Moving to a senior living community is a big life change, and it may bring on a range of emotions, from relief to a touch of sadness and uncertainty. Sometimes it’s the fear of the unknown that brings on the most anxiety about this transition, but with a little preparation, you’ll be ready to embrace a simpler, more connected lifestyle.

I’ve talked a lot about what happens before your move in this blog series, but I’d love to help ease your apprehension about moving day and those first few weeks of immersing yourself in a new community. What does that look like? Will it feel like home?

Before Moving Day

Success starts with a good plan.

Have I mentioned how important it is to pare down your belongings before you move? I know I’m repeating myself, but trust me—this point can’t be overstated. As a senior advisor and professional organizer, I’ve seen the relief of the job done well… and I’ve also seen the overwhelm that can happen when it’s not.

Let me share a story:
Bill and Joanne had a large house overflowing with remnants of their hobbies and collections. When it came time to move to their new, smaller space, they struggled to picture what they would truly need. Instead of making decisions ahead of time, they kept saying, “We’ll figure it out when we get there.”

Fast forward to moving day: their spare bedroom in the new place ended up crammed with boxes stacked nearly to the ceiling. Most of the items they’d kept had no purpose and no place. I helped them sort through everything again, and this time, they were able to make clearer, more objective decisions about what to keep. But it was so much more work than it would’ve been if they’d downsized before the move.
This is why a thorough downsizing process is key to a smooth and successful moving day. Letting go isn’t just a physical act—it’s also a mental one. Sorting and dispersing your belongings can feel like therapy. It’s a chance to reflect, release, and make room (literally and figuratively) for the next chapter of your life.

The more you do on the front end, the lighter and freer you’ll feel when it’s all said and done. I promise—it’s worth it!

Here’s a quick refresher on how to declutter without regrets:

Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start packing! Giving yourself a few months (or even a year+) allows time to reminisce and make decisions without feeling rushed.
Divide and conquer: Go through one room at a time, sorting items into categories: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Discard. Ask yourself, “Do I really use or love this?”
Be honest with yourself: You probably don’t need three sets of fine china. Keep a set of dishes you’ll use and gift or donate the rest.
Enlist a team: Whether it’s family, friends, or a move manager, having help can make the process more fun—and less overwhelming.

For a comprehensive list of decluttering tips, [click here] to read my blog post, Letting Go and Living Light: The Practical Side of Decluttering.

On Moving Day

Your guide for a (mostly) jitter-free move.

Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or a little of both, transitioning to a senior living community is a big step—and a fresh start. I know this day is full of changes, but if you’ve taken the advice of your favorite organizer (that’s me!), simplified your belongings, and labeled your boxes, it can be smooth, meaningful, and even enjoyable!

Let’s take a look at what a typical moving day might look like:

At home:

Take a final walk-through. You’ll want to take one last walk through your old home to ensure nothing important is left behind. It’s also a chance to say a sentimental goodbye.
Put your “First Day Bag” in an accessible spot. This is your survival kit that includes medications, toiletries, and comfortable clothes for your first day in a new place.
Meet the movers. Whether you have hired a professional mover or enlisted your family and friends to help you, you’ll want to give them any last-minute instructions you might have.

At the senior living community:

Meet the concierge. Often the community will have a coordinator who will direct the movers and take you on a refresher tour of the key areas, such as the dining room, common area, and mailboxes.
Unpack a box (or three!). This is when all of that paring down and labeling really pays off, and you start to feel like you belong in your new space. Make sure you know where your “First Day Bag” is, and put your medications and toiletries in a convenient place.
Dinner with new faces. For an easy way to spend some time with your new neighbors, you could enjoy a meal in the community dining room, or if you prefer a quieter dinner, invite a new neighbor to enjoy a meal in your apartment.
A cozy evening. After the hustle and bustle, it’s okay to take time to relax! Settle into your favorite chair, listen to some soothing music, or watch a show to unwind.

After Moving Day

Settling in and making new friends.

Just outside your door is a whole new community waiting to welcome you. While some seniors find that comforting, others may miss the solitude of living alone. One thing I’ve noticed about clients who adjust well to their new homes is this: they’re not afraid to reach out to others and join a few activities. By getting involved, they feel more connected to their community.

Let me share a story:

Frank and Marilyn were living on their own when Frank’s health started needing more attention. After some thought, they decided to downsize and move into a senior living community. Not long after—just two months later—Frank had a stroke in the middle of the night. By the next evening, he had been moved to the skilled nursing area, and Marilyn was able to walk over to see him every day.

Frank lived for another 18 months, and during that time, Marilyn rarely left his side. After he passed, she took time to grieve before slowly starting to reach out to her neighbors and join in on community activities. Over time, she made some wonderful friends.

