Where to Begin

What to Expect on Moving Day

Moving day can be challenging, but guess what? There are several ways to make moving day more exciting than stressful. It all comes down to planning. The more you can do in advance, the easier the actual day will be.

One big way to ease stress is to learn about what you might expect to happen on moving day. Every senior living community is different, so they may have their own process and procedures. Most places will give you a detailed run-down of what moving day will be like, but you can always call to ask specific questions or get more clarification if you need it.

What Does a Moving Day Look Like?

Moving Day: What to Expect

This day can be full of meaningful moments. Planning can help it flow more smoothly. Be sure to coordinate with your Brookdale community staff so that your new space is ready for you as soon as you arrive. You will get your keys and any wearable technology you might need—it can be helpful to store these in a safe place.

Want family photos or paintings hung? Once you move in, you can request our maintenance staff handle that for you.

Pack an overnight bag with:

Medications
Chargers
Toiletries
A change of clothes
Bedding
Any important paperwork

This allows you to unpack at your own pace with all the essentials you need at hand. Expect a warm welcome from your new community’s team. They’re ready to guide you, answer questions and help you feel at ease.

What Does a Moving Day Look Like?

Moving Day: What to Expect

Want family photos or paintings hung? Once you move in, you can request our maintenance staff handle that for you.

Pack an overnight bag with:

Medications
Chargers
Toiletries
A change of clothes
Bedding
Any important paperwork

Unpack Your Belongings

This is where the fun really begins. Even if you don’t unpack everything at once, make a point to add your personal touch on the first day. Set out pictures of your grandchildren or drape your favorite quilt over the bed. The sooner you add these treasured items to your space, the sooner it will feel like home.

To avoid feeling overwhelmed, it can help to have a to-do list that outlines what you will tackle over the next few days. Perhaps the first day you'll focus on arranging furniture and setting up the bedroom. Then the next day you'll tackle minor touches like setting out mementos and shopping for food. However you choose to tackle the moving process, it's better not to stress about trying to get it done all at once.

Unpack Your Belongings

How Can I Make the Move Easier?

The more you plan ahead, the more manageable your move can feel. Try these simple ways to stay organized:

Make a checklist and timeline to follow
Label important items so they are easy to locate
Keep comfort items accessible for your first day
Find out what your new home includes and what you can bring
Celebrate the move as a step toward connection and convenience

Your Brookdale team can offer insight into what to expect and how they can help the process go smoothly.

Move forward with confidence

Relocating to senior living is more than a move—it’s an opportunity for a fresh start.

With the right preparation and the right partner, the process can feel less stressful and more exciting. Brookdale’s partnership with Paragon Home Resources is designed to give you support from start to finish—whether that’s packing, selling a home or organizing your timeline.

How Can I Make the Move Easier?

The more you plan ahead, the more manageable your move can feel. Try these simple ways to stay organized:

Make a checklist and timeline to follow
Label important items so they are easy to locate
Keep comfort items accessible for your first day
Find out what your new home includes and what you can bring
Celebrate the move as a step toward connection and convenience

Your Brookdale team can offer insight into what to expect and how they can help the process go smoothly.

Move forward with confidence

Relocating to senior living is more than a move—it’s an opportunity for a fresh start.

Can My Pets Move With Me?

Many Brookdale communities are pet-friendly. Be sure to check with the community you are interested in for more details—our associates will be happy to speak with you about your furry friend.

Can My Pets Move With Me?

Many Brookdale communities are pet-friendly. Be sure to check with the community you are interested in for more details—our associates will be happy to speak with you about your furry friend.

For Caregivers: How to Help Your Loved One on Move-In Day

Get as much of the new apartment ready before moving day as possible.
Moving day can be less stressful for everyone if you’re able to access the senior living apartment before the official move-in day. Because policies vary from community to community, this may not always be possible.
Keep in mind that moving can be stressful.
Even if you do everything you can to make moving day as smooth and seamless as possible, your family member will probably be feeling a whirlwind of emotions. After all, moving out of their home and into a new place is a big life change. Be prepared that they may be more emotional than usual, and do your best to give them extra grace and patience throughout the day.
Encourage them to eat amidst all the excitement.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the big move that we forget to stop and eat. You might feel okay if you skip a meal, but your parent needs to keep their energy up. Make sure they have a chance to not just eat, but actually sit down for a meal on move-in day. It may require pressing pause on unloading or unpacking boxes, but this is an important step you don’t want to skip.
Help them unpack boxes and set up their apartment.
Imagine moving into a brand new place and not knowing where any of your possessions are. It would feel overwhelming, wouldn’t it? One of the best things you can do for your loved one is help them unpack their boxes and set up their new home. Just make sure you let them decide where things should go. It’s their space, after all!
Stay for their first meal at the new community.
Eating in the common area for the first time can be intimidating for new residents. Clear your schedule on moving day so you have time to join your family member in the dining room for their first lunch or dinner in the community. Having a friendly and familiar face at the table is a good way to help ease their nerves.

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