Checklist for Downsizing and Moving to Senior Living

Relocating to a senior living community is the start of an exciting new chapter in life, but it takes more than calling the movers and packing boxes to get there. There’s furniture to sort through, treasured possessions to pass along or donate, paperwork to organize, addresses to change and, of course, plenty of details to manage along the way.

In this article, we’ll offer practical tips for downsizing , organizing your move and settling into your new home, plus a free downloadable moving checklist to help you stay on track.

Leaving a Longtime Home Is More Than a Move

When you’ve lived in a home for 20, 30 or even 40 years, leaving isn’t easy. Even if you’re excited about a new lifestyle, saying goodbye to a house you loved is emotional. It’s where you’ve raised a family, celebrated milestones and created a lifetime of memories.

According to the 2026 ASHA/ProMatura Consumer Sentiment Report, more than 40% of people considering senior living have lived in their homes for over 20 years. The research also found that emotional considerations around independence, identity and leaving home can contribute to delays in making a move.

For many older adults, there’s a financial consideration, too. The report also found that more than half of those surveyed owned their homes outright, and nearly 70% planned to sell their homes to help pay for senior living.

But there’s plenty to look forward to. social connection. Freedom from home maintenance. More time to do the things you enjoy. The report identified these benefits as top reasons older adults consider senior living. So, with a little planning, you can spend less time worrying about the move and more time looking forward to what’s next.

Start Downsizing Before You Start Packing

One of the best ways to make moving less overwhelming is to give yourself plenty of time. Even if your moving date is months away, you can begin sorting through belongings and deciding what you’d like to bring to your new home – and what you don’t.

In its article, 10 Tips for Decluttering Before a Big Move , AARP recommends starting early, tackling one room at a time and making the easier decisions first. A few other ways to make the process more manageable:

• Know what will fit. Ask your new senior living community for a floor plan and measure your furniture before deciding what to keep.
• Make room for memories. Bring favorite photographs, artwork and meaningful possessions that will help your new space feel familiar and like home.
• Give belongings a new purpose. Consider passing treasured items to family members or donating things you no longer need.
• Ask for help. Family and friends can offer practical help, emotional support and a little encouragement if the process starts to feel overwhelming.

Make a Plan for Moving

When you have decided what you are taking, it is time to organize the particulars. A moving checklist can help you stay on top of important tasks, from gathering financial and legal documents to notifying service providers and getting ready for moving day.

Don’t forget to set aside an essentials bag with medications, important documents, toiletries, a change of clothes and anything else you may need during your first day or two.

And remember, you don’t have to do everything yourself. Many senior living communities can recommend moving professionals who have experience helping older adults relocate. You can also consider a senior move manager. According to the National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers, these professionals can help with everything from organizing and sorting belongings to planning your new space to coordinating movers, unpacking and settling in.

Download Your Free Downsizing and Moving Checklist

Ready to get organized? Our free Downsizing and Moving Guide includes practical checklists to help you prepare for a smooth transition, including:

• Important paperwork and documents
• Change-of-address notifications
• Packing and organizing
• Pre-moving day preparations
• Moving day essentials

With a little planning and the right support, you can spend less time worrying about the logistics and more time focusing on the exciting new lifestyle that awaits.

Download the Free Downsizing and Moving Guide

Download Guide

Congratulations on your decision. This guide contains downsizing checklists for seniors and helpful suggestions to make your move as easy as possible.

Paperwork checklist

Organize critical documents. First, place important information in a safe deposit box or fireproof safe. Second, scan vital documents and store them online. Third, tell your loved ones where they can find — and how they can access — all these vital documents.