But here’s the thing: Marilyn and her new friends all wished they’d gotten to know each other sooner. Her neighbors could’ve been there to support her when Frank passed, but those relationships just weren’t built yet.

Frank and Marilyn were so glad they’d made the move before his stroke—it made a hard situation a little easier. But Marilyn’s story is a reminder not to wait. Taking the time to make connections early can make all the difference when life throws the unexpected your way.

I hope you’ll try a few of these easy ways to get connected and maintain relationships:

Introduce yourself: Whether it’s a neighbor across the hall or someone you meet in the dining room, a simple “Hi, I’m [Your Name]” can open the door to a new connection.
Make a friend: Look for people who share your interests—whether it’s playing cards, gardening, or going for walks. Accept invitations when offered or take the first step to invite someone to join you.
Stay active: Movement is important at every stage of life. Whether it’s chair yoga, tai chi, walking groups, or swimming, find something that keeps you moving and engaged.
Participate in activities: Communities often offer a variety of options like book clubs, crafting, movie nights, or music events. Don’t be afraid to explore something new—your next favorite hobby might surprise you!
Connect with family and friends: Use technology like video calls, phone chats, or emails to stay in touch with loved ones. Regular visits (virtual or in-person) keep you grounded in your larger circle of relationships.
Volunteer your time: Many communities have opportunities to give back, like mentoring programs, hosting activities, or sharing your skills and talents with others.
Adopt a routine: Establishing a daily or weekly schedule can give your days structure and purpose, helping you settle in and feel more at ease.
Focus on wellness: Prioritize your mental and physical health by attending wellness programs, support groups, or simply taking time for self-care.

And Finally, a Mental Health Check

Recognizing and fighting loneliness.

In my experience, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to truly feel at home in your new place. It’s completely normal to grieve the home and life you left behind. However, if you find yourself struggling to connect with your community or can’t shake feelings of sadness, it might be time for a mental health check-in.

Prioritizing your emotional well-being isn’t just important—it’s essential. Here’s a startling fact: According to a study published in Fortune magazine, loneliness can have the same impact on your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day (click here to read the article). It is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline.

Here’s how to recognize loneliness—and fight back:

Signs to watch for:
- - - Feeling down or disconnected
    - Avoiding activities or socializing
    - Loss of appetite or changes in sleep

What to do about it:
- Reach out: Don’t hesitate to say, “I’d love some company.” Other people are looking for connection too!
- Stay busy: Having a full schedule of activities you enjoy can keep negative feelings at bay.
- Talk to someone: Many communities have counselors or social workers who can help.

Moving to a senior living community is more than just a change of address—it’s a chance to embrace a simpler, more fulfilling way of life. I know it can feel a little overwhelming at first, but with some thoughtful preparation, an open heart, and a willingness to connect with others, this new chapter can be truly rewarding.

Remember, it’s okay to take your time settling in and finding your rhythm. Lean on your new community, try new activities, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. In a short time, your new place won’t just feel like home—it will be home.

If you’re ready to start a personalized downsizing conversation, I’d love to help. I’m Jill Hart, an organizing and real estate professional who specializes in downsizing.

When we work together, you can expect:

A clear path. We’ll take a look at your options, decide on a good plan, and take practical steps to complete it.
A reliable team. Our specialists are empathetic, knowledgeable, and connected to the right vendors for every task.
Peace of mind. Big changes are never easy. I’ll be with you every step of the way.

Click here to schedule a discovery call with me to explore my services. It’s free, and you won’t ever feel pressured to work with me. I’m here to serve. Thanks for reading!

Is it time to downsize? This 3-minute downsizing quiz will help you uncover insights into your emotional attachment, organizational skills, and future planning. Don’t leave your next chapter to chance—let’s get started together by gaining clarity on your downsizing journey! Click here to take the quiz.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi, I’m Jill Hart.

Back to my earliest memories with my grandmother, I’ve always had a desire to be around those living out the later chapters of their lives. That said, it made sense that my love for real estate didn’t really grab hold until I figured out I could use my skills to help this familiar population. Especially since, during a season of downsizing, support is a must!

I quickly realized that my clients didn’t just need to find different places to live or to sell their homes; they needed to make tough decisions about what to keep and what to share. They needed to organize, pack, and deliver donations. They needed to clean, make updates, and get ready to sell. Plus, they needed to do all this while managing their family’s feelings and opinions (and their own).

That’s why I built this business. We take care of planning, organizing, hauling, and cleaning, and we mix in more traditional real estate services when our clients need them. No matter your circumstances (or fears!), we make downsizing a whole lot easier.

Click Here to Schedule a Discovery Call

Learn more at silverpathwayshome.com.

What’s It Really Like to Move into a Senior Living Community?