Before you choose a move date
- Talk with your parent and any siblings or caregivers. Agree on who is making decisions and who is handling which tasks.
- Tour communities in person. Visit at different times of day if you can, and ask about move-in policies while you’re there.
- Ask the community for a floor plan and room measurements. Ask what furniture is allowed and what is already provided.
- Get the move-in rules in writing. Many communities have specific move-in hours, elevator reservations, and parking or loading dock rules.
- Ask what you should plan for around healthcare. Medication management and care plans are usually set up by the community, so confirm the timing with their staff.
Four to six weeks before
- Decide what comes and what goes. Use the room measurements to choose the main furniture, then sort the rest. Our step-by-step downsizing guide can help.
- Plan for comfort items. Favorite chair, bedding, photos, a familiar clock or lamp, and a few meaningful keepsakes go a long way.
- Label with care. Mark furniture and boxes with the room name at the new place. Mark anything fragile or valuable.
- Request a written moving quote. Ask for the full price before you book. With New Horizons Moving, you review the quote first and there are no hidden fees. Here’s how we explain what goes into the cost of a move.
- Reserve your move date and any elevator or loading time with the community. Popular weekdays and the end of the month can fill up, so book early.
One to two weeks before
- Pack the non-essentials. Off-season clothing, extra linens, books, and decor can go first.
- Set aside a personal essentials bag. Medications, glasses, hearing aids, chargers, IDs, important papers, and a change of clothes should travel with a family member, not on the truck.
- Update the address. Mail, banks, Medicare and insurance, pharmacy, doctors, and any recurring services all need the new address.
- Confirm details with the movers. Share the community’s rules, contact person, and move-in window.
- Plan for the old home. If it’s being sold or rented, coordinate cleaning and any remaining items before keys change hands.
Moving day
- Have a family member with your parent. If possible, arrange for your parent to be at the new place while the crew loads and unloads, or to spend the day with someone who is comfortable and calm.
- Meet the crew and walk them through the plan. Point out fragile and sentimental items and show where furniture will go.
- Set up the bedroom first. Make the bed, set out a favorite blanket, and hang a few photos. This makes the first night easier.
- Check in with community staff. Introduce yourself and confirm the next steps for settling in.
After the move
- Unpack what matters most first. Kitchen basics, bathroom, and the familiar items in the living area.
- Visit often in the first weeks. Familiar faces help a new place feel like home.
- Follow up on any loose ends. Returns, donation drop-offs, and the empty house can wait a few days.
How New Horizons Moving helps
Our crew handles senior moves with patience and a steady pace. We protect furniture during loading and transport, carry everything with care, and put furniture back together at the new address. We can also pack and unpack, and we’re happy to coordinate directly with community staff about move-in times and building access. Learn more about our
Senior Moving services.
