If you or a loved one is moving to a senior living community, it’s important for your new living space to feel as comfortable as your home. One way to do this can be bringing items from their previous residence into their new home. However, narrowing down the items to bring with you takes time and effort. We want the adjustment to assisted living to be as simple and comfortable as possible. The Windsor Senior Living Community has created a list of our favorite packing tips for you to use when preparing for this next chapter. Learn about our best packing tips for the switch to assisted living near New Orleans!
Downsizing Tips For Seniors
Relocating to a smaller space in a senior living community near New Orleans makes the need for downsizing unavoidable. Our assisted and independent living facilities provide seniors with the comforts of home without the need for constant upkeep. But, it is still crucial that the new environment feels like a home. You can support seniors by helping them narrow down their most loved and needed items before the move. Downsizing can take time and energy. It can even be emotionally draining at times. But going about it the right way can give you the peace of mind that your loved ones are making the most out of their golden years in a comfortable home.
An article from A Place For Mom, a senior living resource, outlines helpful tips for downsizing. Remember that anything left behind is not always trash! Consider storing additional items in a safe place or donating unwanted items to those in need.
Here are some quick tips for downsizing efficiently before moving into an independent senior living community near New Orleans:
- Follow the “one-year” rule: discard or donate items you haven’t used in over a year
- Keep memories, not clutter: prioritize sentimental items over material possessions
- Consolidate collections: select your favorite pieces and let go of duplicates or less meaningful items
- Focus on the positive: approach downsizing with patience and a willingness to embrace change
At the end of the downsizing process, you may be surprised just how much better you feel with a fresh start!
Essential Items to Bring to an Assisted Living Community Near New Orleans
Before packing, put aside a bag of essentials for your first night. Items such as prescription medications, hearing aids, eyeglasses, toiletries, and a change of clothes need to be close at hand. This way, you can ensure your valuables are kept nearby and not lost in packing.
Packing seasonal clothes and accessories out of the way is best to avoid closet clutter. If you’re moving in the spring, consider storing away winter clothes until needed. Other essential items to keep in mind include the following:
- Legal, medical, financial and other important paperwork
- An alarm clock
- Jewelry
- Hobby supplies
- Favorite pillows and blankets
The last thing a senior needs while transitioning into this new chapter is unnecessary stress from being unable to find the essentials.
Make the Space Your Own With Personal Treasures
The easiest way to incorporate a sense of home into your space is to decorate using priceless sentimental items. We all have particular possessions with deep emotional ties attached to them. And in a way, cherished photos and precious keepsakes represent pieces of our identity and story.
These physical items bring us back in time, evoking emotions of familiarity and comfort. Surrounding your loved one with a few sentimental possessions is the quickest way to make their new environment feel like home.
Consider The Windsor for Independent and Assisted Living Options Near New Orleans!
Our goal at The Windsor Senior Living Community is to provide our residents with a senior living community near New Orleans that feels like home. If you’re interested in independent or assisted living options in our community, contact us today for more information about becoming part of this beautiful community. We hope to hear from you soon!