What to Bring to Assisted Living – And What Not to Bring

Now that you’ve made the big decision to move into an assisted living facility, what should you take? This checklist will help you determine what to bring to assisted living facilities. To help with the transition, creating an assisted living checklist can be incredibly beneficial. Most people say to take the items that will be used every day. But the important part to remember is that usually, space in the assisted living apartment is limited.

So it would be a good idea to scale back on the number of things you bring. For example, instead of bringing that 12-piece dining set for 10, maybe just bring 2-4 pieces. You will want to set their new space up with the same comforts that they have at home, just on a smaller scale in the assisted living community. Instead of bringing the whole living room, just bring a few items that remind you of home.

Oftentimes, family members think it’s best to start off with all new or something different than what they have at home. But as long as it isn’t worn out or in poor condition it is often better to keep the same furniture and belongings that they are comfortable with. It’s best to visit with your loved one and find out what their needs and wants are.

It is always a good recommendation to follow-up with the community to see what their limitations and preferred items would be. Some buildings already provide certain kitchen supplies for you, (small fridge, microwave, paper towels).

Also, most assisted living communities have things that they do not allow: hot plates, coffeemakers, and toasters. The other thing to think about is if you would like to limit the amount of jewelry and expensive items you bring. It may be a good time to pass along those family heirlooms. Also, make sure that all items are marked including clothes.

What to Bring to Assisted Living Communities

Furniture

• Bed (bring a bed with a familiar mattress, usually a full or smaller size)
• Nightstand or bed (ideally with drawers and shelves)
• Seating (chairs with arms, rocker; avoid chairs on casters)
• Small table(s) with storage, such as shelves or drawers
• Small kitchen table or drop-leaf table (a standard dining table is usually too big)
• Dresser (it may fit in closet for extra storage; drawers are often easier than hanging everything)

Housewares

• Microwave, small fridge (if not provided)
• Dishes and glasses to use every day (but probably not settings for 10 or 12)
• Pots and pans (large and small pots and frying pans may be sufficient)
• Coffeemaker( if allowed)
• Mixer (if doing any cooking)
• Nice serving dish (if your loved one likes to cook, there will be entertaining and social opportunities at most assisted living communities)
• Bedding (two sets of sheets, blankets, pillows, and a comforter — easier than a separate decorative bedspread)
• Bath towels, hangers, trash cans

Personal items

• Clothes (winnowed to fit closet space; include pajamas, robe, bathing suit if applicable, sweaters for air conditioning, nice outfits for socializing; two weeks’ worth of underwear and socks so there’s a clean set available while the other is in the laundry)
• Shoes, nonskid slippers (minimal pairs needed)
• Basic toiletries
• Medications (unless they need to be ordered by building)
• Small file or other storage for medical, legal, and financial paperwork
• Photographs to display or look at in books (digitize everything else to store)
• Special heirloom or memento to give a sense of home (if not passed on)
• Small safe (but don’t bring jewelry, etc., that’s not regularly used)

Cleaning supplies

• Dish soap
• Dishtowels
• Surface wipes
• Window cleaner
• Bathroom cleaner
• Laundry basket
• Laundry detergent
• Dusting cloths

Decorations

• Wall decor (photographs, paintings)
• Curtains (check ahead – blinds are usually already in place)
• Lamps, light bulbs
• Clock
• Vase
• Throw (for toss-on warmth)
• Holiday decoration

Entertainment

• Television (if used, make sure your loved one knows how to operate it)
• Music system (if used, make sure your loved one knows how to operate it)
• Desktop, laptop, or tablet computer (if your loved one will use it)
• Tool kit (some communities have workshop areas)
• Hobby supplies (needlework, paints, craft materials within reason, cards, books)

What NOT to Pack for a Move to Assisted Living

As with most moves, it is a good time to go through and decide what you really need. But most moves to assisted living facilities are a downsizing time. So remember to bring what is going to be used regularly. Also, there are a few things that are discouraged and not recommended and need to be carefully considered before bringing:

• Lots of knick-knacks or collectibles (surface space will be limited)
• Throw rugs or area rugs (they’re a tripping hazard)
• Chairs on wheels
• Seldom-worn jewelry and numerous decorative items
• Multiples of most things (e.g., mugs, appliances, bathrobes, coats, handbags)
• Oversized furniture like large sofas
• Boxes of stored items (bring only what’s used regularly)

 

Tip for Downsizing Before Moving Into Assisted Living

Just like you need an assisted living checklist to bring the proper items – and leave This process often involves sorting through years of accumulated items, each holding its own fond memories and significant meaning.

