Top Tips for Moving into a Retirement Community

When you make the choice to move into a retirement village, sometimes the reality of moving can feel overwhelming. All of a sudden there is the realisation that there is now so much to be done!

The situation can be even more challenging for those that live alone, living with a disability or who don’t have any family close by to help.

So if you’re in this situation, where do you even begin?

Well, just like most journeys in life, the key is to take it one step at a time.

What Should You Bring With You?

Firstly, you’ll need to consider how much space you’ll have in your new home. This will give you some idea on the amount of personal items you should take with you.

A lot of people will have a lifetime’s worth of belongings they may wish to bring. Deciding what to bring and what to let go of can be a very emotional process, so it’s important to take your time and figure out what is most important to you.

Some criteria you can look at using when making deciding what to bring can include:

Things you’ll need in an emergency
Furniture that will make your new home more comfortable
What can be digitised to save space (e.g. photos)

What Else Should You Consider?

It’s important that you block out enough time to properly plan your move. This will ensure you get everything done in the appropriate timeframe and keep costs and stress to a minimum.

Other points of consideration include:

Redirecting your mail
Getting your house ready for sale (e.g. cleaning and gardening)
Packing and moving your belongings
Organising any moving assistance you’ll need
Selling items you no longer need

Remember, you should try not to rush yourself when organising the move. It be can challenging, both emotionally and logistically, especially if you’ve lived in the house for many years. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to adjust and prepare for this new transition in your life.

Where Should You Look for Help?

Moving house is no small job. You’ll most likely need help along the way, so don’t be afraid to ask for it early on.

Your family and friends are a great place to start, but if they’re not able to help out or if you’d rather get a professional to do the job, then there are plenty of options available.

A starting point for your search could include specialists in the areas of:

Helping you sort through your household items and assist with decluttering
Disposing of unwanted items (typically through sales or charities)
Cleaning, repairing and getting your home looking ready for sale
Assisting with paperwork and other administration tasks

Whoever you decide to work with, it is critical that they always have your best interests in mind at all times.

They should help you not only coordinate and manage the move, but also relieve you and your family of the stress and hassle involved with moving.

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Top Tips for Moving into a Retirement Community

What Should You Bring With You?

What Else Should You Consider?

Where Should You Look for Help?