Stacey
Stacey writes about fitting a house into one apartment, packing in the right order, move day and the first weeks after. Tape measure first, boxes second.
Articles by Stacey
- Downsizing and packingA downsizing timeline for assisted living, week by weekA week-by-week downsizing timeline for an assisted living move: what to do 8 weeks out, 4 weeks out and in the final week, plus a fast plan for quick moves.Stacey · February 12, 2025
- Downsizing and packingWhat furniture to bring to assisted livingWhich furniture to bring to assisted living, in priority order: the chair, bed, dresser and table that fit, what the community provides, and what to leave.Stacey · November 23, 2025
- Downsizing and packingAssisted living room layout ideas that workAssisted living room layout ideas for a studio, one-bedroom or shared suite: where the bed, chair and dresser go, and the clearances that keep paths open.Stacey · November 13, 2025
- Downsizing and packingHow to measure an assisted living apartment and plan the floor planHow to measure an assisted living apartment and draw a floor plan to scale: walls, doors, outlets and vents to note, measuring furniture, and a checklist.Stacey · November 22, 2024
- Downsizing and packingWhat not to bring to assisted livingWhat not to bring to assisted living: space heaters, extension cords, loose rugs, candles and valuables, why they are restricted, and what to bring instead.Stacey · November 17, 2025
- Downsizing and packingWhat clothes to pack for assisted livingHow many clothes to pack for assisted living, which fabrics survive facility laundry, easy-dressing picks for arthritis or memory loss, and a checklist.Stacey · August 13, 2025
- Downsizing and packingLabeling clothes for assisted living: the easy wayHow to label clothes for assisted living: which label type to use, what to write, where on each garment, plus glasses, hearing aids and a solid inventory.Stacey · January 23, 2025
- Downsizing and packingPacking photos and sentimental items for the moveHow to handle sentimental items when downsizing a parent for assisted living: choosing keepsakes, storing and scanning photos, and packing fragile things.Stacey · November 11, 2025
- Downsizing and packingHow to decide what to keep when a parent downsizesWhat to keep when downsizing parents for assisted living: five questions for every item, the papers not to toss, a maybe box, and letting your parent lead.Stacey · December 10, 2025
- Downsizing and packingWhat a senior move manager does, and when one is worth itWhat a senior move manager does for an assisted living move, what it typically costs per hour, when one is worth it, and the questions to ask before you sign.Stacey · October 12, 2024
- Downsizing and packingHiring movers for an assisted living moveHow to hire movers for an assisted living move: written estimates, checking a USDOT number, valuation coverage, red flags, and the community's move-in rules.Stacey · May 16, 2026
- Downsizing and packingSetting up a small kitchenette in assisted livingHow to set up an assisted living kitchenette: questions for the community, a short packing list, appliance safety, fridge temperature, and a reachable layout.Stacey · June 15, 2025
- Downsizing and packingSetting up the bathroom in assisted living for safetyHow to set up an assisted living bathroom for safety: grab bars, non-slip surfaces, night lights, a shower seat, water temperature and daily items in reach.Stacey · May 9, 2025
- Downsizing and packingHow to make an assisted living room feel like homeHow to make an assisted living room feel like home: recreate the familiar layout, choose photos and textiles, use warm light, and keep your parent's routines.Stacey · October 26, 2025
- Downsizing and packingWhich bed fits in assisted living? Twin, full or their ownWhich bed fits in assisted living: twin, twin XL, full and queen sizes, the floor space each needs, hospital beds, bed rails, and what to ask the community.Stacey · August 4, 2025
- Downsizing and packingPhone, tablet and Wi-Fi: tech for a parent in assisted livingTechnology for seniors in assisted living: Wi-Fi and phone questions to ask, setting up a phone, tablet and TV, captioned phones, Lifeline and scam rules.Stacey · September 6, 2026
- Downsizing and packingWhat to pack first and what to pack lastThe packing order for an assisted living move: what to pack first and last, what rides in the car, how to label boxes by spot, and what to unpack first.Stacey · August 17, 2025
