For more than two decades, Resort Lifestyle Communities has helped hundreds of residents transition into our beautiful retirement communities. Even with a destination as relaxed and worry-free as RLC, being prepared is the best way to enjoy the process. Take deep breaths, look ahead, and focus on your new home while moving, so you are less likely to feel overwhelmed. And, if you do, it’s ok; it can happen to anyone, no matter what season of life you’re in.
One of the things we’ve learned over the years is that planning ahead can greatly enhance your moving experience. That’s why we’ve outlined five of our best tips to help your transition go as smooth as possible. If you’re moving to a retirement community soon, there’s no time like the present to get started.
> What’s my moving budget?
> Who’s helping me move?
> How big are each of my new rooms?
> Will I need to rent storage?
> What’s my timeline?
> Who will watch my pet on moving day?
Knowing these answers and researching your options will help you get off to a great start. PS. Feel free to name your binder, because it may become your new best friend. We like Chuck!
2. Find Your Movers. As soon as you know your timeline, line up people to help you move. Whether that’s securing a moving company or letting family know when you need them, it’s smart to “book” everyone early.
Not sure if you need to hire a mover? Even if you’re just moving across town, there are several benefits to consider. For one, movers can help you safely and efficiently pack your things. On moving day, they know how to properly carry heavy items. They’re also equipped to wrap furniture to reduce damage. And, it will certainly be less stressful. It’s at least worth getting an estimate or two. Need a referral? We have plenty of mover contacts to share with you. Feel free to call us for names in your area.
3. Plan Your Space. Get a copy of your new floor plan, including the square footage, and start assessing and measuring your belongings. If you are moving into one of the RLC communities, the floor plans are on your community’s website. Allow yourself plenty of time for this step, and use a sorting system as you go through the house. Use colored stickers and label what you’re going to keep, store, donate, and sell. If you find yourself feeling anxious, this article on "rightsizing" may be helpful.
Use your trusted binder to keep track of notes. Write down the recipients of your donation items. Make a list of what’s going into storage. If you have items to sell, jot them down and determine prices. By the time you’re finished, you’ll know exactly which treasured items you’re moving, and it will be much easier when it comes time to pack.
4. Pack Your Things. Our biggest tip for packing is to focus on one area of the house at a time to keep from feeling overwhelmed or getting too tired. When packing fragile items, it’s always better to have extra padding than not enough. Also, keep in mind the weight of items as you pack each box. Mix heavier items with lighter ones to keep the overall weight more reasonable for lifting.
This is a great time to ask for help. Host a packing party or hire a professional packing crew, just know you don’t have to do this alone.
Regardless of who helps, it’s important to stay organized. Clearly label each box with the room name and list of contents. That way you know exactly what’s inside when it’s time to unpack. This will also help you prioritize which boxes to open first. We have printable labels for you below.
5. Move Ahead. For moving day, pack a suitcase as if you’re going on a trip. Include clothes for a few days and any personal items you will need right away, such as your toothbrush and medications.
Also, pack an “essentials” box. This should include your bedding, a set of towels, toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, dish soap, paper and pen, scissors, and toolbox. If you’re a coffee lover, include your coffee pot and favorite mug. If you have a pet, be sure to pack his or her food. This will be the first box you unpack.
Bonus tip: Be patient and kind to yourself. Set aside time to reward yourself at different stages of the process. Once you’ve created your binder, enjoy an indulgent meal. After you’ve sorted through your things, schedule a relaxing massage or round of golf. Give yourself things to look forward to as you go along. You deserve it.
Speaking of treats, we’ve created a free Moving Packet to help you stay organized. It includes a series of printables, such as a moving checklist and suggested timeline for each step of the process. It also includes inventory lists, so you can record what’s packed in each box. Finally, there are moving labels you can tape to your boxes, or print on Avery label stickers, to help identify your precious cargo. All you have to do is download the packet, print, and use.
