Downsizing and packing
What to keep, what fits, and how to pack a house into one apartment.
Written 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
Your plan, with your dates
Answer 17 quick questions and see your first three days, the hours your parent's move really takes, and how to share them.
Build your plan in 2 minutes