Simplifying Your Transition to Your New Home
People move for many reasons. Possibly a new job, or military reassignment. Sometimes people move into a larger home when they are growing their family or as people retire they are choosing to downsize into a condo or move to a retirement community. Regardless of the type of move, the transition can and usually will bring on some added stress.
If you’re preparing for a move to a retirement community, we have some suggestions to assist in making the transition easier for you and your family.
Prep Like a Pro: Before the Move
Create a Move-In Plan
Planning ahead can greatly help reduce the anxiety of moving day.
You’ve already decided what furniture and belongings you’ll be bringing. Arrange to have everything arrive in time so that by the end of the day you’ll have a bed ready to sleep in, furniture in place and at least one box unpacked that contains essentials for the first few days.
Check the Rules about Pets
While many apartments, condos and retirement communities welcome pets, there are also many that do not for a wide variety of reasons. If you’ve got a furry friend and you’re considering moving, do your research. Determine if your new home is a pet-friendly community and if so, what are the regulations.
Leave the Clutter Behind
Many people who have moved into a senior living community will tell you it’s refreshing to start this new adventure without all the clutter.
Most residents will be downsizing their space, not their life. After clearing out many of your unwanted belongings, it can be a great feeling, and you can make room for what is waiting ahead.
Go Digital
Most people tend to keep a small hoard of papers because they seem important and might be useful later. The issue is that it takes up so much space. Don’t be afraid to go digital. Scan those important papers into an online server and save yourself space.
Settling In: After the Move
Real Estate
Shortly after moving into your new home you might feel overwhelmed with moving boxes. Besides ensuring the moving process, there are several other things you need to take care of as you’re getting settled into your home. While you’re unpacking, make sure you handle these items:
- Fill out a change of address form. Visit the local post office or go to the United States Postal Service website to complete an official change of address form. For banks and financial companies, contact them directly to let them know you’ve moved.
- Transfer your utilities and services. Change electricity, gas, water, cable, phone and Internet to your new address. Most utilities let you sign up for service or change your existing service online. Don’t forget, if you are moving to a retirement community, you may simply be canceling your utilities since they are built into your monthly costs.
- Map out the area. Take a drive or a walk around the neighborhood to find the nearest grocery store, gas station, bank, hospital and post office.
- Meet the neighbors. Introduce yourself to establish a good rapport.
- Relax, the hardest part is over. Store your leasing or closing documents in a safe place. Enjoy the feeling of being in your new home.
- Create An Emergency Response Plan. An emergency response plan is a document that lays out the series of steps you and your loved ones will take during a critical event. Once you move into your new home, be sure to research phone numbers and the location of the nearest hospital, firehouse, police station to include in your emergency response plan. When in doubt 911 is always your best option in a true emergency.
Unpack Strategically
The first step to settling into your new home is unpacking strategically. Start by unpacking essential items, such as bedding, toiletries, and kitchen essentials, to make your home functional from day one. Then, prioritize unpacking room by room, focusing on high-traffic areas like the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms first. Take your time and don’t feel pressured to unpack everything at once.
Personalize Your Space
Personalizing your space is key to making your new residence feel like home. Add personal touches such as photos, artwork, and décor items that reflect your style and personality. Consider arranging furniture and experimenting with different layouts to create a space that feels comfortable and inviting. Don’t forget to incorporate sentimental items that hold special meaning to you and your family.
Pack an Overnight Bag
Once you move in, you’re going to have a sudden burst of energy to get unpacked right away. After a few hours you’ll still be surrounded by boxes with the end nowhere in sight, and you’ll be ready to go to bed. The bad part, all of your clothes are still packed away, because you haven’t gotten to unpacking the bedroom yet.
Be prepared with your overnight bag with spare clothes, pajamas, hygiene products, towels, and more – everything you need for a couple nights without having to go through all the boxes. That way, as long as you can get your bed ready, all of the other boxes can wait.
Sign Up for an Activity – or Two
Move at your own pace but it can be helpful to sign up for an activity once you arrive at your new senior living community. This will help you begin to feel part of the community.
Senior living offers excellent opportunities to meet others naturally and comfortably – and activities are one of the easiest ways. Take a look at the monthly calendar and choose something of interest.
Say Hello to Your Neighbors
Be friendly as you begin meeting your neighbors and the other residents. There are many ways you can strike up a conversation. One of the easiest is to let them know you’re new and introduce yourself.
You’ll find there are many opportunities to smile and say hi – or stop and chat when living in a community – whether it’s crossing paths in the common areas, or while out taking a walk and don’t forget mealtimes and social events.
Join in a Social Event
Another option to help you begin to feel at home is to join your neighbors and residents at one of the many social events offered. Whether it’s a movie, concert or happy hour, it’s a wonderful way to begin putting names with the faces.
Moving into a new place can often feel a little intimidating. But the sooner you begin engaging with others, you’ll find yourself feeling right at home.
Take a Walk Around Your New Community
During your first few days, take a break from unpacking and go on a little tour of your new senior living community. You’ve visited there before, of course, but reacquaint yourself with where the mailroom is or which way to get to the dining room.
Familiarity helps you feel at home so the quicker you become accustomed to your new surroundings, the sooner it will seem like home.
Get on Google Maps
Browsing Google Maps can help you get a bird’s-eye view of your new home’s surrounding area. Check out what restaurants are close by. Pinpoint the closest hospital. Check the routes and drive times to your favorite locations. Make note of veterinarians, car mechanics, doctors, and dentists before you actually need them. And locate nearby entertainment options, including parks, libraries, theaters, and shopping centers,
Walk, bike, or drive around. Take a walk around your new neighborhood. Take a drive to broaden your range and get familiar with the streets and new places that catch your eye.
Reset Your Attitude
One of the best tips to successfully move into your new home and begin to settle in is to make sure your expectations are realistic. Understand that it will take a little time to feel at home.
Try to look at the experience as the beginning of a new adventure but know that you won’t be instantly comfortable. For anyone, moving is a big transition. But before you know it, you’ll find yourself surrounded by friends and an active and engaging lifestyle.
Ask for Guidance if Needed
If you do feel that it’s taking longer than usual to acclimate or that you’re having a hard time meeting others or joining in, don’t suffer in silence. Talk to a staff member for suggestions or ideas on how to become a part of the community at your new senior living home. They are a great resource and have much experience in helping new residents feel welcome.
Embrace Your Move to a New Adventure
Moving to a new home—especially a retirement community—can feel like a big deal, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity for a fresh start! With a bit of planning and some handy tips, you can make the transition smoother and less stressful for everyone involved. Take the time to declutter, make your new space feel like home, and don’t shy away from getting to know your neighbors. Remember, it’s all about embracing this new adventure! Before you know it, you’ll be settling in, making new friends, and enjoying everything your new community has to offer. Happy transitioning!
If you or a loved one is considering moving to a senior living community, consider taking a tour of one of The Ohio Masonic Communities campuses. With three senior living communities across the state of Ohio – Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio, Springfield Masonic Community in Springfield, Ohio, and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, Ohio – each offers premier living options with exceptional experiences so residents can live their best lives. If you are interested in learning more about one of our communities, give us a call at 1-877-881-1623 or schedule a visit.