What to bring to assisted living
The goal is a room that feels familiar and is easy to move around in. Start with the room's size, pack the essentials, then choose a small number of things that make it home.
Disclosure: The Template Nest makes and sells Senior Move Sorter, which this page recommends. If you buy it, we earn money. We don't take payment from anyone else mentioned here. This page is general information. Check your community's own move-in list and rules, which vary.
Plan by room size first
- Get the unit's floor plan and measurements, and ask what furniture the community supplies.
- Measure the furniture you want to bring. Leave clear walking paths for a walker or wheelchair, if needed.
- Ask about rules on extension cords, candles, appliances, rugs and wall hanging.
- Note closet and drawer space. It sets how much clothing can come.
Essentials checklist
Bedroom
- Bedding the community allows, including a familiar blanket or quilt
- A favorite pillow
- Nightlight and bedside lamp
- A clock with large numbers
Clothing
- About a week to ten days of easy-on clothing, labeled if laundry is shared
- Comfortable non-slip shoes and slippers
- A coat and seasonal layers
Bathroom and personal care
- Toiletries and grooming items
- Glasses, hearing aids, dentures and their cases and chargers
- Any mobility aids
Medical and paperwork
- Medication list and the community's process for medications
- Insurance cards and ID copies
- Emergency contacts and doctor list
- Copies of key documents the community asks for
Daily comfort
- A familiar chair, if it fits
- Phone, charger and an easy-to-read contact list
- Hobbies: books, puzzles, crafts
- A small amount of snacks and a mug
Sentimental items: set a limit
Sentimental items make the room feel like home, but too many make it cramped and stressful. Agree a limit with your parent based on shelf and wall space, for example one shelf and a few frames. Then let them choose.
- Rotate items: keep some with family and swap them in over time.
- Photograph or digitize collections that won't fit.
- Leave irreplaceable valuables and important originals with a trusted family member.
What to leave behind
- Large furniture that doesn't fit the plan
- Duplicate kitchen and household items
- Items the community does not allow
- Large amounts of cash or valuable jewelry
Frequently asked questions
What should I pack first for assisted living?
Medications and medical information, glasses and hearing aids, a week or so of clothing, bedding and a few familiar comfort items.
How much furniture can you bring to assisted living?
It depends on the unit's size and what the community supplies. Get the floor plan and measure before you pack.
How many sentimental items should my parent bring?
Agree a limit based on the room's shelf and wall space and let your parent choose. Rotate other items in over time.
What should not go to assisted living?
Large furniture that does not fit, duplicate household items, items the community prohibits, and valuables or large amounts of cash.
Can Senior Move Sorter make the packing list for us?
It gives you a place to record each item decision and owner and print a shared recap. Your family makes the decisions.