What to do When Planning to Move to Senior Living

A Step-by-Step Guide for Seniors and Families

Moving to senior living is a major life transition — emotionally, logistically, and practically. Whether the move is to independent living, assisted living, memory care, or a continuing care community, preparation is key to making the process smooth, dignified, and low-stress.

From deciding what to bring, to downsizing a lifetime of belongings, to coordinating family members and professionals, planning ahead can dramatically reduce overwhelm.

This guide walks through what to do when planning a move to senior living, plus tools and strategies to make the process more organized and manageable.

1. Start Planning Early (Earlier Than You Think)

The earlier you begin planning, the more control and choice you’ll have.

Start by:

• Discussing goals, concerns, and preferences with your loved one

• Touring senior living communities

• Reviewing floor plans, storage space, and what furnishings are allowed

• Understanding move-in timelines and requirements

Early planning helps ensure the move feels intentional rather than rushed or reactive.

2. Understand How Much Space You’ll Actually Have

Most senior living apartments are smaller than a family home, which means not everything can come along.

Ask the community:

• Square footage and layout details

• Storage availability

• Furniture size recommendations

• What items are already provided (beds, appliances, dining furniture, etc.)

This step sets realistic expectations and guides downsizing decisions.

3. Create an Inventory of Belongings Before Downsizing

Before deciding what to keep, sell, donate, or pass down, it’s incredibly helpful to create a visual inventory of personal belongings.

An inventory allows families to:

• See everything in one organized place

• Make thoughtful decisions without rushing

• Track heirlooms, valuables, and sentimental items

• Share lists and photos with family members remotely

SaveOr helps families quickly document hundreds of household items using photos and AI — creating a searchable, shareable digital inventory that simplifies downsizing decisions.

4. Sort Items Into Clear Categories

A helpful method is to sort belongings into these groups:

✅ Bring to Senior Living

Essential furniture, clothing, decor, and meaningful items

❤️ Keep in the Family

Heirlooms, sentimental pieces, and family history items

💰 Sell

Valuable furniture, collectibles, antiques, or resale items

🎁 Donate

Items in good condition that others can use

📦 Store

Seasonal items or belongings not needed immediately

🗑 Let Go

Items that no longer serve a purpose

Clear categories reduce emotional fatigue and speed up decisions.

5. Address the Emotional Side of Downsizing

Downsizing isn’t just logistical — it’s deeply emotional. Many belongings hold memories, identity, and meaning.

Helpful strategies include:

• Taking photos of meaningful items before letting go

• Involving family in choosing what stays in the family

• Giving belongings to people who will appreciate them

• Making decisions over time instead of all at once

A thoughtful process helps seniors feel respected, heard, and in control.

6. Coordinate Family Roles and Responsibilities

Senior living moves often involve adult children, siblings, or extended family.

Assign roles such as:

• Decision-maker

• Organizer and scheduler

• Donation and resale coordinator

• Move-day logistics manager

A shared digital inventory (like SaveOr) lets families collaborate remotely, reducing conflict and miscommunication.

7. Work With Senior Move Managers or Organizers (If Possible)

Professional Senior Move Managers (NASMM) can help with:

• Sorting and downsizing

• Floor-plan planning

• Packing and unpacking

• Coordinating movers and donations

• Emotional support through the transition

These professionals often rely on organized inventories to streamline decision-making.

8. Prepare Important Documents and Records

Gather and organize:

• Legal documents (will, power of attorney, trust)

• Medical records

• Insurance policies

• Financial account information

• Property and asset records

Having paperwork organized reduces stress later.

9. Plan What Happens to the Home and Remaining Belongings

If moving from a longtime home, consider:

• Selling the home

• Renting it

• Leaving items for family

• Hosting an estate sale

• Storing remaining belongings

• Donating or gifting items

A home inventory can help track what remains and ensure nothing valuable is lost or forgotten.

10. Prepare for Move Day Logistics

Plan ahead for:

• Movers

• Packing schedules

• Labeling boxes

• Transporting valuables separately

• Setting up the new apartment to feel familiar and comforting

Bringing personal decor, photos, and meaningful items helps the new space feel like home.

11. How SaveOr Helps Families Prepare for Senior Living Moves

SaveOr simplifies one of the hardest parts of moving to senior living: managing personal belongings.

With SaveOr, families can:

• Quickly inventory an entire home using photos and AI

• Track items and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or pass down

• Share access with family members and move managers

• Keep records for estate planning, storage, or insurance

• Reduce emotional overwhelm by creating clarity

Instead of sorting through chaos, families get structure, transparency, and peace of mind.

12. A Thoughtful Move Leads to a Better New Beginning

Moving to senior living can be a positive, empowering transition — offering safety, community, support, and a simpler lifestyle.

With the right planning, seniors can:

• Keep what matters most

• Let go of excess with dignity

• Avoid rushed decisions

• Start the next chapter with confidence

The key is planning early, staying organized, and using tools that reduce stress — not add to it.