Now that you’ve decided on a suitable retirement village for yourself one, it’s time to get ready for the move before settling into the new space. The transition from a home to a retirement village can be tricky, especially with many years spent collecting belongings and memories over time which can start to build up.
The question of how to prepare to move into a retirement village can be overwhelming — where do you start? At LDK, we’ve created this handy checklist, from packing to cleaning and decluttering, to help your loved one settle into their retirement village and begin to create new memories.
Get to know the layout and features of your new home so you know how best to arrange furniture and personal items. You’ll likely need to sell items of furniture that are no longer needed.
Ensure you have ample time to sort through your sentimental items and downsize your possessions to what’s truly important. Keep important documents at hand so they don’t get misplaced, and create a moving checklist so you feel less panicked about what to do next.
Temporary storage is another great solution if you’re feeling short on time to go through everything in the level of detail you would prefer. That way, it’s always there to come back to.
Before you start packing, decide whether or not you will require a professional removalist. We strongly recommend using a well-reviewed removalist to avoid damaging your belongings in transit and prevent the body aches and pains of a DIY move. Be mindful that some removalists offer packing, moving and unpacking services and packing materials for hire.
If you opt to pack yourself, take a trip to your local hardware store and pick up all the essentials, from moving boxes and moving bags to packing tape, bubble wrap/foam wrap, shrink wrap, garbage bags, a texter and some butcher’s paper. Focus on one room at a time and label each box or bag as you go. Use butcher’s paper and bubble wrap to wrap all delicate items and label boxes as “Fragile” when necessary.
The transition from a home to a retirement village means deciding what to do about your old home. Whether you are renting your home or own it, it has likely been lived in for many years and will require a thorough cleaning to secure the bond or ensure it’s market ready for property inspections should you decide to sell.
We strongly recommend outsourcing a professional cleaning service after moving day to ensure the home is up to standard and conducting any necessary repairs, renovations or maintenance work ahead of time.
Moving is a significant event that can be exciting but also nerve-wracking when you have lived in your home for many years and will have a disrupted routine before settling into your new home. Ensure you and your loved one eat a hearty breakfast and stay hydrated throughout the day. If you have any pets, have them stay with a relative until you settle into your new living arrangements.
At LDK, we pride ourselves on getting to know our residents to provide them with the level of care that suits their needs. Our Seniors’ Living® villages allow active residents who are young at heart to participate in a vibrant community, from drinks with friends to arts and crafts or going out to the movies. They can furnish their apartment to their liking and have loved ones stay over and live with their partner and pet.
Our Aspire Aged Care services have registered on-site nurses 24-7 to provide low to high care as needed. If you have any questions about LDK, read our FAQs and contact our staff, who would be delighted to assist.