirement community.
One Month Before a Move
If you or your loved one is ready to move, you should begin making plans at least a month in advance. You should make arrangements with your movers if you need assistance packing or moving your items; arrange for your mail to be sent to your new address and cancel or move your newspaper or magazine subscriptions, as well as begin gathering supplies to pack your home. If you are downsizing, you may need to find a local storage facility or arrange a garage sale. Many real estate agents or retirement communities can refer you to a downsizing expert to assist with this process, including selling or disposing of items, packing, moving and even designing and setting up your new retirement suite.
Two Weeks Before a Move
The time between planning your move and the day of your move will go by quickly, so it’s a good idea to ask friends or relatives for help along the way. Two weeks before your move you should transfer or cancel your utility services, confirm your moving date with the new home and your movers, and transfer your banking statements to your new address.
One Week Before a Move
One week before your move you will need to confirm any special arrangements concerning packing your items or disassembling large furniture with your moving company. You will also need to make sure most of your belongings are packed, except for the items you will need for the last week in your old home and the first week in your new one. It is also a good time to have your house thoroughly cleaned for the new owners.
The Day of the Move
When the day arrives for you to move, it is a good idea to keep any small valuables with you, so they do not get lost in the move. Return your old keys and leave a forwarding address for your security deposit if you are leaving an apartment to a new tenant. Finally, check your closets, drawers, cupboards, and fridge for any left behind belongings you need, and throw out any garbage.
Choose V!VA Retirement Communities for Senior Living
V!VA Retirement Communities is one of the best choices when you’re ready to move into a retirement home. Our Team Members work together to provide community living that goes above and beyond your expectations. We want our Community Members to feel comfortable and safe as they build new friendships and enjoy an active, safe, healthy life.
If services are important to you, we offer many, including meal prepared by Red Seal chefs, fitness and recreational programs, amenities, and much more. You or your loved one can enjoy a relaxed, comfortable, and personal environment that provides ample privacy, as well as the fun of socializing in a safe community.
We pride ourselves on being one of the few strong and successful privately-owned and independent developers in the senior living field. But don’t take our word for it, visit one of our locations to see for yourself! We have six operating locations, including Barrhaven, Mississauga, Pickering, Thornhill Woods,Meadowlands in Ancaster, Waterside in Carleton Place and new developments in Oakville and Whitby in construction.
To learn more about us and to find out if our retirement communities are right for you or your loved one, visit our website, e-mail us at info@vivalife.ca or call us at 1-888-984-8482.
