What To Pack for Your New Home in Assisted Living

Now that you have made the decision to move to an assisted living community and you are rightsizing your belongings, what do you pack to take with you? If we break it up into categories, it should help you stay organized. While this isn’t a complete list, it’s some things that you do not want to forget for your new home.

Furniture:

• Comfortable bed

• Nightstand (s) that preferably have drawers or shelves for more storage

• Bedside lamps

• Small chair for the bedroom if there is ample space – makes getting dressed easier

• Dresser for clothing storage – sometimes can fit nicely into the closet depending on the layout of the apartment

• Seating for living area: Small loveseat, comfortable chairs that are easy to get in and out of

• Side tables and lamps – preferably ones with drawers for storage

Housewares:

• 2-4 sets of microwave safe dishes

• 2-4 sets of flatware

• 2-4 coffee/tea mugs

• 2-4 drinking glasses

• Keurig style coffee maker- standard coffee makers are often not allowed due to fire codes

• 2-4 dishtowels

• 2-4 dish cloths

• 2-4 food storage containers

• Dish soap

• Salt & Pepper Shakers

• Sugar bowl

• Hangers

• Trashcans for all areas

• Trash bags to fit each receptacle

• 4 sets of bath towels

• Nonslip bathmat – avoid all rugs as they are the #1 fall risk

• 2 sets of sheets

• Waterproof mattress pad

• Shower Curtain, liner and rings

• Surfaces wipes

• Laundry basket and hamper

Personal Items:

• Clothing for each season that is comfortable and presentable for social activities and communal dining

• You may want to have a couple of outfits for dressy occasions, such as family weddings or funerals

• Sweater, jacket or wrap for when you might be chilly

• Jacket/coat for each season

• Two weeks’ worth of underwear and socks

• Comfortable, safe shoes for each season

• Slippers

• Pajamas

• Robe

Toiletries:

• Toilet paper

• Paper towels

• Soap

• Shampoo/conditioner

• Shaving needs

• Make up

• Comb/brush

• Hair styling aids

• Medications both prescription and over the counter

• Vitamins

Home Decor:

• Paintings/wall decor

• Family photos and mementos to provide a sense of home and comfort

• Means to hang items on walls

• Photo albums

Entertainment:

• TV and remote

• Computer

• Phone

• Puzzles

• Books

• Tablet

• All chargers for electric devices

• Supplies for hobbies

Miscellaneous:

• Small safe for valuables

• Small file cabinet or box for personal business

• Snacks and beverages

• Storage containers for various items

If you’d like to see these packing items in checklist format, please click here to download a free, printable version.