Planning a move to assisted living can feel overwhelming, but the right moving to assisted living checklist makes everything easier. This guide walks you through what to bring, what to handle before the move, and who to notify, so you can stay organized and confident. If you are exploring options in Wisconsin, Great Lakes Senior Living is here to help with compassionate guidance, a welcoming community, and thoughtful support every step of the way.

Why a Checklist Matters

A thorough assisted living checklist does more than keep you on track. It reduces stress, prevents last-minute surprises, and ensures your loved one has everything needed for a safe and comfortable transition. It also helps families coordinate responsibilities and timelines so the move feels smooth and supportive.

About Great Lakes Senior Living

Great Lakes Senior Living is a trusted provider of senior care in Wisconsin, with communities in Beloit, Milton, and Waterford. Since opening the first location in Milton in 2001, Great Lakes Senior Living has expanded thoughtfully while maintaining a strong commitment to quality. Each community is Diamond Accredited by the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association, which reflects consistent excellence in care and service.

Residents can choose from assisted living or specialized memory care, with access to friendly staff who treat every person with dignity and respect. The activities and lifestyle programs include stretch classes, arts and crafts, and social events designed to support physical, mental, and social wellness. The mission of Great Lakes Senior Living is to deliver compassionate care while empowering residents to live well, connect with others, and feel at home.

Locations include Beloit Senior Living & The Gardens at 2250 W Hart Rd, Beloit, WI 53511, Milton Senior Living at 600 W Sunset Dr, Milton, WI 53563, and Waterford Senior Living & Memory Care at 301 S. 6th St, Waterford, WI 53185.

Your Moving to Assisted Living Checklist: Timeline and Tasks

Use this moving to assisted living checklist to plan your transition with confidence. Customize it based on your needs and the specific community. The team at Great Lakes Senior Living can help you tailor this plan and answer questions along the way.

6 to 8 Weeks Before Moving

• Schedule a tour and assessment at your chosen Great Lakes Senior Living community.
• Confirm the apartment layout, measurements, and available amenities.
• Create a file for medical, legal, and financial documents, and determine who will manage them.
• Start downsizing by identifying items to keep, donate, sell, or gift.
• Choose a move-in date and coordinate with family members or movers.
• Discuss care needs, medication management, and dining preferences with the community team.

4 to 5 Weeks Before Moving

• Order furniture or adaptive equipment if needed. Measure to ensure it fits the new space.
• Meet with your primary care provider to update medical records and prescriptions.
• Arrange mail forwarding through the postal service.
• Notify banks, insurance providers, and any pension or retirement plans of the new address.
• Gather personal memorabilia for decorating, such as photos, favorite blankets, and keepsakes.
• Set up or transfer phone and TV services if the community requires it.

2 to 3 Weeks Before Moving

• Confirm all community paperwork, including admission forms and care plans, are signed.
• Label important items and organize boxes by room or category.
• Prepare a three-week supply of medications, along with a printed medication list.
• Pack seasonal clothing, everyday outfits, and comfortable shoes.
• Dispose of hazardous items that cannot be moved, such as cleaning chemicals or expired medications.
• Decide what sentimental items will be displayed first to make the apartment feel like home.

1 Week Before Moving

• Pack a move-in day essentials bag with toiletries, two outfits, medications, glasses, hearing aids, chargers, and snacks.
• Confirm the move-in time and check parking or elevator access with the community.
• Review the care plan and confirm dining preferences and activity interests.
• Back up important phone contacts and jot down key numbers for quick reference.
• Double-check who will be present on moving day and what each person will handle.

Moving Day

• Walk through the apartment and review the maintenance checklist with staff.
• Arrange furniture for safety, clear walkways, and ensure easy access to the bathroom and bed.
• Unpack bedding, toiletries, medications, and lower dresser drawers first.
• Place familiar photos and keepsakes in visible areas to create comfort.
• Introduce your loved one to team members, neighbors, and the dining room.
• Share any last-minute care preferences with the Great Lakes Senior Living team.

First Week After Moving

• Attend a welcome orientation or community tour.
• Join one or two activities, such as stretch class or arts and crafts, to meet neighbors.
• Review the medication list and care plan with staff.
• Walk the community to learn routes to the dining room, library, and activity spaces.
• Invite family and friends to visit and help personalize the space.

What to Bring: Comfort, Safety, and Everyday Living

Start by confirming what is already provided in the apartment and what the community recommends. At Great Lakes Senior Living, our team helps you create a plan that balances comfort, safety, and personal style.

