Moving is always an adventure. Moving to an assisted living community is like staying on vacation. You enjoy new experiences, meet new friends and spend more time doing the things you love instead of taking care of household tasks.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you anticipate moving to your new home:
Smaller furniture works better.
Your new apartment will likely be smaller than your current home, so you’ll want to make sure your furnishings fit. Ask for the dimensions of each area in your apartment, so you know how much space you have to work with. Drawing a diagram may provide a visual to help you find the best way to organize your furnishings.
If your current furniture takes up too much room, simple changes can add extra space. Consider replacing your sofa with a love seat or a couple of comfortable chairs. If your queen-size bed is too large, downsize to a full or twin bed.
Safety is a top priority.
Likely, concerns about suffering an injury with no one around to help factored into your decision to move to an assisted living community. Even though emergency help will be available, injury prevention is still important.
Start by reducing tripping hazards. Avoid placing furniture or other items in the middle of a room to keep walkways clear. Also, secure cords, cables and rugs to the floor to lower your risk of tripping over them.
Choose your furnishings carefully. Ensure your furniture has no sharp edges. If your favorite pieces have edges that could cause injury, install rounded plastic corner guards to make them safer. Avoid glass furnishings as they could shatter.
Install adequate lighting. Since your new apartment will seem unfamiliar at first, make sure you have enough lighting to clearly see where you are going. For instance, keep a night-light in the bathroom so you can easily find your way.
Downsize by letting go of items you don’t have to keep.
Your apartment will probably have fewer closets than your current house, and outbuildings like sheds and garages will not be available. For items you simply cannot part with, you have a few options.
Use any available space. For instance, keep plastic totes under your bed, hidden out of sight by a dust ruffle.
Install shelving. Enlist the help of a handyman or friend to install extra shelving in your closet, bathroom or kitchen. Have a staff member okay this before you begin drilling holes.
Purchase furniture with extra storage. The tops of some coffee tables or ottomans lift up to reveal storage space underneath, where you can stow items out of sight.
Fashion multipurpose storage solutions. Durable decorative storage boxes can be stacked together to form a nightstand or end table, allowing you to add some flair to a room while creating extra storage.
Keep regularly used items close.
Much like your current home is organized, keep items you often need where they are easy to reach. For instance, put your favorite dishes on a bottom shelf in the cabinet so you do not have to use a step stool to retrieve them. Keep your phone near your bed or favorite seat so you do not have to walk across the room when it rings. Lamps, chargers and remotes should also be kept near at hand.
Add personal touches.
Modern senior living is far from one size fits all. Although there may be restrictions on redecorating your apartment, such as changing the wall color, it can still reflect your personality and taste.
Add family photos. In today’s digital world, most photos are stored on phones or online. Print off a few of your favorite pictures or retrieve some from photo albums, frame them and display them in your apartment. If you cannot put nails in the wall, use adhesive hooks or stand the frames on end tables.
Bring familiar furniture. If you love your recliner or a plant holds special significance, incorporate them in your new home. They can make a new space feel familiar and cozy.
Preserve your memories. When downsizing, you may not be able to bring all the mementoes from the attic. Before donating or handing them down to your children, create a scrapbook or shadowbox to showcase memories.
Incorporate your favorite things into the décor. If you enjoy hunting, use earthy tones, wildlife images and a bit of camouflage. If you spent every summer on the beach, consider a nautical theme.
Living in an unfamiliar (at first) apartment will certainly be a transition. But above all, it’s an adventure – a chance to live close to new friends, enjoy assistance when you need it and let someone else take care of daily chores.
The Villas of Jackson ensures seniors in the area enjoy a true retirement lifestyle in comfort and luxury. Plan a visit to see all we offer.
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