Where to Begin

How to Get Your Move Started

You’ve done your research, toured several communities and decided where you want to enjoy the next season of life. Now it’s time to get ready to move.

There’s more to moving into a new home than simply packing up your things and taking them from one place to another. Moving is usually an emotional process. If you recognize ahead of time that the transition will probably bring up some strong emotions, you can be better prepared to embrace this new chapter of life.

Celebrate Your Current Home

The memories you made will go with you no matter where you live—even so, consider taking some time to celebrate everything your current home has given you before you leave. You may want to spend a quiet evening at home appreciating the history it holds, have family over for a gathering or take photos of your home to have as a keepsake.

No matter how you decide to celebrate your house, use that time to remember and appreciate the years you spent there. Then, let it encourage you to look forward to how many new and wonderful memories you can make in your new home.

Celebrate Your Current Home

Be Aware of Your Emotions

When you’re about to experience a big life change, you can probably expect to feel some mixed emotions. For most, this is just a regular part of the moving process.

The truth is that many seniors are glad they made the decision to move. If you find yourself battling your nerves, make a list of all the good things that could come out of this transition: no more household chores, new friends, a full activities calendar, peace of mind about the future.

Don't be hard on yourself: give yourself time to feel these emotions and process the change.

Be Aware of Your Emotions

When you’re about to experience a big life change, you can probably expect to feel some mixed emotions. For most, this is just a regular part of the moving process.

Don't be hard on yourself: give yourself time to feel these emotions and process the change.

Commit to Embracing the New

You might be tempted to withdraw or just spend a lot of time in your apartment after you arrive. It’s understandable to feel a little overwhelmed, and it’s okay to take it easy for the first couple of days. What you don’t want to happen is let fear take control and prevent you from getting connected.

One of the best ways to avoid feeling isolated after moving is to get out of your comfort zone. Give yourself a challenge each day to push toward making friends, participating in activities and getting out and about with the rest of the community. Before you know it, you might just find that you really love your new home.

Commit to Embracing the New

What’s the First Step in Moving to Senior Living?

Moving forward with confidence

The move to a senior living community is a meaningful step. With the right mindset and a clear plan, it can feel smooth, thoughtful and even uplifting. Whether the choice is your own or one made with family, you deserve to feel prepared and supported.

Start with a plan

Begin with a simple plan and take it one step at a time. Moving involves more than packing—it’s personal, emotional and practical.

Practical ways to start the moving process

You can simplify your move by taking small steps and staying organized:

Begin early and focus on one room at a time
Use your new apartment floor plan to decide what fits best
Ask family to help with keepsakes or meaningful items
Donate or gift what you’re leaving behind
Create a “must-pack” list of furniture, clothes and daily items that bring comfort

What’s the First Step in Moving to Senior Living?

Moving forward with confidence

Start with a plan

Begin with a simple plan and take it one step at a time. Moving involves more than packing—it’s personal, emotional and practical.

Practical ways to start the moving process

You can simplify your move by taking small steps and staying organized:

Begin early and focus on one room at a time
Use your new apartment floor plan to decide what fits best
Ask family to help with keepsakes or meaningful items
Donate or gift what you’re leaving behind
Create a “must-pack” list of furniture, clothes and daily items that bring comfort

What Should I Pack for Senior Living?

The Senior Living Move-In Checklist is designed to help you focus on what truly supports your lifestyle. Packing with intention brings comfort and creates a space that feels both familiar and peaceful.

Think about the pieces that matter most—like your favorite chair, family photos or the outfits you wear often. Essentials such as bedding, toiletries and a few personal keepsakes can make your new place feel like home.

Suggested Essentials

Furniture: A bed, nightstand, dresser or a favorite chair with a lamp
Décor: Family photos, wall art, keepsakes or small framed mementos
Clothing: Comfortable daily outfits, pajamas, sweaters, jackets and attire for outings
Household items: Bedding, pillows, towels, toiletries, a TV or radio and a few personal touches

Choosing meaningful items makes your space inviting and uniquely yours.

What Should I Pack for Senior Living?

Suggested Essentials

Furniture: A bed, nightstand, dresser or a favorite chair with a lamp
Décor: Family photos, wall art, keepsakes or small framed mementos
Clothing: Comfortable daily outfits, pajamas, sweaters, jackets and attire for outings
Household items: Bedding, pillows, towels, toiletries, a TV or radio and a few personal touches

Choosing meaningful items makes your space inviting and uniquely yours.

What Should I Look for in a Senior-Focused Moving Service?

A thoughtful move starts with the right team. Whether you work with Paragon or explore other providers, look for moving companies that:

Understand senior moves or downsizing transitions
Offer flexible timelines and personalized planning
Hold the proper license
Communicate clearly and respectfully
Come highly recommended by people you trust

You can also ask your Brookdale team if a move-in coordinator is available or if your local community has preferred resources.

What Should I Look for in a Senior-Focused Moving Service?

