When Should I Start Planning My Move to a 55+ Community?

6 minute read

Answer: After selecting a 55+ community and setting a move-in date, you should start planning your move about 2-3 months before that date.

This is one question we always hear at 55places.com, “When should I start planning my move to a 55+ community?”

Once you’ve selected a 55+ community and a move-in date, the real hustle and bustle should start two or three months before that date. Still, it depends on your current lifestyle and how much personal property you need to manage for your move. A single individual in a studio apartment will spend less time packing and preparing than a couple downsizing from a six-bedroom home with a four-car garage.

Either way, this article aims to help individuals plan the move to their chosen 55+ retirement community with a reliable timeline and advice. If you’re still deciding on a location, we have plenty more resources on our blog. 

Moving forward, let’s assume you’ve selected your move-in date. How does one proceed from there?

Start Planning Your Move Four Months in Advance

Anyone can feel overwhelmed by a move. After all, this is a significant point in your life. It’s easy to be intimidated by the task ahead. Starting at the four-month mark means you’ll have plenty of time, and you’ll feel you have control over the situation. At this point, you should:

• Tell friends and family about your move, and find help if needed.
• Find health care providers in your new neighborhood and add them to your insurance if needed.
• Contact a moving company to set your date.
• Handle any financial planning (update trusts or wills.)
• Get ahead of asset management (find a new dock for your boat, find storage for your RV, sell extra vehicles or gift them.)
• Put expensive jewelry in a safe deposit box.

Finally, look into some local 501(c)(3) charities that need your second-hand items. You’ll feel good about helping others in a time of need. And when you donate clothing, household goods, furniture, or food, these legitimate charities will provide you with a tax-deductible receipt. 

At this point, you can start unloading unnecessary items. If you feel overwhelmed, start small. Try:

• Cleaning out your “junk drawer”
• Clearing out a guest bathroom
• Compiling some photo albums and contacting family to receive them
• Make a stack of gently used towels or bedding that you intend to donate

By starting small, you’ll mentally prepare yourself for your big move and gain momentum for the task ahead.

Six to Eight Weeks Before the Move to Your 55+ Community

It’s time to confirm your target dates with the movers and the new property. Then:

• Pack your non-essential items, like seasonal clothing or gear for your hobbies.
• Make inquiries about utilities at your new location. Some may require deposits. 
• Continue donating unwanted furniture, pillows, and towels.

Be sure to label boxes clearly so you can easily unpack them. 

Four Weeks Before Your Move

At this point, some people discover they need storage. Perhaps you’ve been storing a vehicle for an enlisted family member, or you’d like to keep all your tools or crafting materials for your son or daughter.

Visit a few storage facilities and choose one that seems clean, secure, and well-lit. Also, make sure they have your new billing address and contact information. If you’re storing a vehicle for someone, inform them of the new location and provide them with a key.

“Do I Need Climate-Controlled Storage?”

That depends on what you’re planning to store. Items that benefit from climate-controlled storage include:

• Fine art
• Antiques
• Stamp collections
• Family photo collections
• Musical instruments
• Genuine furs
• Delicate furniture crafted of leather, wicker, or exotic woods

Pro tip: If your expensive art, jewelry, or stamp collection is insured, remember to notify your insurer about the move. Whether you’re bringing it to a new home or putting it in a climate-controlled storage unit, they need to know. They may need to write a separate “floater” for this item or add it to your new insurance policy at your new home.

Also, keep packing and labeling. By now, you should feel like a professional!

Two or Three Weeks Before the Move to Your 55+ Community

At this stage in the process, your current home is starting to look empty. You’ve moved the fine art, sold the extra vehicles, and donated clothes and bedding. But, you’ve kept out your most essential items, like clothes, grooming items, and pots and pans.

Now, it’s time to:

• Empty your freezer and defrost it
• Toss outdated foods
• Visit a food pantry if you have lots of canned goods, or give them to family

You’re almost done with prepping for the move to your 55+ community! You might feel like you’re living out of a suitcase, but this is an exciting time. 

One Week Before Your Move

Contact management at the 55+ community to finalize the date. We see target dates move very rarely, but it does happen. Once you’ve confirmed the date, contact the moving company again to finalize with them. 

Wrap up any loose ends by:

• Contacting your old utility companies and verifying a turn-off date
• Making sure utilities are on in your new home
• Turning in cable boxes, trash cans, recycling bins, or propane tanks

Pro tip: If you take any prescription medications, make a list of them and order refills now. After all, things can get hectic on moving day. You want to be prepared.

On Moving Day

You’ve worked hard these past months. Today, it’s all about managing the moving process. Keep an eye on the movers, ensure they have solid directions and a correct address—you’d be amazed at how often there is an error with the address—and stand by.

Lastly, conduct a final walkthrough of your old home to look for forgotten items. Then, try to arrive at your new place ahead of the movers so you can oversee the unloading. 

After the Move: Settling Into Your 55+ Community

Congratulations! You’ve made it to your new home. Once you verify all your utilities are on, it’s time to start unpacking, with essential items at the top of your list. Most people find the bathroom and kitchen most important, followed by bedding and clothing. 

Last but not least, take the time to enjoy the process. Decorate your new home any way you like. Get to know your neighbors and explore your new community. You’re going to love it here.