Packing Checklist By Room For Senior Living (and Helpful Tips!)

Moving to a senior living community signals a fresh start. However, packing can feel overwhelming. You’re likely downsizing your living space, which takes thoughtful planning. We suggest that you take your time while packing and focus on bringing the things that make life comfortable and joyful.

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Helpful Packing Tips

• Measure your new space: Ask for a floor plan or take measurements of your new apartment to avoid bringing too much or too little furniture. Aim for comfort, not clutter.
• Ask for help: Invite family or friends to assist or hire movers who specialize in downsizing.
• Take it one room at a time: Pack room by room to avoid stress.
• Purge what you don’t need: This is the perfect time to let go of things you no longer use. Donate, gift, or discard anything that doesn’t serve your daily life or bring you joy.
• Label everything: Use sturdy boxes and label with your name, apartment number, and destination room.
• Make a first-night bag: Include medications, pajamas, toiletries, and anything you’ll need right away.

What NOT to Pack

• Too many decorative items or collectibles 
• Throw rugs, loose carpets, or art that sits on the floor (trip hazards)
• Oversized or unstable furniture
• Duplicates of items (only keep what you use)
• Old paperwork or boxes of stored items you won’t need daily
• Glass-top tables
• Furniture or chairs on wheels

RELATED READING: What NOT to Pack for Senior Living

Living/Family Room

Note: Most skilled nursing communities do not offer living room spaces. If you are moving into this kind of community, skip this section.

Comfortable seating (sofa, loveseat, or recliner)

Coffee table

End table

Entertainment center (if space allows)

TV and remote (and hardware for mounting, if applicable)

Desk and chair

Lamp

Curtains

Kitchen/Dining Room

Note: Most skilled nursing and some assisted living communities don’t provide kitchens or dining rooms. If you are moving into those communities, skip this section. 

Small kitchen table and chairs

Plates, bowls, cups, mugs, and silverware

Food storage and microwave containers

Cooking utensils

Coffee maker (check what’s allowed)

Toaster oven (check what’s allowed)

Microwave (check what’s allowed)

Pantry items, including coffee, tea, snacks, etc.

Kitchen towels

Trash can and garbage bags

Dish soap and sponge

Kitchen cleaning supplies

Bedroom

Bed frame and mattress (if applicable)

Nightstand

Dresser

Comfortable chair

Clothes hamper

Sheets, blankets, pillows, and mattress pad

Alarm clock

Reading lamp

Nightlight

Trash can and garbage bags

Curtains

Bathroom

Toothbrush and soap holder (if not provided)

Bath towels and washcloths

Non-slip bath mat and/or shower chair (if not provided)

Hair styling and shaving tools

Toilet paper

Cleaning supplies

Toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.

Trash can and garbage bags

Personal Items

Comfortable everyday clothing

Outerwear

Accessories

Shoes

Hearing aids

Glasses

Photographs and keepsakes

Current medication

Medical paperwork and records

Legal paperwork and records

Mobility aids, like a cane or walker

Other

Outdoor furniture (if applicable)

Decor including artwork, plants, clocks, or a mirror

Laundry basket and supplies

Hangers

File cabinet or lock box

Safe

Laptop, desktop computer, tablet, and/or printer

Small fan(s)

Electronics, including phone chargers, power strips, and remotes

Stationary, envelopes, and stamps

Books, puzzles, crafts, and other hobby supplies

Lightweight vacuum cleaner or dustbuster 

At Kisco, we believe life should feel enriching at every age. When you move into your community, you’ll enjoy comfort, connection, and personalized care. Have questions about what to pack? Your Kisco community team is always happy to help guide you. Contact us today to plan a life made just for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: Information provided above may vary by community. We encourage you to speak directly with each Senior Living community to confirm specific details and ensure the community is the right fit for your individual needs and preferences.