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.
Tara Harton, Community Relations Director at Fieldstone of Olympia, acknowledges that the timeline may be different when it comes to memory care.
“On the memory care side of things, we can move quickly to accommodate a person who needs immediate care,” Harton said. “We take care to do things efficiently.”
Taking the time to find a community that offers memory care before someone needs it is wise. Studies show that early memory care intervention allows for smoother transitions with more time to adjust. It also means the person with dementia can have some participation in the decision-making process.
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.
Consider working with a professional organizer or senior move manager 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.
Harton has extensive experience with Allwest Moving and recommends their senior moving services. They’ve assisted with several senior moves and are very familiar with Fieldstone of Olympia’s communities.
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.
“When it comes to the setup, Caring Transitions is a very helpful resource,” Harton said. “They’ll look at the floor plans, take measurements, and they’ve even been known to help set up some furniture. Our maintenance crew can help hang your television. We are all hands on deck!”
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. Harton said there’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.
“We are very person-centered here. We want to talk to you and get to know you and your family so we know what would work best for your family.”
She just had a move-in just the other day where the new resident enjoyed a classic movie in the community theater while everyone else helped out with the move. And on the flip side, sometimes people feel very good about being engaged in the process.
“One gentleman wanted to measure everything in the apartment and be very involved,” she recalled. “That’s why it’s so important to establish a relationship and really get to know everything we can about each resident.”
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.
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.