Checklist for Moving Elderly Parents to Assisted Living

Moving a loved one into assisted living can be both emotionally and logistically challenging. At Advanced Moving in Sioux Falls, we understand the sensitivities involved and aim to make this transition as smooth as possible. Here’s our 12‑step checklist designed to guide you through the process with compassion, clarity, and care.



1. Start Planning Early

• Identify local assisted living options and schedule property tours to compare facility amenities, floor plans, and care levels.
  
  
• Research lease terms, costs, and move-in requirements well in advance.
  
  
• Mark key dates—visit, notice to current landlord (if applicable), and moving day—on a shared calendar.
  
  

Advanced Moving offers pre-move consultations to help you create a realistic timeline and checklist that aligns with facility requirements.

2. Declutter Jointly and Sensitively

• Go through belongings together, honoring memories while deciding what’s essential.
  
  
• Use "Keep," "Donate," "Sell," and "Recycle" boxes to sort items.
  
  
• Measure furniture dimensions and confirm what will fit and be allowed at the new residence.
  
  

For additional help, see our article on what to do with stuff you don’t want to move. And if there’s not enough room for items you do want to hold onto, we offer flexible, climate-controlled storage.

3. Prioritize Important & Sentimental Items

• Pack necessary documents (IDs, insurance, medical records) in a clearly labeled folder.
  
  
• Select sentimental keepsakes—photos, letters, heirlooms—your parent wants to keep near.
  
  
• Measure entryways and elevators at both locations to ensure safe transfers.
  
  

We offer specialty moving services for fragile keepsakes and help position them carefully at the new assisted living space.

4. Organize Medical & Daily Essentials

• Pack a moving-day essentials bag with medications, daily care items, and a couple of change-of-clothes sets.
  
  
• Identify any mobility aids (walkers, shower chairs, etc.) and ensure they're in working order.
  
  
• Label storage bins by room or function (e.g., “Bedroom – Nightstand Items”).
  
  

With our packing services, we can pre-label essentials and create a smooth flow of unpacking at the new place.

5. Coordinate With the Assisted Living Community

• Check what packing materials, belongings, or furniture are allowed.
  
  
• Ask if movers will need special arrival times, preferred routes, or loading docks.
  
  
• Communicate with staff about your loved one’s preferences and schedule.
  
  

We’ll sync with the facility's logistics—elevator scheduling, access points, and specific rules—to make move-in seamless.

6. Schedule Helpers and Child/Pet Care

• Plan for childcare or pet care to create a calm household distraction.
  
  
• Invite a close friend or family member to be with your parent while movers are active.
  
  
• Keep the home calm and supportive.
  
  

If needed, we can offer off-hours move scheduling for quieter, less stressful transitions.

7. Label Everything Clearly

• Use large, easy-to-read labels with room names and contents.
  
  
• Consider color-coding to differentiate categories (e.g., brown – personal, blue – bedding).
  
  
• Create an inventory list to track boxes and high-value items.
  
  

If using our packing service, we follow best practices for clear labeling and can assist with inventory reports upon request.

8. Pack Thoughtfully

• Secure fragile items with proper padding and sturdy boxes.
  
  
• Break down bulky furniture when possible, storing hardware in zip-top bags labeled by piece.
  
  
• Use quality moving blankets and wrapping materials for protection.
  
  

Our professional loading team ensures all items—especially delicate or bulky ones—are protected and handled with care.

9. Moving Day: Keep Your Parent Comfortable

• Confine your parent in a familiar room with soft music or personal items.
  
  
• Give them light snacks and schedule medication doses carefully.
  
  
• Communicate calmly: reassure them of your presence and the plan.
  
  

Our compassionate movers are trained to be gentle, sensitive, and patient around seniors—always maintaining clear communication.

10. Unpacking & Placement Matters

• Set up the bedroom first: bed, favorite chair, and easy-access essentials.
  
  
• Create a cozy environment with just a few familiar items—then add more over the following days.
  
  
• Assist with hooking up medical equipment or mobility aids.
  
  

Advanced Moving offers unpacking services as well, including furniture placement, debris removal, and cleanup—for a clean, welcoming environment right away.

11. Remove Packing Debris Promptly

• Seniors may trip over discarded materials—remove cardboard and packaging immediately.
  
  
• Dispose of trash and recyclable materials, and drop off donations of unneeded items if you haven’t already.
  
  

12. Follow-Up & Future Support

• Check in after move-in day to ensure items were placed comfortably.
  
  
• Facilitate transfers of any late arrivals such as seasonal decor or last-minute personal touches.
  
  
• Evaluate lingering items and plan for donation or storage.
  
  

Whatever the future need—additional unloading, rearranging, or storage—we’re just a call away to assist.

Why Families in Sioux Falls Trust Advanced Moving for Assisted Living Moves

• Over 30 years of experience in sensitive, careful relocations
  
  
• Family-owned, fully licensed and insured—for peace of mind
  
  
• Specialty handling of fragile items, antiques, medical equipment, and keepsakes
  
  
• Flexible services: full service, partial packing, labor-only, or simply transport
  
  
• Local community focus, especially familiar with assisted living facilities in Sioux Falls
  
  

Final Thoughts

Moving elderly parents into assisted living is more than transporting items—it’s about preserving dignity, safety, and comfort. Let this checklist guide you, and trust Advanced Moving in Sioux Falls to support each step with compassion and expertise.

Ready to ease the move for your loved one?
Contact Advanced Moving today for a free, customized moving quote and peace of mind during this life transition.