Imagine this scenario. Your parents are preparing for a big move. Away from their home that they called their "forever home." Due to failing health, among other things, it is time for them to transfer their lives to an assisted living facility. It will most likely be a smaller area for private space, uprooting much of the way of life they enjoyed in the past. It can be a time of great stress for everyone, even outside of the normal stress that moving day can bring. So, when the day comes for that big move, we want you to be prepared for everything.
Preparation is essential for success
Far in advance of your moving day, you want to ensure that everything will go smoothly far into the future. You can never plan too much to ensure your future, and/or the future of your loved ones, is secured. Have you visited the facility yet? Checked out the services and amenities that they offer at this location? The last thing you want is to arrive in your new home and then realize you should have gone with X facility instead of Y. A good assisted living facility will always give you a full tour of the area you'll be moving to, including all relevant information for your stay. Make sure you ask the staff what you should be bringing along that is most important.
Organizing your possessions
We all know that most assisted living facilities do not give the 2,000 square-foot space that your home once gave you. Most will have one-bedroom and studio options for living space. You will need to make the hard decision on what to keep, donate, or dispose of. Some furniture companies also specialize in preparing your new home with complete furnishings. Make sure to reach out to them should you have need of these services. Also, when packing your items, ensure boxes are labelled correctly for an easier unpacking process.
Handling important documents
Not only are you moving larger items such as furniture and other personal effects, but you are also handling important documents you've acquired in life. You should ensure the facility has all relevant medical records ready at the time of move-in. Also, ensuring your legal documents are current and organized will save you a lot of hassle down the road. Whether it is power of attorney, or a living will, it will truly be a lifesaver.
An Emotional Transition
At the end of the day, the move will most likely be stressful for a longer period of time. Moving into an assisted living facility requires a good community to back you. Whether friends and family or the friendly facility staff, you will need support during this time of transition. This is one of the most critical pieces of the move and should never be overlooked.
Hiring the pros
When it comes to moving, you want to ensure you hire the best help you can get. You don't want what few valuables you can take to be broken in the moving process. And you want to ensure that the cost matches the services offered. These services should always be friendly and professional, seeking to show care and compassion to others as more than customers. If you or your family need help moving, consider giving us a call, and we will be more than ready to help!
