Moving to a Senior Living Community: What You Need to Know

For many older adults, moving to a senior community isn’t about winding down; it’s about stepping into a more independent, engaging life. In a Life Plan Community (sometimes known as a continuing care retirement community or CCRC), you gain time for what you care about most — whether that’s connecting with others, pursuing passion projects or learning new things. Many people say they wish they had moved sooner. As you consider making the move, it’s helpful to understand what to expect and how to make the most of this new chapter. We’re digging into the details, so you have the information you need to make informed decisions. 

When and How To Choose a Life Plan Community

People choose to move to a Life Plan Community for a variety of reasons. It’s often about finding a new way to live, one that provides more freedom and support while reducing stress. 

Why Make the Move?

Senior living communities complement what you already enjoy about your lifestyle: your independence and commitment to living life on your own terms. It might be time to consider senior living if:

• You’ve recently had a major change in your lifestyle and are considering a reset. For example, maybe you just started living alone and want to find a new community.

• You’re tired of the stress and annoyances of living in your current home and would rather spend the next chapter of your life doing what you want — and only what you want. 

• Your independence is very important to you, and you want to live life on your own terms.

• You want a more predictable budget with standardized monthly expenses. 

• You want to eat nourishing, healthy food without having to spend all your time shopping for groceries and preparing meals. 

• You relish the idea of meaningful, intentional community and would like to get to know your neighbors and build supportive relationships with one another. 

• You worry about being bored in retirement, and you want the chance to try new things.

Tips To Find a Good Fit

If you’ve taken the time to reflect on why moving to a senior community might be right for you, the next step is to take a thoughtful approach to finding the one that fits your goals. 

Here are some steps to guide your research:

• Begin early. Give yourself plenty of time to explore options without feeling rushed. 

• List your priorities. What matters most to you, and which amenities (e.g., fitness center, pool, art studio and so on) are essential? What kind of location do you prefer? What level of living do you want now and anticipate needing in the future? 

• Research online. Explore community websites, look at virtual tours and pay close attention to resident reviews to get a true sense of daily life in each community. 

• Tour communities. When you’ve narrowed down your choices, schedule visits. Try to tour during community events or dining hours to get a feel for the community atmosphere and to see how residents interact with each other and team members. 

• Ask questions. Prepare a list of questions to ask team members and residents so you can make an informed decision. 

Preparing Yourself for the Move to a Senior Living Community

Moving to a new home is a big step. The good news is that a majority of people — 4 in 5 poll respondents — report being satisfied with their move to a Life Plan Community. Pat, a resident of Redwood Terrance in Escondido, California, puts it succinctly: “My only regret is that I didn’t move in sooner.”

Process Your Emotions

You might feel excited about the changes and new opportunities ahead, but you may also experience grief or sadness about leaving a home that is filled with memories. Acknowledge these feelings and give yourself the time and space to process them. Talking openly with your family and friends about what you’re experiencing can be a powerful way to understand your feelings. 

As you navigate these emotions, stay grounded in the purpose and reasons for your choice. Remind yourself that you’re moving toward something exciting, not just away from your current home. Focus on how the move will boost your independence, enhance your social connections and improve your overall well-being. 

Tips To Prepare Yourself for the Move

Consider taking some of the following practical steps to process your emotions and prepare yourself for the new experiences that are ahead: 

• Visit the Life Plan Community often. Spending time there will help you feel familiar with your new home and its residents and make moving day less daunting.

• Visualize your new space. Planning how you’ll decorate and arrange your new space can make it feel more like your own, even before you move. 

• Share your stories. Discuss memories about your current home with family and friends, and share plans you have for your new home. 

• Conduct a farewell ritual. A simple goodbye dinner, a memory scrapbook or another personal ritual can provide a sense of closure. 

Preparing Your House Before the Move

As you prepare for your move, a significant step is to go through your belongings, deciding what to bring to your new home and what to let go of. Approaching this process with a positive, healthy mindset is essential.

Rightsizing vs. Downsizing

Instead of “downsizing,” look at this process as “rightsizing.” Downsizing can have a negative connotation, implying that you’re getting rid of precious belongings. Rightsizing means making the most of your space and customizing it to fit who you are here and now. 

When you choose to rightsize, it’s because you understand your lifestyle and needs. You’re ready to select what you truly want in your home to align with that vision. 

