Find things that make them happy. If your loved one is moving into an assisted living community, go online to find activity calendars and point out amenities they’ll enjoy.Re-create routines. If your parents regularly attend worship services, help them in advance to select a congregation to welcome them.Or, if your art-loving mom is moving to a new town, see if a local senior center offers painting classes or if a museum is looking for volunteer docents. Focus on positives of the new living situation. If your loved one is moving to assisted living, emphasize that they can relax knowing most chores, like laundry, will be taken care of for them.If a prized possession just can’t fit in their new space, see if a family member or friend will accept it.Ģ. Gift to family and friends. It’s easier to give away items when they’re going to a good home.Donating well-loved items to charities can bring a sense of moral purpose that makes letting go of things easier. Offer to help sort items into “give away” and “keep” piles, and gently suggest changes. Take time to help your parent decide which things they own that are no longer useful or don’t bring them joy. Help make tough decisions. Unimportant things can seem essential if your loved one has been in their house for years.

This will help them ease into the moving process with a clear sense of accomplishment. Suggest your loved one start with a room with low sentimental value, such as a bathroom or guest suite.

Start small. Trying to deal with an entire move at once can feel overwhelming, especially when that move involves possessions acquired over a lifetime.

My senior checklist