Packing for the Move: What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind) When Moving Into Assisted Living

💬 Introduction: The First Step Toward a New Chapter

Moving into an assisted living community is a significant life transition, often filled with mixed emotions. For many families we support here at Sarawood, it’s a journey marked by relief, nostalgia, and hope all at once.

One of the most tangible parts of that journey? Packing.

It may seem simple, just fill a few boxes, right? But the truth is, what we choose to bring with us says a lot about what we value, how we feel safe, and how we want to be seen.

This guide is designed to help families navigate the packing process with clarity, compassion, and care, whether the move is happening next week or next season.

🪴 A New Home, Not a Storage Unit

At Sarawood, every suite is thoughtfully designed to be cozy, personal, and easy to navigate. But it’s important to remember: our residents aren’t moving into a space they need to fill—they’re moving into a community that’s already filled with support, warmth, and connection.

That’s why we encourage families to shift the question from:

“What can we fit?”
to
“What will make this place feel like home?”

✅ The Assisted Living Packing Checklist

This checklist breaks down the most useful and meaningful items to bring, based on our 40+ years of experience welcoming residents to Sarawood:

🛋️ Personal Touches for a Cozy Room

• Framed photos of family, friends, and pets

• A favorite quilt or throw blanket

• One or two pieces of meaningful décor (a clock, small artwork, etc.)

• Keepsakes like a music box, award, or handmade gift

Tip: Limit décor to items that bring comfort and joy. Less is more in smaller spaces.

👕 Comfortable, Easy-to-Manage Clothing

• Everyday outfits with elastic waists, soft fabrics, and easy closures

• Adaptive clothing for those with limited mobility

• Layering options for seasonal changes (cardigans, lightweight jackets)

• Undergarments, pajamas, and bathrobe

• Non-slip footwear, including supportive shoes and cozy slippers

Tip: Pack 7–10 days’ worth of clothing to reduce clutter and make laundry easy.

🧼 Toiletries & Personal Care Products

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, denture care (if applicable)

• Hairbrush/comb, shampoo, conditioner

• Skincare products, lotion, deodorant

• Lip balm, tissues, nail clippers, etc.

• Electric razor (for men)

Note: Sarawood provides many essentials, but having familiar brands can help residents feel more at ease.

💊 Medical & Mobility Items

• A current list of medications (Sarawood staff will manage medications moving forward)

• Mobility aids: walker, cane.

• Hearing aids, glasses, or dentures with labeled cases

• Medical alert device (optional if preferred)

Tip: Label all assistive devices to avoid confusion during activities or outings.

📱 Electronics & Communication

• Easy-to-use cell phone or landline handset

• Tablet or iPad for video calls with family

• Chargers, labeled cords, surge protector

• Headphones or Bluetooth speaker (for music or guided meditations)

Tip: Choose devices with large buttons or voice activation, if possible.

🚫 What NOT to Bring (And Why)

Certain items are either unnecessary or pose safety risks in a senior living environment. These include:

• Large furniture

• Area rugs or loose mats (they create fall hazards)

• Candles or space heaters (fire risk)

• Sharp tools or cleaning chemicals

• Microwaves, hot plates, or toasters (not allowed in rooms per regulations)

• Duplicate kitchenware (Sarawood provides communal dining)

When in doubt, call ahead—we’re happy to walk through what’s appropriate for your loved one’s suite.

🎁 Optional Comforts (That Make a Big Difference)

Some families like to include a few extras that bring peace and comfort during the first weeks:

• A familiar mug for coffee or tea

• A soft robe with their name embroidered

• An old radio playing their favorite station

• Preloaded playlists or photo albums on a digital frame

• A journal or sketchbook

These small items can have a big emotional impact, helping residents feel grounded and cared for in their new space.

🧠 Emotional Support During Downsizing

Packing isn’t just a logistical task, it’s a symbolic goodbye to a former way of life. Many residents and families feel grief, guilt, or uncertainty. That’s normal. Here’s how to support that process:

• Start early. Don’t rush sorting or purging items.

• Let your loved one lead. Empower them to make decisions where possible.

• Focus on “what to keep” rather than “what to give up.”

• Take pictures of items that won’t make the move but hold memories.

• Reframe the experience as creating a “sanctuary,” not giving things up.

🧭 Transition Tips for the First Week

• Pack a labeled “first night” bag with toiletries, pajamas, change of clothes, medications, and a few comfort items.

• Bring your loved one’s daily calendar or routine list if helpful.

• Visit frequently during the first week (even brief visits help with adjustment).

• Encourage participation in meals and community activities early on, this helps build friendships faster.

• Celebrate the small wins: “You made it through your first day, that’s huge!”

💬 We’re Here to Help You Make the Transition Easier

If you're preparing for a move into assisted living and would like personalized support, our team at Sarawood is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re planning ahead or helping a loved one move this month, we’ll help you feel confident and cared for throughout the process.

👉 Schedule a personal tour or call us directly at 413-532-7879.

At Sarawood, every move is more than just a change of address, it’s a step toward:

Closer Connections, Better Care.