Important Documents

• Photo ID, health insurance cards, and Medicare or Medicaid cards
• Advance directives, power of attorney, and healthcare proxy
• Medication list and allergy list
• Emergency contact information
• Financial contact details for billing or benefits

Clothing and Personal Items

• Comfortable everyday outfits and shoes with good traction
• Seasonal layers, sweater, robe, and slippers
• Socks, undergarments, pajamas, and a light jacket
• Laundry bag or hamper
• Glasses, hearing aids with batteries, and dentures with cleaner

Bedding and Linens

• Sheets, pillows, and pillowcases
• Comforter or blanket in a preferred color or pattern
• Bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths
• Mattress protector if desired

Furniture and Decor

• Small sofa or favorite chair that fits the layout
• Nightstand with lamp and easy-to-reach storage
• Small dining table or desk if space allows
• Photos, artwork, and a clock with large numbers
• Non-slip rug or no rug depending on safety needs

Personal Care and Health Items

• Toiletries and grooming items
• Medications in original containers and a pill organizer if approved
• Walker, cane, or mobility aids
• Incontinence products if needed
• Blood pressure cuff, glucometer, or other approved equipment

Electronics and Connections

• Cell phone and charger, tablet, or e-reader
• TV with remote and labeled power strip
• Headphones for privacy
• List of streaming or cable login details

Hobbies and Comforts

• Books, puzzles, and crafts
• Knit or crochet supplies
• Small music player or radio
• Favorite snacks and labeled food-safe storage

What to Handle Before You Move

This section of your moving to assisted living checklist covers the tasks that help avoid delays or stress later.

Healthcare and Medications

• Transfer medical records to the new community and any new providers
• Update prescription delivery to the community-approved pharmacy if required
• Confirm allergy information and special diet needs
• Discuss mobility, fall risk, and any behavioral concerns with staff

Legal and Financial

• Ensure power of attorney, healthcare proxy, and advance directives are current
• Set up automatic payments for rent and services
• Notify Social Security, pension administrators, and banks of the address change
• Review insurance coverage, including long-term care or Medicare Advantage benefits

Home and Utilities

• Forward mail and update address with important contacts
• Cancel, pause, or transfer utilities, cable, and internet as needed
• Arrange home maintenance, cleaning, or real estate services
• Secure or rehome pets if they are not moving

Safety and Identity Protection

• Shred unneeded papers with personal information
• Store valuables and original documents in a secure location
• Create a simple list of logins for trusted family members

Who to Notify

Use this list to make sure you tell the right people and organizations about your move. The staff at Great Lakes Senior Living can provide guidance if you are unsure which agencies apply to your situation.

• Immediate family and caregivers
• Primary care provider, specialists, and dentist
• Pharmacy and durable medical equipment suppliers
• Social Security Administration and any pension providers
• Banking institutions, credit card companies, and financial planner
• Insurance companies, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care
• Veterans Affairs if applicable
• Attorney or elder law advisor
• Postal Service for mail forwarding
• Clubs, religious organizations, and community groups
• Subscription services, magazines, and memberships

Special Considerations for Memory Care Moves

If your loved one is moving into memory care, a calm, predictable plan makes a meaningful difference. Great Lakes Senior Living offers person-centered memory care designed to support safety, dignity, and engagement.

• Use a familiar routine on moving day and keep explanations simple and reassuring
• Bring comfort items such as a favorite quilt, family photo book, or a familiar music playlist
• Label drawers and closets with words and pictures
• Limit clutter and choose soft lighting that reduces shadows
• Share life stories and preferences with staff to personalize care
• Visit common areas together and meet neighbors slowly over several days

Downsizing Tips That Reduce Stress

Downsizing is easier when you start small and focus on meaningful items. These strategies help families make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.

• Sort by category, not by room, starting with clothes and linens
• Measure furniture before deciding what to bring
• Use the four-box method: keep, donate, sell, or gift
• Photograph memorabilia you cannot bring and create a small memory album
• Give family members first choice on items with sentimental value
• Schedule two-hour sorting blocks and take breaks

Safety and Accessibility Essentials

Personalizing the apartment is important, but safety comes first. These simple adjustments reduce falls and increase comfort.

• Use nightlights in the bedroom, bathroom, and hallway
• Keep walkways clear and avoid loose rugs
• Place frequently used items at waist height to reduce bending
• Choose a chair with firm support and arms for easy transfers
• Label chargers and cords
• Ask staff to review the room for accessibility and safety

How Great Lakes Senior Living Supports Your Move

From the first visit to the first week after move-in, Great Lakes Senior Living provides guidance, communication, and care. Our team is here to deliver a smooth transition and a warm welcome.

• Pre-move assessment to personalize care and services
• Apartment measurements and layout guidance
• Coordination with physicians and pharmacies
• Flexible move-in scheduling and day-of support
• Medication management and wellness checks
• Orientation to dining, activities, and community spaces
• Dedicated memory care programming for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s