You've done the research. You've toured the community. You've had the hard conversations. Now that the decision is made, there's a new question on the table: What do we actually pack?
Moving a loved one into a senior living community in Exton, PA is a big step, one that's equal parts logistics and emotion. The good news is that with a clear plan, the process becomes far more manageable. This checklist will walk you through what to bring, what to leave behind, how to handle important documents, and how to make a new space feel comfortable and familiar.
If you're still weighing whether a move is the right call, our guide Staying at Home vs. Moving to Senior Living can help you compare the options side by side. But if the decision is made and it's time to pack, read on.
Before you open a single box, get the dimensions and layout of your loved one's new apartment. Whether they're moving into personal care, a Bridges memory care neighborhood, or another setting at Arbor Terrace Exton, the apartment size will determine what furniture and belongings make sense to bring.
Here's what to find out before packing day:
Apartment dimensions and layout. Ask for a floor plan or take measurements during a visit.
What's already provided. Many communities furnish apartments with a bed, dresser, or nightstand. Confirm what's included so you don't duplicate.
Closet and storage space. This will guide how many clothes and personal items to bring.
Electrical outlet locations. Important for lamps, TVs, and medical equipment.
Knowing the space ahead of time prevents the frustration of arriving with too much or realizing you forgot something essential.
Think of this list as a starting point. Every person is different, and the team at Arbor Terrace Exton can help you tailor it to your loved one's specific care needs.
7–10 days' worth of comfortable, easy-to-manage clothing (elastic waists, front-button tops, slip-on shoes)
A warm sweater or jacket for outings in the Chester County area
Pajamas, robe, and slippers
Undergarments and socks
One or two nicer outfits for events or family dinners
Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and favorite lotion
Glasses, hearing aids, and dentures (with cases)
A favorite blanket, quilt, or throw pillow
Family photos in frames (unbreakable frames are a smart choice)
A small selection of meaningful books, puzzles, or hobby supplies
A clock with large, easy-to-read numbers
A small radio, speaker, or tablet loaded with favorite music
A beloved recliner or armchair
A small bookshelf or side table
A familiar lamp
The goal isn't to recreate an entire house. It's to bring enough personal touches that the new space feels warm and recognizable from the very first night.
Moving into memory care? If your loved one is transitioning to memory care, you may also find our Transitioning to Memory Care checklist helpful. It covers additional considerations unique to dementia care, including labeling strategies and safety tips for the apartment setup.
This is the category families most often overlook in the flurry of packing boxes. Gather these items early and keep them in a separate, clearly labeled folder or bag:
Identification. Driver's license or state ID, Social Security card, and insurance cards.
Medical records. Current medication list (with dosages), physician contact information, and recent lab results or hospital discharge summaries.
Legal documents. Power of attorney, healthcare proxy, advance directives, and living will.
Financial paperwork. Insurance policies, long-term care policy details, and banking information.
Emergency contacts. A printed list with names, phone numbers, and relationships.
If you haven't yet organized advance directives, power of attorney, or other legal documents, our Step-by-Step Guide to Legal Planning for Seniors can help you get started.
Having everything in one place makes the transition smoother, not just on move-in day, but for the care team who will be coordinating your loved one's daily support.
Downsizing is one of the most emotionally challenging parts of a senior living move. It can feel like letting go of a lifetime. Here's a practical framework to help:
Large furniture that won't fit the new space
Duplicate kitchen items (most communities handle meals and snacks)
Heavy rugs or items that could be a tripping hazard
Cleaning supplies and tools (housekeeping is typically included)
Valuables that could be misplaced; keep jewelry and heirlooms with a trusted family member
A helpful rule of thumb: If the item doesn't serve daily comfort, spark genuine joy, or fulfill a medical need, it probably doesn't need to make the move.
Remember, this isn't about stripping things away. It's about being intentional so your loved one's new space in Exton feels curated rather than cluttered.
Even when someone is excited about their move, looking forward to social activities, daily assistance, and not having to worry about maintenance, the transition can stir up complicated feelings. That's completely normal.
Here are some ways to help:
Involve your loved one in packing decisions. Whenever possible, let them choose which photos go on the nightstand, which blanket comes along, and which chair to keep. Autonomy matters.
Tell the story of cherished items. If something can't come along, take a photo of it together. Write down the memory attached to it. The object may stay behind, but the story doesn't have to.
Set up the apartment before they arrive. Hang the photos, make the bed with their favorite quilt, and place their clock where they can see it. Walking into a space that already feels familiar makes all the difference.
Plan your first visit. Knowing when they'll see you next provides comfort and continuity during the first few days.
The team at Arbor Terrace Exton is experienced at helping new residents settle in, from personal care with daily assistance to memory care support. You don't have to manage this alone.
A checklist is only helpful if you can reference it when you need it most, standing in your loved one's living room surrounded by boxes, trying to decide what goes and what stays.
For a printable version you can share with your family, download our Complete Checklist for Moving to a Senior Living Community. It's a comprehensive resource you can mark up, pass around, and check off as you go.