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Downsizing Checklist for Moving to an Apartment or Assisted Living

Use this downsizing checklist to help your parent move from a house to an apartment or assisted living facility, ensuring a smooth transition.

  • Evaluate Needs: Assess your parent’s current and future living needs (mobility, medical care, social activities).
  • Research Options: Explore different apartments or assisted living facilities, considering location, amenities, and services.
  • Set a Timeline: Establish a timeline for the downsizing process, including key dates for visits, decisions, and the move.

  • Room-by-Room Assessment: Go through each room in the house and evaluate what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.
    • Living Room: Furniture, decorations, books, electronics.
    • Bedrooms: Clothing, linens, personal items.
    • Kitchen: Dishes, utensils, appliances, pantry items.
    • Bathrooms: Toiletries, medications, linens.
    • Garage/Storage: Tools, seasonal items, memorabilia.
  • Create Categories:
    • Keep: Items that are essential or hold significant sentimental value.
    • Donate: Items in good condition that can benefit others.
    • Sell: Items of value that can be sold (garage sale, online platforms).
    • Discard: Broken or unusable items.

  • Measure New Space: Take measurements of the new apartment or room to determine what will fit.
  • Create an Inventory: List items being moved to the new space and ensure they fit the dimensions.
  • Start Packing: Begin packing non-essential items, labeling boxes clearly with contents and which room they belong to.
  • Pack Essentials: Set aside items that will be needed immediately after the move (clothing, toiletries, important documents).

  • Review Finances: Assess the budget for the move and ongoing living expenses in the new place.
  • Update Legal Documents: Review and update any necessary legal documents, including wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives.
  • Notify Financial Institutions: Update banks and credit card companies about the new address.

  • Hire Movers or Arrange Help: Decide whether to hire professional movers or enlist family and friends for assistance.
  • Schedule Utilities: Arrange for the disconnection of utilities at the old home and connection at the new place.
  • Confirm Details: Double-check moving arrangements, including dates, times, and any special requirements.

  • Conduct a Final Walkthrough: Check every room in the old house to ensure nothing is left behind.
  • Ensure Safety: Prepare the new space to ensure it is safe and accessible (remove tripping hazards, ensure adequate lighting).
  • Communicate Plans: Keep family members informed of moving plans and any changes.

  • Unpack Essentials First: Focus on unpacking essential items needed for daily living.
  • Arrange the New Space: Help your parent set up their new home in a way that feels comfortable and familiar.
  • Explore the Community: Take time to explore the new apartment or facility, meeting neighbors and getting acquainted with available services and activities.
  • Stay Connected: Encourage regular visits or calls from family and friends to maintain connections.

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