Here are 10 straightforward strategies for effectively downsizing and decluttering your home, including enlisting help from a senior move manager to ensure a smooth transition and possibly employing moving companies to assist with the actual move to the new assisted living community.

Tackle One Room at a Time
Avoid the temptation to overhaul your entire home in one go. Many experts recommend focusing on one room at a time, starting with the kitchen. This approach not only breaks the task into manageable chunks but also provides immediate, visible results as you see shelves and cabinets become less cluttered. Tackling the living quarters systematically can make the task feel less overwhelming and more productive.

Take Your Time
Remember the old adage, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Your home likely contains decades’ worth of belongings, making a rapid clean-out impractical. Instead, spread the process over several weeks or months. Taking your time allows you to carefully decide which personal belongings hold memories worth preserving and which can be let go.

Sort into Three Piles
As you organize each room, create three piles: keep, donate, and trash. Discard items that are broken or incomplete, donate things you haven’t used in years, and keep only what you truly need or love. If an item hasn’t been used or appreciated in over a year, it’s probably ready to be donated. This method helps in reducing stored items that are no longer necessary.

Limit Duplicates
Reduce clutter by eliminating unnecessary duplicates. If you have multiple toasters or dish sets, for example, keep just one. Simplifying your belongings makes maintaining and organizing your home easier, and ensures that kitchen supplies like mugs, towels, linens, and hangers are kept to a practical minimum.

Reduce Collectibles
Trimming your collection has two advantages: it highlights your most cherished items and potentially provides extra cash. Consider selling extra collectibles instead of storing them away. This way, you focus on maintaining only those treasured items that truly bring joy and have significant meaning.

Preserve Memories with Photos
Often, it’s the memories associated with items that are valuable, not the items themselves. Create a digital or physical scrapbook of photos to preserve these memories without keeping the physical objects. This method allows you to keep fond memories without occupying smaller space in the new assisted living apartment.

Enlist Help
Downsizing offers a perfect opportunity to involve family and friends. Not only does this help lighten the load, but it also allows for shared reminiscences and emotional support. If the task feels too daunting, consider seeking help from a professional organizer, especially one experienced with senior transitions. Their helpful insight and support can facilitate a smooth transition.

Repurpose with Purpose
Transform sentimental items like baby clothes or a spouse’s garments into something new, such as a quilt. This keeps the memories alive in a functional and cherished form. Repurposed items can make thoughtful housewarming gifts or new decorations for your new apartment.

Organize a Donation Pick-up
To avoid second-guessing your decisions to donate, schedule a pick-up with a local charity for your donation items. For items to be trashed, consider renting a dumpster or coordinating with neighbors for a community clean-up. This not only clears out space but also ensures that you’re making a positive impact by donating items that can still be used by others.

Hire a Moving Company
Once you’ve pared down your belongings, hiring a moving company and movers can ease the transition to your new home. This can reduce the stress of moving day and allow you to focus on settling into your new assisted living community. Professional movers are adept at handling everything from furniture items to personal care items, ensuring that everything arrives in good shape.

Final Thoughts on What to Bring to Assisted Living Facilities

Finding the right assisted living environment is only half the battle. Packing up and moving is the other half! With this checklist, we hope this will make your transition easier, knowing what to bring to assisted living communities and what to leave behind. CarePatrol is here to help you understand the cost of senior living and to help find the perfect assisted living environment for you or your loved one. Contact us to learn more about out services and how we help you.