“I downsized to just the right size, and doing so freed me up to enjoy a better lifestyle and make new friends,” Hank, a resident of The Terraces at Summitview in Yakima, Washington, says. 

Handling Sentimental Items

Handling sentimental items can be one of the most challenging aspects of rightsizing, but you can thoughtfully preserve memories and significant pieces without keeping everything. Rightsizing your sentimental items is about preserving the essence of your memories in a way that aligns with your new lifestyle and home rather than clinging to each physical object.

Offer heirlooms to family and friends now, so you can enjoy the exchange and feel assured that your treasures are going to a good home. You can digitize old photos, letters or journal entries to preserve your memories without keeping bulky photo albums and notebooks. Many people choose to create a memory box by selecting a container and filling it with a few of their most cherished items that hold significant meaning. 

Tips for Rightsizing 

Think of this process as liberating, not taxing. You’re making more room for what you truly value. To move the process along, consider these practical steps:

• Start early. Starting at least 3-6 months before your move gives you plenty of time and reduces last-minute stress. 

• Schedule dedicated time. Mark your calendar, and make a date with yourself on specific days to sort through your belongings. Tackling the process in small increments can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. 

• Ask for assistance. Enlist friends and family in the effort. Consider hiring a professional organizer or senior move manager; your Life Plan Community can provide recommendations for someone who has plenty of experience guiding older adults during these transitions. 

• Use a strategy that works for you. Choose from a variety of rightsizing strategies or make your own system. Use whatever method keeps you motivated and moving!

• Choose where to donate or sell. Consider donating items you’re ready to let go of to charity or selling them online, at a consignment shop or in an estate sale. 

Selling Your House, Packing and Moving 

Selling your current residence and coordinating the move to your Life Plan Community requires thoughtful planning. The right professional assistance will help this process go smoothly. 

Finding the Right Professional Assistance

Look for a real estate agent who has experience working with older adults. Agents with a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® designation are equipped to handle the unique aspects of your move. They can provide advice on rightsizing, navigating financing options and avoiding potential scams. 

Once your house is decluttered from the rightsizing process, it’s the ideal time to deep clean and make minor repairs because a clean, well-maintained house appeals more to buyers. Your Life Plan Community can often provide recommendations for personal organizers, housekeepers or handymen to assist in the process. 

Tips for Packing and Moving

Once your house is ready for sale, your focus will shift to packing and moving. The following tips can keep this stage less stressful: 

• Label boxes clearly. Use legible labels indicating the room where the box belongs and its priority (e.g., “bedroom; open first”). You can even choose color-coded tape or stickers for each room to provide a quick visual cue for movers. 

• Create a box of essentials. Collect essential items (e.g., toothbrush, medications, chargers, important documents and so on), and pack them in a dedicated box that you can easily access throughout the move. 

• Move in stages. If you have the time, take the move slowly. Start by packing excess clothing and decor, then larger furniture items. Save the bedroom and your personal items for the last day. 

• Leverage Life Plan Community resources. Ask your new community for guidance on move-in coordination and recommendations for moving companies. 

Settling In and Thriving in Your New Community

This new chapter of your life is an exciting one, and you can take proactive steps to settle in quickly and comfortably. During your first week, immerse yourself in the new environment and connect with those around you: 

• Get started on the right foot. Attend orientation and welcome events. These are ideal opportunities to meet your new neighbors and understand the community’s resources.

• Get to know the community. Take time to explore your new community, including the dining venues, common areas and amenities. Discover the best spots for socializing, quiet reflection or pursuing your favorite hobby. 

• Explore the calendar. Look for events, classes and social gatherings that appeal to you. Participating is a great way to meet people who share your hobbies. 

• Introduce yourself. Don’t hesitate to say hello to neighbors you encounter. A friendly greeting can open the door to new connections. 

• Personalize your new home. Arrange your furniture, display your cherished art and set out photos of family and friends.

• Stay connected. Schedule regular visits and calls with the people you love. During this busy time, it’s worth the effort to stay connected. 

Moving to a Senior Community: Embrace the Possibilities Ahead

Making the move to a Life Plan Community is a significant decision. You're not just changing your address; you're also choosing a lifestyle rich with freedom, connection and peace of mind. It’s an opportunity to embrace new experiences and focus on your true priorities. 

Ready to explore how you can create more space in your life? Discover our guide, The Senior's Guide to Downsizing: The Power of Purposeful Rightsizing, and take the next step toward a future filled with possibilities.