Good luck with your move! If you’re still deciding on a new home, we’d be honored to have you live in one of our all-inclusive, resort-style communities. Explore a location near you, and call us to schedule a personal tour.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FREE PRINTABLES
As we get older, life naturally starts to feel a bit different. What once felt like the perfect family home can start to feel like a LOT of work. Cleaning empty bedrooms, climbing stairs, keeping up the yardsometimes it all adds up to more stress than comfort.If youve been thinking, Do I really need all this space?youre not alone. More and more older adults across the country, including here in the DallasFort Worth (DFW) area, are choosing to downsize (or as we like to say, rightsize) to something that better fits their current lifestyle. In fact, a 2024 report by the North Texas Real Estate Information Systems (NTREIS) showed that DFW homeowners aged 60+ accounted for nearly 1 in 4 home sales, many of whom were selling larger homes to move into smaller, more manageable properties or senior living communities. Whether it's relocating to a smaller home, a condo, or a retirement community, the decision can lead to less upkeep, more freedom, and a boost to your financesespecially in todays housing market. But with interest rates, housing prices, and inflation all playing a part, how do you know whats right for you?Lets break it down.Whats Happening with Interest Rates in 2025?As of April 2025, interest rates are still relatively high, with the average 30-year mortgage hovering around 6.7%7%. That might seem like a reason to waitbut for seniors who are selling a large, mortgage-free home, downsizing still makes strong financial sense.Why? Because many retirees are cash buyersmeaning you may not need a mortgage at all when purchasing a smaller home, condo, or moving into a retirement community.You can sell your current home (often at a high price, since real estate values have remained strong in many parts of the country) and use the equity to pay outright for a smaller propertyor invest it for future needs.Whats the Smarter Move: Smaller Home or Retirement Community?Before you start packing boxes or browsing condo listings, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself: Do I want to cut monthly costs and free up some equity? Do I crave more social opportunities, built-in amenities, and less responsibility when it comes to maintaining a home?If you're nodding yes, downsizing may be the right next step. But the type of move depends on your lifestyle: A smaller home or condo may be perfect if you still want independence, privacy, and flexibility. A senior or retirement community is ideal if you value connection, convenience, and amenities like fitness classes, dining services, and on-site healthcare. Lets Talk Numbers: Is Downsizing Worth It?Heres a snapshot of the financial perks of downsizing in todays market:Lower Monthly Costs Housing payments: Based on a 2024 study from StorageCafe.com, downsizing from a 4-bedroom to a 2-bedroom home can save up to $200,000$500,000 depending on your location. Utilities: Smaller spaces mean lower bills. According to a survey conducted by Texas-based pre-paid electric company, Payless Power, nearly 20% of Americans downsize to cut energy costs. Property taxes & insurance: Historically, both of these usually decrease with a smaller, lower-valued home. Unlocking Equity Selling your current home can free up hundreds of thousands of dollars in equity. That money can be used to: Invest in income-generating accounts or annuities Pay for healthcare, travel, or family support Cover future long-term care or in-home support services Lower Maintenance = Less Stress Repairs, yard work, and home maintenance costs all shrink with smaller properties or move-in-ready communities. If you move into a retirement community, things like snow shoveling, lawn care, and even housekeeping may be included. But What About the Costs of Moving?Its a great question. Moving can come with its own expensesbut many of those are one-time costs, and theyre often far outweighed by long-term savings and improved quality of life.Partnering with a senior relocation company like WellRive takes the stress out of downsizing by handling every detaildecluttering, packing, staging, coordinating the home sale, and getting you comfortably settled into your new space. Having dedicated, experienced support during a major life transition isnt just helpfulits truly invaluable.Lets Make This Your Best Move YetDownsizing isnt about giving upits about gaining more. More time, more freedom, and more peace of mind when it comes to your finances. Whether you're exploring smaller homes or considering a senior community, were here to support you. Contact WellRive today at 469-526-4201 and discover how downsizing can open up a wealth of possibilities!
