What to Bring When Moving to Assisted Living

Start with the Floor Plan

Before you pack a single box, get the exact dimensions and floor plan of the new living space. Most assisted living apartments range from a studio (around 300 square feet) to a one-bedroom (400 to 600 square feet). Some communities offer larger two-bedroom units, but space will still be tighter than a typical house.

Measure doorways, closets, and bathrooms. Some older furniture won't fit through narrow doorways or into compact rooms. Sketch out where key pieces will go before moving day so you aren't making difficult decisions in the middle of the move.

Many communities allow families to visit the exact unit before move-in day. Take advantage of this—bring a tape measure and take photos. Knowing the space intimately will make every packing decision easier.

Bedroom Essentials

The bedroom should feel safe, familiar, and comfortable. This is where your loved one will spend the most private hours of their day, so prioritize items that promote restful sleep and personal comfort.

• Their own bed (if it fits): Sleeping in a familiar bed eases the transition enormously. A twin or full-size bed usually works; a queen may fit in larger rooms. Check the dimensions first.
• Favorite bedding: Bring their preferred sheets, pillows, blankets, and quilts. Familiar textures and scents provide comfort during a stressful time.
• Nightstand with lamp: A familiar nightstand within arm's reach is important for medications, glasses, water, and a reading light.
• Small dresser or chest of drawers: Closet space is limited in most communities. A compact dresser helps keep clothing organized and accessible.
• Alarm clock: A simple, large-display clock helps with orientation, especially for seniors experiencing mild cognitive changes.

Living Area

If the apartment has a separate sitting area, furnish it for comfort and daily use. Keep in mind that caregivers need room to move around, so avoid overcrowding.

• A favorite recliner or armchair: This will likely become their primary seat. Choose one that's comfortable, easy to get in and out of, and not too large for the space.
• A small side table: For the remote, a drink, reading materials, or a phone.
• Television: Most communities provide cable. A flat-screen TV that can be wall-mounted saves floor space.
• A small bookcase or shelf: For books, photo albums, and meaningful objects.
• A floor lamp or table lamp: Good lighting is essential for safety and comfort, especially for reading.

Bathroom Items

Assisted living bathrooms are typically smaller and often come with safety features like grab bars and walk-in showers. Bring personal care items, but keep the space clutter-free for safety.

• Toiletries: Shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any preferred grooming products. Bring what they actually use—not an excess of backups.
• Bath towels and washcloths: Two to three sets is sufficient. Most communities offer laundry services.
• Non-slip bath mat: Even with safety features, an extra non-slip surface is worthwhile.
• Shower chair (if needed): Some communities provide these; ask before purchasing one.
• Personal medications: Bring a complete and current list of medications. The community will typically manage medications through their pharmacy, but you'll need to coordinate the transition.

Clothing

Pack enough for about two weeks of wear, accounting for the community's laundry schedule. Prioritize comfort and ease of dressing—especially if your loved one receives help getting dressed.

• Seven to ten everyday outfits (comfortable, easy to put on and take off)
• Two to three sets of pajamas or sleepwear
• A warm sweater or cardigan (common areas can be cool)
• A light jacket for outdoor walks
• Non-slip shoes or slippers with rubber soles
• One outfit for special occasions or outings
• Undergarments, socks, and compression stockings if prescribed

Label everything.This is critical. Laundry in a communal setting can lead to lost items. Use iron-on labels or a permanent marker on clothing tags with your loved one's name.

Personal & Sentimental Items

These are the items that transform a room into a home. They don't take up much space, but they carry enormous emotional weight.

• Family photos: Framed photos of loved ones, grandchildren, and cherished memories. Consider a digital photo frame that cycles through a collection.
• A favorite quilt, throw, or afghan: Something handmade or deeply familiar that feels like home.
• Religious or spiritual items: A Bible, prayer beads, or a small devotional shelf if faith is important to your loved one.
• A few treasured decorative objects: A figurine, vase, or small artwork that holds personal meaning. Choose two or three, not twenty.
• Hobby supplies: Knitting needles, puzzles, a watercolor set, playing cards—whatever keeps them engaged.
• A calendar and address book: Staying oriented and connected helps combat isolation and confusion.

What NOT to Bring

Just as important as what you pack is what you leave behind. Some items are prohibited by communities for safety reasons; others simply won't fit or aren't practical.

• Large furniture: Oversized sofas, dining tables, china cabinets, and king-size beds rarely fit. Measure everything against the floor plan.
• Cooking appliances: Most communities prohibit hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, and full-size microwaves due to fire risk. Check the community's specific policies.
• Candles and space heaters: Open flames and portable heating devices are almost universally prohibited.
• Excessive duplicates: Resist bringing ten sets of sheets or a lifetime supply of toiletries. Storage is limited.
• Valuable jewelry or large sums of cash: Communities cannot guarantee the security of valuables in private rooms. Use a safe deposit box for heirloom pieces.
• Area rugs (in most cases): Loose rugs are a significant trip hazard. If your loved one insists, choose a low-pile rug with non-slip backing and confirm it's allowed.
• Cleaning supplies: Housekeeping is provided. Chemical cleaning products can pose a safety risk if a resident has cognitive impairment.

How to Prioritize Sentimental Items

This is often the hardest part. Your loved one has a lifetime of possessions, and most won't be coming along. Here are approaches that help:

• The “Top Ten” rule: Ask your loved one to choose ten items that mean the most to them. Start there, and add more only if space allows.
• Photograph what you can't keep: Create a photo album or digital slideshow of items that can't make the move. The memory is preserved even when the object isn't.
• Distribute to family: Passing meaningful items to children and grandchildren gives them new life and keeps them in the family.
• Rotate seasonal items: If storage allows at a family member's home, swap out decorations or photos seasonally to keep the space feeling fresh.
• Don't rush the process: If possible, give your loved one weeks rather than days to sort through their belongings. The emotional work of letting go takes time.

Practical Tips for Move Day

• Set up the room before your loved one arrives so they walk into a space that already feels like home.
• Make the bed with their own bedding, place photos on the nightstand, and arrange furniture in a layout similar to what they're used to.
• Bring a small box of essentials—medications, glasses, a change of clothes, phone charger, and a comfort item—so nothing critical gets lost in the shuffle.
• Stay for the first meal if possible. Sharing that experience helps ease the emotional transition.
• Don't try to unpack everything on day one. Let your loved one settle in gradually.