- Move day and settling inThe day before the move to assisted living: an hour-by-hour planWhat to do the day before moving to assisted living: confirm times with the community, set up the room, pack the carry bag, prepare your parent, and sleep.Stacey · May 11, 2026
- Move day and settling inMove day with a parent who has memory loss: a calm plan, hour by hourMoving a parent with dementia to assisted living: what to set up with staff first, when and how to explain the move, a move-day timeline, and words that calm.Stacey · June 23, 2025
- Move day and settling inThe first night in assisted living: the room, the goodbye and the phone planHow to get a parent through the first night in assisted living: set up the room for sleep, brief the night staff, plan the goodbye, and handle a 2 a.m. call.Stacey · December 5, 2024
- Move day and settling inThe first week in assisted living: what to expect, day by dayWhat to expect in the first week in assisted living: common reactions, what staff do behind the scenes, a day-by-day plan for family, and what to flag.Stacey · May 1, 2026
- Move day and settling inHow long does it take to adjust to assisted living? Signs, helps and red flagsAdjusting to assisted living can take days for some parents and months for others. Signs your parent is settling in, what helps, and when to get help.Stacey · August 20, 2026
- Move day and settling inHow often should you visit a parent in assisted living? A rhythm that lastsHow often to visit a parent in assisted living: a starting rhythm for the first weeks and after, the best times to go, and how to share visits with family.Stacey · June 30, 2025
- Move day and settling inWhen your parent says "I want to go home": what it means and what to sayWhat to say when a parent in assisted living wants to go home: what the words often mean, calming scripts, what to avoid, and what to do if they mean it.Stacey · February 17, 2026
- Move day and settling inThe care plan meeting after move-in: how to prepare, what to ask, what to get in writingHow to prepare for the assisted living care plan meeting: what the plan covers, when it happens, who attends, what to bring and which questions to ask.Stacey · November 8, 2025
- Move day and settling inHow to build a good relationship with the assisted living staffHow to build a good relationship with assisted living staff: who does what, one family contact, an About Me sheet, and raising problems without a feud.Stacey · June 26, 2025
- Move day and settling inThe first 30 days in assisted living: a week-by-week checklist for familiesA week-by-week family checklist for the first 30 days in assisted living: care plan, medications, doctors, the first bill, address changes and the house.Stacey · January 12, 2026
- Move day and settling inHelping a parent make friends in assisted living: practical steps that workMaking friends in assisted living: how to help your parent through the dining table, the activities staff, the right activity, and fixing hearing barriers.Stacey · October 17, 2024
- Move day and settling inHow to raise a concern in assisted living and get it fixedHow to make an assisted living complaint that gets results: what's urgent, how to document it, the steps inside the community, and where to go after that.Stacey · May 1, 2025
- Move day and settling inThe long-term care ombudsman: free, confidential help for residents and familiesWhat a long term care ombudsman does for assisted living residents, what they don't do, how consent works, and how to find and call your local program.Stacey · February 6, 2025
- Move day and settling inThe first holidays after the move: a plan for a parent in assisted livingThe first holidays with a parent in assisted living: celebrate there or bring them out, timing, traditions, gifts that fit, and staying close from afar.Stacey · November 26, 2025
- Move day and settling inMoving a pet into assisted living: policies, care plans and the honest questionsPets in assisted living: the pet policy questions to ask, an honest check of who will care for the animal, move-day steps, and options if it can't come.Stacey · October 17, 2025
- Move day and settling inMail, packages and deliveries in assisted living: set it up so nothing gets lostHow mail in assisted living works: what to ask about mailboxes and packages, the right address format, who handles which mail, and cutting down scam mail.Stacey · July 23, 2025
- Move day and settling inWhen assisted living isn't working: how to tell, what to try, and the optionsAssisted living not working for your parent? How to tell adjustment from a poor fit, the signs to take seriously, fixes to try, and options for a move.Stacey · March 28, 2026