Moving will always be a challenge, regardless of the type of move you’re making or how far you’re going. One move that can be very challenging is moving from your current home to an independent living community in St. Louis. There are many factors that can create stress and challenges. We’ve outlined some tips to help make downsizing to an independent or assisted living community stress-free.

Do Not Pack the Entire House at Once

Although it may seem more efficient to tackle the whole house at once, it is smart to pack up one room at a time, working in 1-2 hour intervals. It may seem like packing will take forever this way, but in the end, your stress level will be much lower if you manage your planning appropriately.

Use Your New Home to Guide You

Be sure to account for the amount of closet and cabinet space your new place has. Most retirement communities in St. Louis have that information if you ask. It can also be helpful to “mark off” the allotted space at your current residence to get a visual. Also, by knowing what the community provides for you, it’s easier to determine what you need (i.e. you do not need two coffeemakers).

Consider Hiring a Professional Move Manager

Senior move managers specialize in helping older adults relocate to an independent living community. They are skilled at both the emotional and practical dimensions of life transitions, and can help with:

  • Sorting
  • Packing
  • Hiring movers
  • Unpacking in your new home
Moving with Ease

At Bethesda’s independent living communities in St. Louis, we provide a program called “Moving with Ease.” Working with a real estate agent who specializes in helping seniors move, the program assists in:

  • Selling your home
  • Downsizing, packing, moving and unpacking your belongings
  • Deciding how current arrangements will fit into your new apartment home
  • Customizing moving plans to your distinct circumstances to ensure that all aspects of the move go as planned
  • Communicating with family members

“Moving with Ease” is available at all Bethesda independent living locations in St. Louis. Learn More About Bethesda’s “Moving with Ease” Program

St. Louis Independent Living at Bethesda

With 133 years of experience, Bethesda has become a leader in senior care, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.

To see if independent living is the best choice for your retirement goals, tour any of our locations, including Bethesda Barclay House – Clayton, Bethesda Gardens – Kirkwood, Bethesda Orchard – Webster Groves, Bethesda Terrace – South County, Village North Retirement Community – Florissant, and The Oaks at Bethesda Villas – Kirkwood/Webster.

After meeting with our residents and highly trained staff, you will instantly feel at home.

Senior Living
moving older adults