If one or both of your parents will move into a senior living community soon, there’s no time like the present to start downsizing. Culling is especially vital if your loved ones have lived in the same house for decades since most people acquire many belongings over a lifetime. Below are some items to bring to their new home with the help of a moving service.

What to Move Into an Independent Living House

1. Bed & Other Favorite Furniture

Even if the new residence is fully furnished, your loved ones may prefer to sleep in their old bed or replace the mattress and keep the frame. Move it along with other favorite furniture pieces that are in usable condition, such as the sofa, coffee table, recliner, and nightstand.

2. Treasured Personal Belongings

Pack personal items of significance for your parents to enjoy, such as framed family photos and albums, knitted blankets and throws, books, heirlooms, and knickknacks. Go through the closets and pack favorite outfits. Discard anything that’s threadbare unless it has sentimental value.

3. Kitchen Appliances & Related Items

Not all senior living communities provide exhaustive lists of kitchen appliances, so learn what’s provided and what isn’t. Ask your moving service to haul appliances—such as a microwave and refrigerator—as well as dishes, glasses, silverware, pots and pans, and a coffee maker.

4. Medications & Toiletries

Ensure all of your loved ones’ toiletries and medications make it to the new residence if they aren’t expired. If anything needs replacing, such as shampoo and face wash, buy the brands your parents use, especially if they have skin conditions or allergies.

5. Hobby & Entertainment Items

While many retirement communities provide activities, such as communal events or trips to local attractions, your family members should still enjoy hobbies on their own. Pack electronics like laptops and televisions as well as supplies like knitting needles, yarn, paints, canvases, and brushes. If your parents like gaming or participating in virtual dance aerobics, don’t forget the video game console.

Rely on Wagoner Moving Systems to help streamline your loved ones’ transition to senior living. Located in northeast Ohio’s Summit County and serving the lower 48 states since 1978, this moving service also offers international moving services. Call the moving company with an A+ Better Business Bureau® rating at (330) 494-1321 to discuss your move, or get more information online. Enjoy additional relocation tips on Facebook.