Once you’ve decided that an independent living community filled with active older adults is how you want to spend your retirement, the moving process begins. While the prospect of a relaxing retirement in a cultured community like The Stayton may sound like a dream, the moving process itself can be difficult if you’re not prepared. We put together some tips to help ease the stress of moving while embarking on this new chapter in your life.
Tip 1: Meet with Your Move-In Coordinator
Moving from your home to a retirement community is not a simple undertaking. The good news is you don’t have to figure it out on your own. In fact, moving to a community like The Stayton means you’ll be connected with a move-in coordinator who has guided many others through the same process.
Once you’ve made a deposit on your new apartment home, our move-in coordinator will sit down with you to discuss any customizations you plan to make to your new living space. They can also answer any questions you may have about the moving process itself.
Tip 2: Plan for Your New Living Space
When you meet with our move-in coordinator for the first time, they may request the initial consultation take place in your home. This allows them to take photographs of your current living space and ensure a smooth transition to your new apartment in terms of style and décor. Unless, of course, you plan to treat your new living space as a blank canvas and start fresh.
Meeting in your home also allows the move-in coordinator to take measurements of your furniture. They can review your new floor plan with you and use the measurements to help narrow down what will fit in your new space. These discussions may even lead you to realize your current furniture is not suited to your apartment and some furniture shopping is in order.
Tip 3: Make a Moving Checklist
Moving is a stressful process and it can be easy to overlook aspects that aren’t necessarily front-of-mind. With the overwhelming amount of information being presented, something is bound to slip through. An example of a common oversight is neglecting to contact your cable or internet provider to transition service to your new living space. By sitting down and outlining a moving checklist, you can make sure you’re prepared for every step of the process.
Many retirement communities, like The Stayton, can also provide you with a move-in guide to help shape your checklist.
Tip 4: Don’t Resist Downsizing
The prospect of downsizing typically draws one of two reactions. Either you are energized by the opportunity to rid yourself of things you don’t need, or you dread having to decide which of your possessions will make the trip to your new home. If you fall into the latter category, the sooner you start downsizing the better off you will be. Waiting until the last minute is only going to make things worse and can even prolong the moving process.
If you have adult children who left belongings in your home, invite them over to go through those items. If they have no interest in keeping them, only hold onto items with the most sentimental value. The rest can be donated for someone else to enjoy.
Tip 5: Get to Know Your New Home
You won’t be able to visit your new apartment as long as renovations are underway, but don’t forget that life at your new retirement community is not limited to your living space. You’re going to be part of a community that includes a variety of amenities and a collection of warm and friendly neighbors.
After you’ve made your initial deposit, you will typically be provided with a schedule of upcoming events and an open invitation to come get to know the place you’ll soon call home. There will be ample opportunities to socialize with other residents, who may even have advice of their own regarding the moving process and getting acclimated to the community.
Moving to The Stayton
The most important thing we want you to understand is that moving to The Stayton means we’re with you every step of the way. We understand what a stressful and overwhelming process this can be, and our goal is to leverage our knowledge and experience to make it as smooth as possible for you. We want you to feel at home with us well before move-in day.
Please fill out the form below or contact us today if you have any questions about the process of moving to The Stayton.
