You may not need all of these items in your new home.ĭownsizing your belongings can be difficult, especially if you’ve lived in your previous home for decades.

Outdoor items: Outdoor equipment includes landscaping equipment, golf cart, bicycle, lawn mower, gardening tools, outdoor grill and patio furniture.Entertainment: Consider whether you want to bring televisions, radios, tablets, computers, chargers, hobby supplies, puzzles, headphones, books or games.You can also bring appliances your retirement home may not have, such as a toaster, crockpot, kettle, cookware, silverware and glassware. Certain retirement homes may provide furniture for residents, so make sure to clarify what you should pack. Furniture: Necessary furniture items include a bed, dresser, sofa, tables, chairs, recliners, lamps and desk.Keepsakes: Pack keepsakes like pictures, photo albums and other sentimental tokens.Toiletries: Toiletries include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, lotion, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, bathing wipes, washcloths, razors, dental care items, perfume or cologne, and nail clippers.Valuables: Bring your jewelry, family heirlooms and electronics.Legal and financial documentation: Pack your birth certificate, insurance policies, car information, bank information, contact information of loved ones and doctors, tax returns, trusts or wills, Social Security and Medicare cards, and passport.Remember to bring shirts, pants, jackets, underwear, socks, pajamas, slippers, swimsuits, shoes, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves and accessories. Clothing: Pack according to the climate of your retirement community.Assistive devices: These include eyeglasses, hearing aids, walkers, canes, wheelchairs, mobility aids, electronic gadgets, shower chairs and medication reminders.It’s also a good idea to stock up on over-the-counter medication. Medication: Before you move, you’ll want to visit your doctor to get all your prescriptions filled.Give yourself a head start with a checklist for moving to a retirement home: Whether you’re hiring a reputable moving company or having your friends and family help you pack, start with the essentials. We’ve compiled a downsizing checklist for seniors that will help you stay organized and focus on making new memories. Downsizing can make your transition much more seamless. Leading up to your move, you’ll also need to decide what belongings you want to bring with you to your new home. Not to mention, you may be experiencing bittersweet emotions that come along with such a big change. Moving to any new place requires a lot of planning, packing and keeping track of important tasks. Though it’s very exciting to embark on this new part of your life, it can also be a bit overwhelming. You’ve made the big decision to move into a retirement home. The Ultimate Retirement Living Moving Checklist for Seniors

Senior moving checklist