4 Best Practices When Moving to Independent Living in Auburn, IN

Preparing to move to a new home can be a difficult process, but when you’re getting ready to begin your independent living journey, it should be an exciting time – not a stressful one! 

You’re about to enter a new chapter with opportunities to enhance your wellness, lifestyle and happiness within a fulfilling and engaging environment. At Astral at Auburn, our independent living community in Auburn, Indiana, is truly a hometown community with plenty of heart. We’ve created a place where life begins again!

However, there are still plenty of affairs to get in order before making the official move to an independent living community – so where do you begin? Here are some best practices to implement before you transition into your new independent living lifestyle. 

1. Prepare to Downsize – Early!

During any moving situation, whether to a new house or community, downsizing is key to ensure you’ll be able to start fresh in your new living space without excessive clutter. Plus, downsizing is a great way to determine which of your belongings hold a strong meaning in your life – not to mention downsizing can make packing a much simpler process. 

Before you start to make a “donate” or “give away” pile, here are some essentials that you should already be planning to take with you:

• Important Documents: emergency contacts and legal documents like a will, testament or living trust.
• Healthcare Necessities: medications, insurance information and any other supplies that you might require.
• Sentimental Items: photo albums, family heirlooms or other cherished mementos.

2. Crunch the Numbers

It’s natural to feel a bit apprehensive about moving to a new community, but perhaps you start to feel uncertain regarding the cost of living at your chosen independent living community. As a result, many older adults choose to remain in their private residences as they believe it is a more financially stable option. 

However, once you calculate your monthly costs in your current living space and factor in the potential need for additional care, repairs, etc., you’ll quickly notice how everything adds up to a large sum. 

When you move to your independent living community, you can expect to trade in these expenses for one monthly fee, including housekeeping and maintenance services, dining, transportation and plenty of amenities and activities. 

In addition, communities like Astral at Auburn offer higher levels of care for residents should they need support in the future.

3. Get to Know the Staff, Residents and Community

Once you’ve chosen the ideal community for your lifestyle, it’s a good idea to reach out to your future neighbors and team members. By connecting with those who live and work within your new community, you’ll be able to increase your own comfort level and blend seamlessly into your new lifestyle.

Ask community staff if there are any groups or social events you can attend before your move, whether it’s a happy hour or meal in the community dining room, to introduce yourself and interact with residents. This is also an excellent way to get a feel for your community’s activity schedule ahead of time!

4. Give Yourself Time to Transition

Moving is one of the most stressful events a person can go through, so it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to plan and prepare so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Be sure to give yourself as much time as you need to acclimate to your new surroundings, and ask the staff and fellow residents for support if you feel comfortable doing so. 

Otherwise, it’s a good idea to ask family and friends to keep up with a regular schedule of phone calls and visits so that you feel connected and supported during this exciting new journey. 

Most importantly, remember that this transition into your new senior living community is an exciting time where you’ll be able to explore new opportunities to enhance your lifestyle. 
An active, fulfilling lifestyle awaits you in Auburn, Indiana! Visit our website and see what our independent living community has to offer.