Retirement marks the beginning of a relaxing chapter of your life. After starting the paperwork and telling all your family members, it’s time to start moving into your new retirement home.
Don’t overwhelm yourself with the moving process. Prepare for paradise by following these moving tips before you reach your retirement home. From sorting through your belongings to understanding the amenities your new home offers, we’ve got you covered.
Assessing Your Current Belongings
Relocating to a new place involves a lot of consideration. Compared to your family home, your retired community could be smaller than the current layout you have. Determine the dimensions of your new space and decide which items are worth packing for the trip.
Many communities will also provide appliances like washing machines and dryers on location. Assess your current belongings and leave out anything you won’t need in your new home. This may include furniture, personal items, and other household goods.
Creating a Donation Pile
If you’re having trouble deciding what to keep and what to get rid of, create a list of essential and sentimental items that you want to keep. Donate, sell or give away any items that don’t fit the checklist to declutter your move.
Don’t load your moving vans with unnecessary furniture and properly donate or dispose of anything you won’t need in retirement.
Organizing Important Documents
Any important documents you have should be within arm’s reach during your move. This includes your moving documents but also any medical records, financial information, and identification records you may have.
Storing Documents Properly
Store these documents in a safe location that protects the information from external elements. Waterproof folders or binders preserve the documents and keep them free of folds or wrinkles. You could also invest in a fireproof briefcase with a lock in case of emergencies.
If possible, try to make digital backups of these documents so you can access any moving files from your devices.
Communicating with the Retirement Home
Address any concerns to the retirement home staff sooner than later. Schedule a meeting to discuss pertinent mobility options or medical needs. You can also mention any additional paperwork, fees, or policies as part of the move-in process.
Verify and confirm any last-minute actions needed before you move into your retirement home. Ask the staff for a welcome packet or any other brochures they have about the community. This way, you can familiarize yourself with any amenities, services, and activities the retirement home offers.
Most communities will offer a resident orientation program you can participate in. After settling into the community, inquire about these events to build rapport with the retirement home staff and your future neighbors.
Planning Your Move
Once you’ve assessed your belongings and finalized your paperwork with the staff, it’s time to start packing boxes. Prepare for your retirement home move by setting a timeline. Stay organized and keep your timeline flexible for unexpected mishaps.
Creating a Packing Checklist
Your packing checklist should include essentials like medications, clothing, and personal items.
Pack your items effectively by labeling boxes and keeping similar items together. Also, protect your fragile items by wrapping them with soft cloth, bubble wrap, or moving blankets. When you arrive, you’ll be able to unpack these boxes knowing your items are safe.
Planning Moving Day Assistance
Seek help from your loved ones as you sort through your items. Family and friends can help you wrap valuables or load boxes into moving vans. Remember to take breaks and avoid overexerting yourself as you prepare for your move.
Consider hiring a professional moving company for additional moving assistance. These companies will provide packing services and transportation from your old home to your new destination.
Travelling to Your Destination
No matter how you decide to travel, prepare for the journey ahead with these steps.
Preparing for the Trip
If taking an interstate drive, account for your belongings and drive safely to your new home. Store your essentials in easily accessible areas so you can find them when on the road. Dress comfortably and prepare snacks and water for the journey.
Bring your packing checklist as a written inventory of your belongings. If anything goes missing, you can utilize this list for insurance purposes.
Staying Informed About Your Move
If you hired one, maintain regular communication with your moving company to confirm schedules, provide necessary updates, and request tracking information to monitor the progress of your shipment.
Settling Into Your New Home
Entering your new retirement community is the last step of your moving process. Take time to settle into your home. Meet your new neighbors and explore the community. Let yourself adjust to your new life. Here’s how.
Personalizing Your Space
Once you step foot into your new home, plan your layout. Arrange furniture and unpack essential items like kitchen utensils, bathroom accessories, and your bed. Setting up these items first will make decorating easier.
Decorate your home with any personal touches you brought from your pre-retirement life. Hang photos and organize your favorite books on shelves as you sift through boxes. Take your time to create a welcoming and comforting new home.
Meeting Your Neighbors
If you see any of your neighbors about, feel free to take the initiative and introduce yourself. Building these relationships will keep you company during social events and activities. Gain a sense of belonging and meet the members of your new community.
Exploring Your New Environment
When you have time in your moving process, walk around your community. Familiarize yourself with communal areas, dining options, and recreational facilities both on-site and within the neighborhood. Your new location is full of endless possibilities as you begin your new life.
As you transition to your new retirement home, incorporate these moving tips for a smooth and enjoyable experience. There’s plenty of time to explore the community and meet new people as you adjust to retired life.
If you’re ready to plan your next move, look no further than the beautiful Florida communities offered in Solivita. Solivita homes for sale include waterfront properties with all the amenities you’ll need for your retirement. Get in touch with Arista Realty to learn more about Florida living today!