For many older adults, the thought of movingwhether its downsizing, relocating closer to family, or transitioning into a senior living communitycan feel overwhelming. Its not just about sorting through possessions and packing boxes. Its about leaving behind familiar spaces, making emotional decisions, and managing a physically and mentally exhausting process.Thats where move management comes in.What Is Move Management?Move management is a specialized service that supports individualsparticularly older adults and their familiesthrough every stage of the moving process. Unlike traditional moving companies that focus solely on transportation, move managers provide a holistic approach to relocation: helping to plan, downsize, organize, coordinate logistics, and even set up the new home.This kind of support can make all the difference between a stressful upheaval and a smoother, more manageable transition.What Does a Move Manager Do?A full-service move manager wears many hats. Services typically include:Planning and coordinationDeveloping a personalized moving plan and timeline, communicating with family members, coordinating with realtors or care communities, and ensuring all details are managed.Downsizing and declutteringHelping clients decide what to keep, donate, or sell, and providing emotional support when letting go of personal items with sentimental value.Packing and organizingManaging all packing materials and labor, and ensuring everything is packed logically and labeled clearly to ease the unpacking process.Move-day logisticsScheduling and overseeing trusted movers, keeping things on track, and addressing any last-minute issues that arise on moving day.Setting up the new homeUnpacking, arranging furniture, making beds, hanging art, and creating a comfortable, livable spaceso the new home feels familiar and welcoming from day one.Why Move Management MattersEspecially for SeniorsMoving at any stage of life can be a challenge. But for seniors, the process often involves unique obstacles. Heres how move management helps address them:The physical demandsLifting heavy boxes, bending, and sorting can be too much for older adultsespecially those managing health conditions. Move managers take on the physical work, reducing risk and strain.The emotional loadLeaving a longtime home can stir up grief, anxiety, or uncertainty. Move managers are trained to support clients through these feelings with empathy, patience, and encouragement.The complexity of logisticsCoordinating a move involves dozens of tasks, from forwarding mail and transferring utilities to working with multiple vendors. A move manager streamlines it all into a single, organized plan.The pressure of timeFamilies may be juggling work, caregiving, or living far away. A move manager can step in as a reliable partner, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks when time is tight.When Its Time to Ask for HelpWhether youre helping a parent move into a retirement community or planning your own downsize, its easy to feel overwhelmed by the details. Thats when bringing in support can make all the difference. Move management offers more than just logisticsit brings peace of mind to families during a major life transition.If youre not sure where to start or just need someone to take the reins, consider working with a move management professional, like WellRive. We specialize in senior move management, offering personalized support for older adults and their families throughout the DallasFort Worth area and surrounding communities. From organizing and packing to coordinating the move and setting up the new home, our team is here to help make each step feel a little lighter, and a lot more manageable.
Alzheon has reported encouraging results from its Phase 2 trial of ALZ-801, an oral treatment for early Alzheimers disease. The study showed cognitive benefits, a 28% reduction in hippocampal atrophy, and a strong safety profile, particularly for individuals with two copies of the APOE4 gene. With the Phase 3 trial now fully enrolled, topline results are expected in the near future. If successful, ALZ-801 could become the first oral anti-amyloid therapy for high-risk patients. Aqualane is proud to be part of this groundbreaking research and extend our deepest gratitude to all participants whose contributions are shaping the future of Alzheimers treatment.
Bradford Square Retirement Community, located in Naples, Florida, is the perfect choice for seniors seeking worry-free living in a luxurious setting. As Naples's independent living leader for seniors, Bradford Square offers all-inclusive, 55-plus senior living with 24/7 service, resort-style dining, and beautiful accommodations. Our community is known for its breathtaking sunsets, choice shopping, beautiful beaches, and world-class golf, making it an ideal setting for our residents.At Bradford Square, we pride ourselves on providing a vibrant and engaging lifestyle for our residents. From our spacious floor plans to our exceptional amenities, every aspect of our community is designed to enhance the lives of those who call Bradford Square home. Our residents enjoy a wide range of activities and amenities, including games, travel, exercise, movies, and more. Our on-site dining options offer a variety of delicious meals, including a full lunch and dinner menu with a choice of two entrees, two soups, and a full salad bar.Interested in learning more about our luxury retirement community? Schedule a personal tour today to see for yourself why Bradford Square is the premier choice for independent senior living in Naples.