A thoughtful move starts with the right team. Whether you work with Paragon or explore other providers, look for moving companies that:

Understand senior moves or downsizing transitions
Offer flexible timelines and personalized planning
Hold the proper license
Communicate clearly and respectfully
Come highly recommended by people you trust

You can also ask your Brookdale team if a move-in coordinator is available or if your local community has preferred resources.

Does Brookdale Recommend a Moving Company?

Moving into senior living is a big step—one that blends logistics with emotions.

Brookdale partners with Paragon Home Resources to help make the process feel more manageable. Paragon specializes in helping seniors and their families, offering guidance and hands-on help that can make a move smoother and less stressful.

If you explore other options, it helps to choose a moving company that understands senior living transitions. A move is more than taking belongings from one place to another—it's about helping you feel confident as you start your new chapter.

How can a senior-focused moving company help?

Senior-focused moving services often include more than packing and transporting boxes. These companies may help you:

Create a moving plan that works for your timeline
Sort and organize belongings
Coordinate donations or storage solutions
Arrange furniture in your new home so it feels familiar
Provide real estate assistance or home sale support

Every provider is different, so ask for details on what’s included and whether they can adapt services to fit your needs.

Does Brookdale Recommend a Moving Company?

Moving into senior living is a big step—one that blends logistics with emotions.

How can a senior-focused moving company help?

Senior-focused moving services often include more than packing and transporting boxes. These companies may help you:

Create a moving plan that works for your timeline
Sort and organize belongings
Coordinate donations or storage solutions
Arrange furniture in your new home so it feels familiar
Provide real estate assistance or home sale support

Every provider is different, so ask for details on what’s included and whether they can adapt services to fit your needs.

What you can do to start the moving process.

1. Visit the new apartment a few times before moving day so you can get a better understanding of how much space you really have. Make sure to take a tape measure so you can determine whether that beloved armchair is really going to fit in your new space.

2. Go through one room at a time when it’s time to start downsizing. Start with the least sentimental spaces and work your way to the more sentimental pieces. Once you start making decisions about things like that extra knife set and dusty old bicycle, you’re more prepared to tackle things like clothing and picture frames.

3. Sort items into boxes labeled “keep,” “donate,” “sell,” and “throw away.” Make sure the boxes are taped, labeled and ready to go before you start sorting through the house so you don’t lose your momentum along the way. You might even want to consider having a box dedicated to giving sentimental items to loved ones.

4. Take photos of the things you love but aren’t going to keep so you can reminisce without carrying the items to your new home. This is a great option for things like children’s artwork, musical instruments, sentimental pieces of furniture and formal dishware.

5. Keep in mind that the memories are more important than the items. That doesn’t mean this process will be easy, and it’s okay if takes some time to part with beloved items. You can still carry those memories without the physical items.

If You Need to Sell Your House

If you’re planning to move into a senior living community and want to sell your current home, Paragon Home Resources is an excellent resource. This national company can provide support with everything from managing and selling a property to coordinating the sorting and distribution of your belongings. You may even have an opportunity to earn a cash back reward.

To learn more about what they offer and how they can help you on your senior living journey, visit www.paragonhomeresources.com.

For Caregivers

How Can I Keep Our Relationship Strong After the Move?

Focus on what you can build together

Your relationship can grow in new ways. Visiting regularly, sharing meals and joining in activities helps keep the bond with your loved one strong. You can fill their days with familiarity and comfort by sharing cherished photos, favorite books or family traditions.

Each visit is an opportunity to create new memories. Remember that actions speak louder than words. Show that you are still present and involved.

Give time and space for adjustment

Transitions take time. Your loved one may need space to settle into the new surroundings and to get to know neighbors and staff members. Forgiveness often grows alongside familiarity and comfort. While your loved one adjusts, you can focus on making them feel valued and cared for.

How Can I Keep Our Relationship Strong After the Move?

Focus on what you can build together

Each visit is an opportunity to create new memories. Remember that actions speak louder than words. Show that you are still present and involved.

Give time and space for adjustment

What If My Parent Stays Upset About the Move to Senior Living?

Why these feelings are so strong

Many families feel a sense of responsibility that started long before this decision. You may have promised to provide care at home or felt certain you could manage everything on your own. As needs change, it can become clear that getting the right care takes a team, dedicated programs and an specially designed environment.

Choosing Brookdale means you can remain her anchor while she gains a community designed to help her thrive.

What If My Parent Stays Upset About the Move to Senior Living?

Why these feelings are so strong

Choosing Brookdale means you can remain her anchor while she gains a community designed to help her thrive.

Caregiver And Resident Hanging Bird Feeder

What If I Still Feel Guilty?

Comfort for you

Friends, family and caregiver networks can offer you encouragement and support during this new chapter of life. Brookdale communities also provide opportunities for families to connect so you can talk with others who understand what you’re experiencing.

When you choose a Brookdale community you’re choosing more than a place to live—you’re choosing a partnership in caring for someone you love.

What If I Still Feel Guilty?

Comfort for you

When you choose a Brookdale community you’re choosing more than a place to live—you’re choosing a partnership in caring for someone you love.

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