People often tell me that one of the biggest barriers to moving into a continuing care retirement community (CCRC or life plan community)—or any retirement community—is the thought of dealing with all their “stuff.” Sorting a lifetime of furniture, clothing, paperwork, and mementos to pack for a move can feel overwhelming.
Most residents moving into a CCRC will also be downsizing, transitioning from a larger home to a condo or patio-style residence. That forces difficult decisions about what to keep and what won’t fit in the new space, which naturally causes anxiety and hesitation.
So how can seniors overcome the stress of sorting, packing, and relocating to a CCRC?
Leverage available resources
If you decide a move to a CCRC is right for you, many communities provide significant support and resources to make the transition much easier. One of the most valuable services offered by many CCRCs is access to a move-in coordinator. These professionals take on many tasks that otherwise fall to the resident and their family, easing the logistical burden of moving.
For example, Shannon Finley, marketing communications specialist at John Knox Village of Central Florida, explains the scope of their move-in coordinator’s role. The coordinator works with new residents from the day they sign their contract through 30 days after move-in. They assist with décor choices such as paint, window treatments, cabinetry, and flooring, and they collaborate with a local professional relocation company that specializes in moving seniors for residents living within a nearby radius.
The move-in coordinator and relocation company meet with the future resident to determine which existing belongings and furniture will work best in the new residence. Their services commonly include packing the senior’s current home, transporting possessions, and unpacking at the new CCRC residence.
Move-in day
Anyone who has moved knows move-in day can stir a mix of emotions: excitement, sadness, stress, relief, and more—along with the physical toll of heavy lifting. But with a CCRC’s move-in team handling the details, residents can usually relax and enjoy the day.
Because much of the planning is handled in advance, you can expect your new residence to be clean, freshly painted, and outfitted with window treatments. The move-in coordinator may coordinate placement of each piece of furniture so everything fits as planned. The relocation team typically unpacks and removes boxes and packing materials, and the bed will be ready so you can sleep in your new home that night. Some communities even leave a few snacks and beverages in the refrigerator to make the first hours more comfortable.
Beyond the move
Often the coordinator’s support continues well after boxes are unpacked. At John Knox Village, for instance, the move-in coordinator provides transitional services for the first month after arrival. They work with security, housekeeping, facilities, resident services, and the community nurse to synchronize the new resident’s introduction to community life. Because the coordinator has often worked with the resident for months before move-in, they can help with the social transition—introducing neighbors and easing the adjustment to the new environment.
A surmountable hurdle
In our 2019 myLifeSite Consumer Survey, many respondents said they wanted to move to a CCRC to downsize and reduce home maintenance. Yet more than a third of people surveyed reported delaying a move because they were dreading dealing with their possessions.
When responses were broken down by age, the pattern was clear: among respondents aged 80 and under, 34 percent cited their belongings as a roadblock to moving. For those 81 and older, that reason rose to over 53 percent—the top reason for delaying a CCRC move.
Sorting, packing, and moving can be a major challenge depending on an individual’s situation, but CCRCs recognize this and have developed practical resources that activate once a potential resident signs a contract and pays a deposit. These services are designed to lessen the physical and emotional load of moving so seniors can focus on settling into their new life.
If you feel confident that a CCRC is the right choice for you, don’t let concerns about packing up your “stuff” prevent you from moving forward. With professional coordination and community support, the move can be manageable—and often much easier than people expect.