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Planning a big move to a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming. Luckily, we’re experts at making the move to a senior living community feel like smooth sailing. The easiest transitions start with a checklist and an understanding of the available senior moving services in your area.
The best moving checklists include a timeline. Moving is a significant undertaking and the earlier you plan it out, the less headaches you’ll have down the road. This is especially important if you or your loved one has lived in the same home for many years as there might be more clothing, furniture, and other items to go through.
Outline the important tasks, deadlines, and milestones. This will help you stay on track and organized throughout the process. Now it’s time to get your home ready.
The longer timeline you give yourself the better, but a good rule of thumb is begin two months before your expected move in date. This will give you enough time to set an actual date and learn about what time of day and the week you can move in. Two months before you move you should complete the following tasks:
___ | Finalize any paperwork needed for move in |
___ | Begin researching senior moving services |
___ | Plan to get three price quotes from different companies on moving and shipping services |
___ | Establish the dimensions of your new apartment and create a floor plan |
___ | Start sorting your household items into three groups: Keep, Donate, Trash |
___ | Order boxes, packing tape, bubble-wrap, and other packing supplies. |
___ | Fill out USPS change of address paperwork. |
Sorting items can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Hold a garage sale to sell some of your items or order a dumpster to make junk removal easier. You can also reserve storage units if necessary.
With many of the major tasks either done or set in motion, spend your next month getting minor items in order.
___ | Notify physicians of relocation |
___ | Schedule utility disconnection |
___ | Pack non-essentials like towels, linens, dishware |
___ | Notify your insurance, credit card company, social security, vehicle registration, pharmacy, and bank of your change of address |
___ | Cancel or change magazine and newspaper subscriptions |
Now that all your ducks are in a row it’s time to double check everything is ready for your big move.
___ | Confirm moving arrangements |
___ | Pack a bag with essentials that can get you through a few days until all your items are unpacked |
___ | Refill any prescriptions |
___ | Coordinate with your new community on move in requirements for furniture |
The day is finally here! It’s time to gather up any last belongings and get ready to embrace the next chapter of your life.
___ | Supervise the move |
___ | Say farewell |
___ | Unpack essentials for kitchen, bathroom, and living room |
Once you’ve got all your items moved into your new home take a moment to appreciate this new and exciting moment in your life—you did it! Make sure to take one last look at your former home once everything has been moved out.
Creating a checklist for your move will make your transition less overwhelming and more exciting as you look forward to your new home. Be sure to check out our eBook or the National Association of Senior and Speciality Move Managers on what you need to know about making a move to senior living.
If you’re still in the process of selling your home, we’ve got you covered with tips on how to sell a senior’s home and tips for downsizing before a move too.
With Five Star Senior Living, we know it’s challenging to downsize your home, but we’re here to help you make the move and up-sizing your lifestyle with a world of choice, unparalleled comfort, and a community that empowers you. Find your community today.
Sterling Life Solutions is proud to be featured in the Seniors Blue Book of South Central PA for our compassionate and full-service approach to senior move management, estate cleanouts, and downsizing. Based in Reading, we support families across Berks County and beyond with personalized planning, packing, donation coordination, and moreall handled by our in-house team with no subcontractors.Our recent feature helps connect more families to the services they need during lifes major transitions. Were honored to be recognized as a trusted partner and invite you to explore our services or schedule a consultation. Call 484-220-3743 or visit www.sterlinglifesolutions.com
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Thinking about a move can stir up all kinds of emotionsexcitement, uncertainty, even a little stress. Maybe your home feels too large now. Maybe the upkeep is getting harder. Or maybe its simply time for a fresh start in a place that suits your needs todaynot 10 or 20 years ago. Navigating the real estate market, preparing your home to sell , and making decisions about relocating to a new place to live is a big processbut with the right support, it can also be empowering. Its about choosing what comes next on your terms and stepping into a lifestyle thats simpler, safer, and more aligned with how you want to live. Understanding the Marketand Your OptionsIn the first half of 2025, the DallasFort Worth housing market is shifting toward more balance. That means sellers are still seeing solid value, while buyers have more time and options to make thoughtful choices. If youre thinking about downsizing, this could be a great moment to take the leap.According to Karen Young, a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), the DFW housing market is especially active among adults 55 and older who are looking for the ideal place to relocate or invest in their retirement future. Texas consistently appeals to seniors, she explains, with its favorable tax climate, reasonable cost of living, and diverse options in senior-focused communities.Karen also notes a rising demand for homes in active adult neighborhoods offering amenities like fitness centers, social activities, and maintenance-free living. Im personally seeing senior executives moving toward retirement increasingly consider these communities, she says, either as a current lifestyle choice or a strategic investment for their future.With DFWs competitive real estate landscape, Karen encourages seniors to be proactive and to work with real estate professionals experienced in senior relocation. This is especially important when navigating tax strategies related to capital gains and understanding senior property tax exemption status, she adds.Whether you plan to move to a smaller home or to an active adult or retirement community, understanding your real estate options is key. That includes knowing what your current home is worth, what kind of living space fits your lifestyle, and what steps are needed to get from where you are now to where you want to be.Thats where professionalslike real estate agents, organizers, and senior relocation specialistscan make all the difference.Your Moving Preparation ChecklistHaving an outline or list of where to begin the process can help you put everything in perspective and alleviate the overwhelm of it all. Here are a few guidelines to help you feel in control once things get going:Start Early Give yourself plenty of time to make decisions without feeling rushed.List Your Priorities What matters most in your next home? Proximity to family? Less maintenance? Community living?Get a Home Evaluation Understanding your homes market value is a great first step.Purge with Purpose Begin sorting what to keep, donate, or let go ofwith help if needed.Meet with Professionals A move manager, real estate agent, or financial advisor can offer personalized insight.Keep it all Together Store your notes, contact info, and paperwork all in one place.Be Kind to Yourself Downsizing can be emotional. Dont shy away from taking time to reflect and recharge.Look to the Future Remind yourself why youre making this moveits about ease, safety, joy, and freedom.You Dont Have to Do It AlonePlanning a move can feel like a lotbut it doesnt have to be something you tackle on your own. There are experienced professionals who specialize in making this kind of transition smoother, more organized, and a lot less stressful.Thats exactly what we do at WellRive.Our senior relocation specialists are here to support you through every step of the journey. From connecting you with a knowledgeable real estate agent and helping you explore new living options, to organizing, downsizing, and packingwere by your side through it all. And once youve moved, well even help set up your new home so it feels just right from the moment you walk in.Contact WellRive today at 469-526-4201 to learn how we can help make your move easier, more organized, and fully supported - from start to finish.