Senior Downsizing Move Checklist

6–8 weeks before the move

• Get the floor plan of the new place, with room measurements if possible.
• Ask the new community for its move-in rules: allowed days and hours, elevator reservations and whether movers need a certificate of insurance.
• Measure the big pieces you love most (bed, recliner, dining table, china cabinet) and check they fit the new rooms.
• Talk with family about heirlooms. Decide who gets what before moving day, not during it.
• Call for a moving quote and pick a date. Mid-month weekdays are usually easiest to book.

4–6 weeks before: sort room by room

Work one room, or even one closet, at a time. Short sessions of an hour or two are less tiring than a whole weekend.

• Keep: things that fit the new floor plan and get used
• Family: items going to children or grandchildren
• Donate or sell: furniture and household goods in good shape
• Discard: paperwork you don’t need (shred it), expired items, broken things

Our delivery service can drop off pieces to family members in the area on the same trip as the move.

2–3 weeks before

• Change your address with the post office and send it to banks, doctors, pharmacies and insurance.
• Set up utilities, phone and internet at the new place.
• Refill prescriptions so you won’t run short during the move.
• Start packing rooms you don’t use every day. Or have the movers pack for you, so nobody has to lift heavy boxes.

Moving week

• Pack an “open first” box: medications, glasses, phone chargers, bedding, a towel, toiletries, a few dishes and the TV remote.
• Keep important documents, jewelry and medications with you, not on the truck.
• Plan where furniture goes in the new home. A sketch on paper is enough.
• Ask a family member to be there on moving day, even for part of it.

Moving day and the first night

Ask the movers to set up the bed, a favorite chair, the TV and the kitchen basics first. When those are in place, the new place feels like home on the first night.

Hang a few familiar pictures early. It makes a big difference, especially in assisted living.

Helping from out of town?

Adult children who live far away can still help: make the calls, handle the paperwork and stay in touch with the movers by phone or text. We’re happy to keep you posted throughout the day.