Moving into River Bend’s Retirement Community in Cascade, IA often means downsizing for those transitioning from larger homes or townhomes. If you’re considering new furniture, renting might be a practical choice. Here’s a guide to help you decide what to bring:
- Furniture Rental Options:
– Begin by selling or discarding your current furniture.
– Examine River Bend’s floor plans to identify what furniture you’d like to rent and from where.
Cort emphasizes the importance of well-maintained and convenient furniture, stating, “You take great care in maintaining the appearance of the ground, the quality of the service and the reputation of the community. Furniture that looks good and proves convenient is essential to the success of your community.”
- Essential Furnishings for Assisted Living Apartments:
– Bed with storage
– Nightstands
– Lamps
– Dressers
– Couch
– Chairs
– Area rug (Always check with the facility for any restrictions, such as fall hazard rugs.)
– Optional: Desk and dining table
– Personal touches: Consider adding plants or decorative chairs to fill room corners.
Storypoint.com recommends incorporating multipurpose furniture with extra storage for downsizing individuals. “If your loved one is downsizing, it’s a great idea to incorporate multipurpose pieces with extra storage. Consider a bed with storage drawers built into the bed frame or side tables that include clothing storage.”
- Consider Services Offered:
– Check the facilities for provided services like snow removal or lawn care to avoid unnecessary items like snow blowers or lawn mowers.
- Kitchen Items:
– Retain kitchen items in good condition that you prefer not to rent.
– Consider gifting larger kitchenware and keep smaller dishes, glasses, and plates.
- Clothing and Personal Items:
– Review your wardrobe and donate or gift items you haven’t worn in a year.
– Keep in mind that closet space in retirement communities may be limited compared to what you’re accustomed to.
- Family Heirlooms and Unwanted Items:
– Pass down cherished family items to relatives.
– Discard or donate items that are no longer useful.
– Seek advice from family and friends when deciding what to keep or discard.
Moving to an assisted living facility is a significant transition. By carefully selecting essential items and seeking advice when needed, you can create a comfortable and personalized living space in your new home.