[x]What to save:
❑ Names, contact information, and brief descriptions of your doctors, attorneys, accountants, bankers, brokers and insurance agents
❑ Personal assets, including savings accounts, pension or retirement plan income; CDs; stocks; bonds; insurance policies; titles to cars, boats, homes, etc.
❑ Pictures or videos of your personal possessions — including approximate values of treasured possessions can be helpful in the event of an insurance claim
❑ List of any personal liabilities
❑ Copies of federal and state income tax returns from the past five years
❑ List and account numbers of checking accounts, savings accounts and credit cards
❑ Social Security and Medicare cards, passport, and birth certificate
❑ Trusts, wills, and any codicils or amendments, including durable power of attorney and advance directives
❑ A letter addressing any personal issues (e.g., your preferences for any end-of-life desires such as burial or cremation, any personal comments to friends or family)

Change of address checklist

Make sure all of the places you do business with, the services you use, and groups you’re a part of know how to contact you at your new address by sending them a change of address card.

Financial Institutions
❑ Credit reporting systems
❑ Banks
❑ Investment broker
❑ Insurance companies
❑ Lenders

Government
❑ Department of Revenue (IRS)
❑ Department of Motor Vehicles
❑ Business license office (for small or home businesses)
❑ US Post Office

Memberships
❑ Professional associations
❑ Publications, subscriptions
❑ Civic organizations
❑ House of worship
❑ Health club
❑ Social or country clubs

Service Providers
❑ Accountant
❑ Attorney
❑ Cleaning service
❑ Lawn care/landscaper
❑ Physicians
❑ Veterinarian

Packing checklist

❑ Welcome others to help with packing chores: family members, friends, the move specialist or moving company. With everything pre-labeled, moving will be easy and fairly straight forward.
❑ Get markers and labels.
❑ Label all boxes with their destination room/area in the new residence.
❑ Moving companies can supply specialized containers, e.g., wardrobe boxes, so you can leave clothes on hangers or properly protect your flat-screen TV.
❑ Pack “open first” box(es). The contents are for setting up sleeping accommodations and the bathroom. Include items such as fresh bedding, soap, toilet paper, toothpaste & toothbrush, comb, nightclothes, towel, plate and utensils, one change of clothes, flashlight, tape, scissors, and a little cash. The cash is great for ordering a delivered dinner that night because moving always seems to take longer than we expect.
Pack other important items that you’ll keep with you during the move: new lease or residence contract, keys, medications, legal documents, checkbook, cell phone, address book, first-aid kit. Label this container. Valuables such as jewelry should be in a safe-deposit box unless items are worn regularly.

Pre-moving day checklist

❑ Create a moving binder that includes key contacts, estimates, receipts, and an inventory of what you’re taking with you.
❑ Check with your mover — or moving coordinator — about final details.
❑ Schedule utility disconnects.
❑ Schedule your post-move-out cleaning services
❑ Be sure you have a written contract from the moving company and clear idea of coverage for lost or damaged possessions.
❑ Get a firm time for the moving company’s arrival, at both the old and new residences.
❑ Check payment options: credit card or check?

Moving day checklist

❑ Have someone assigned to meet the movers at your new residence. Be sure they have a key, and be sure the community manager is expecting you.
❑ Start cleaning out the pantry and deep freeze — remembering to reduce cleaning supplies, too.
❑ Check inventory lists.
❑ Ensure that all boxes are properly labeled.
❑ Ask a neighbor about watching for mail that might come after your move.
❑ If a pet’s making the move with you, be sure to pack food and meds to ensure they will also have a smooth journey and safe arrival.
❑ Pack a suitcase with your own clothes and medicines, so after your first night, you’ll be ready for the first day.
❑ Pack valuables and seldom-used belongings that you’ve chosen to pack yourself.
❑ Use the “open first” boxes to set up the bedroom and bathroom immediately.
❑ Prepare to spend a few days unpacking and organizing. Get someone to help if you can. Work as quickly as you can to make you new home feel comfortable

Where You Live Matters

Where You Live Matters is powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), a respected voice in the senior housing industry. ASHA primarily focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy, research, and educational opportunities and networking for senior living executives, so they can better understand the needs of older adults across the country.