Items to Bring When Moving to a Retirement Community

Once you’ve made the decision to move to a retirement community like Park Place of St. John, the next big step is deciding what to bring with you and what to leave behind. This task can be overwhelming. How can you condense a lifetime of memories into your new apartment? What will be provided for me, and what will I need to provide for myself? Here are some ideas to help:

​​​​Household Items

Bring the furniture and decorations that make your apartment your home! This includes personal furniture, like a bed, your favorite recliner, a television or two—whatever makes you feel comfortable. How much furniture you bring depends on your floor plan. No kitchen appliances are needed—your apartment will come furnished with all you’ll need. Besides your refrigerator, stove, and oven, all apartments also come with a microwave and dishwasher. However, you should bring your own dishes, glasses, silverware, bakeware, and serving platters.

You should also bring little items you will use regularly. These can be small items, such as pillows and bedding, an alarm clock, a flashlight, and other handy household items. Your unit will have a washer and dryer right in your apartment, so bring a laundry basket or hamper and laundry detergent. You’ll also want to bring larger items, such as wastebaskets, a telephone, and lamps. Housekeeping is provided every other week, so we suggest you bring basic house cleaning products for that in-between time as well.

Personal Care Products

You will want to have all your favorite toiletries and hygiene products that you’re used to using. Bring your favorite shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, shaving products—whatever you typically use. Don’t forget to bring any healthcare items as well: your vitamins, bandages, prescription medicine (in the original bottle), and over-the-counter medicine you want on hand.

Necessary Documents

Even if you have family members who hang on to these documents for you, you’ll want to bring at least a photocopy of these on the day you sign your lease: your social security card; any insurance cards, including private insurance, Medicare, prescription medication card, or other supplemental insurance card; and your driver’s license or state identification card.

Just remember—this is your home! You can personalize it in so many ways, and we want you to feel comfortable here. And if this list of items seems overwhelming, and you’re concerned you may forget something, don’t worry; that’s what our shopping trips are for!