Moving Into Senior Living
July 15, 2025
Moving to senior living can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it can be an exciting new chapter filled with community, convenience, and peace of mind. Whether you’re considering assisted living, independent living, or memory care, these practical tips will help make your transition as smooth as possible.
Start early. Give yourself plenty of time to research and visit different communities. Most experts recommend starting your search 6-12 months before you plan to move. This allows you to thoroughly evaluate options without feeling rushed and gives you time to get on waiting lists for popular communities.
There may be a lag in the time between when you select a community and when you actually move in.
Alex Sims, Community Relations Director for Fieldstone Village at Keizer Ridge, says that the average time for their assisted living community is usually a couple of months. She also acknowledges that the move-in process may be different for potential memory care residents.
“Memory care placements tend to be more urgent situations that require quicker transitions,”
Downsize thoughtfully. Moving to senior living typically means transitioning to a smaller space. Start decluttering early by sorting belongings into categories: keep, donate, give to family, and discard. This can be a difficult but liberating process, and it’s often helpful to start with non-essential items and work your way toward more personal belongings. Focus on bringing items that have sentimental value or that you use regularly.
“Every situation is unique,” Sims said. “Some people prefer to move in first and then gradually downsize their belongings afterward. If they have a spouse still living at home, there’s often less pressure to immediately sort through everything they’re not bringing to their new residence.”
Consider working with a professional organizer or senior move manager such as Managed Moves, who can guide you through this process. These professionals are trained to help you sort, pack, and move in a way that’s efficient and stress-free.
Plan for your space. If possible, visit your new apartment or room to assess the space and plan how to arrange your belongings. Many communities offer detailed floor plans so you can assess which belongings you’ll bring. Some communities provide help setting up your living space, and some even offer moving assistance.
“We encourage residents to bring familiar items that will make their new space feel like home—things like a favorite robe, family pictures, comfortable blankets, or even practical items like their own shower chair,” Sims said. One surprising thing that you can bring with you to Fieldstone Village at Keizer Ridge? Your furry friends.
“Pets are welcome,” she said, “and our care staff will even take residents’ pets on walks when needed.”
Prepare for the emotional transition. Moving to senior living represents a significant life change, and it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions. Stay connected with old friends while remaining open to new relationships. Many residents find that participating in community activities and maintaining familiar routines helps them adjust more quickly.
The day of the move can be stressful, but it’s easier when you’ve planned ahead. If you’re planning the move yourself, be sure to enlist help from family members, friends, or neighbors to make the day go more smoothly. Also, try to move on a weekday when the senior living community is less likely to be busy.
Give yourself time to adjust. Most people need several months to fully settle into their new community. Be patient with yourself during this adjustment period, and don’t hesitate to speak with community staff if you have concerns or need additional support.
When it comes to visits, some families question if their presence will help or hurt their loved one’s ability to feel at home in their new community.
“We see different approaches—some families visit daily, while others find it helpful to give their loved one a little space initially to settle in and adjust to their new routine,” Sims said.
Take advantage of the social opportunities and activities your new community offers. Join clubs, attend events, and participate in group outings. Staying active and engaged is one of the biggest benefits of senior living and can significantly improve your quality of life.
Moving into senior living is a big step, but with careful preparation and the right support, it can be a rewarding transition to a community that enhances your quality of life. The process takes time, but it’s well worth it to find a place that will allow you to live comfortably, safely, and with peace of mind.