The big decisions are behind you. You've chosen Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory in Marietta as the right fit for your family, and now there's a date on the calendar that makes everything feel very concrete. Between the relief and the excitement, there's a closet full of stuff and a practical question: What actually comes with us?
This guide will help you sort through the packing process with clarity and confidence. Whether your loved one is moving into assisted living, memory care, or our Bridges neighborhood, these tips are designed to make the transition smoother for everyone involved.
For a printable version you can share with your family, download our Complete Checklist for Moving to a Senior Living Community. It's a handy companion to keep by the packing boxes.
Before taping a single box shut, take a step back. The goal isn't to recreate the old house in a smaller space. It's to set up a space that supports a better daily life.
Think about what your loved one reaches for every day. Think about what makes them feel comfortable, capable, and like themselves.
At Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory, apartments come furnished with the basics, including a bed frame, essential furniture, and window treatments. Housekeeping, laundry services, meals, and utilities are all included. That means you don't need to pack a full kitchen, cleaning supplies, or bulky furniture. You're packing for comfort, not survival.
Here's a helpful exercise: walk through your loved one's current day, from morning to bedtime. What do they use? What do they wear? What do they look at, hold, or reach for out of habit? That's your packing list in action.
Let's break it down into categories that are easy to tackle one at a time.
A week's worth of comfortable, easy-to-manage clothing (think elastic waists, slip-on shoes, layerable tops)
A warm sweater or jacket — Marietta evenings can get cool, even in spring
Pajamas, undergarments, and socks
A favorite bathrobe or house slippers
Toiletries and grooming essentials (electric razor, hairbrush, preferred soap or lotion)
A favorite blanket, quilt, or throw pillow
Family photos in lightweight, unbreakable frames
A small lamp that gives off warm light
Books, puzzles, a tablet, or a radio — whatever fills their downtime
A beloved piece of wall art or a small decorative item that carries meaning
A favorite recliner or armchair
A small side table or nightstand
A compact bookshelf or dresser, if space allows
Check with the team at Burnt Hickory for exact apartment dimensions before bringing larger items
Walker, cane, wheelchair, or other assistive devices
Hearing aids with extra batteries
Glasses (with a backup pair if available)
Any prescribed medical equipment
This is the one box you absolutely cannot leave behind, and it should travel with you on move-in day, not in the moving truck.
Pack a clearly labeled folder or binder with:
Photo ID and insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid, supplemental)
Advance directives and power of attorney documents
A current medication list with dosages and prescribing doctors
Contact information for all physicians and specialists
Copies of any recent medical records or hospital discharge summaries
Social Security card or number
Before the move, make sure key legal documents are in order. Our Step-by-Step Guide to Legal Planning for Seniors can help you ensure nothing is overlooked, from advance directives to power of attorney.
This part can feel harder than the packing itself. But letting go of certain items isn't about loss. It's about making room for a life with less to manage and more to enjoy.
You can safely leave behind:
Full-size furniture sets. The apartment is designed for purposeful, comfortable living, not overflow storage.
Kitchen appliances and cookware. Meals are provided, and the dining program is one of the best parts of community life.
Cleaning supplies and tools. Housekeeping is handled.
Stacks of old paperwork, magazines, or duplicates. Keep what's essential; digitize or donate the rest.
Heavy rugs or runners. These can be a tripping hazard. The community floors are designed with safety in mind.
If your family is sorting through a lifetime of possessions, consider enlisting a senior move manager in the Marietta area. These professionals specialize in helping families downsize with sensitivity and efficiency.
Move-in day is just the beginning. The first few weeks are about settling in, both physically and emotionally.
Here are some things that help:
Arrange the apartment before your loved one arrives. Hang photos, set out familiar items, and make the bed with their own linens. Walking into a space that already feels personal makes a world of difference.
Bring a familiar scent. A favorite candle (if permitted), hand lotion, or sachet can trigger a sense of comfort faster than anything visual.
Visit often in the first two weeks, but don't hover. Your presence matters, but so does giving your loved one space to build their own routine and connections.
Be patient with the adjustment period. It's normal for feelings to fluctuate. Some days will feel great; others may be harder.
If you're still weighing the decision, here are 7 ways moving into an assisted living community can ease the burden of daily tasks, a helpful reminder of what your loved one is gaining, not just what they're leaving behind.
Once your loved one is settled, the next step is building connections. These 6 friendship building tips for new residents can help them feel comfortable in Marietta faster than you might expect.
The team at Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory has walked alongside hundreds of families through this exact process. We know the questions that come up at 10 p.m. the night before the move. We know which items families always wish they'd brought, and which ones they're glad they left behind.
If you're preparing for move-in day and want guidance specific to your loved one's apartment and care needs, reach out to our team. We're here to help you plan, pack, and feel confident about what comes next.
For a printable version of this checklist, download our Complete Checklist for Moving to a Senior Living Community. Print a copy for every family member helping with the move.