If you or a loved one has decided that moving into a retirement community is the right decision for you, it is time to think about the moving process. Making the move into a retirement community often means downsizing, so as tempting as it is to bring everything you love into your new space, you and your loved one should thoroughly consider what you can realistically bring, what can be stored in storage spaces or kept with friends and family. Here are some tips to help you maximize the space you will have in senior living facilities in Tulsa, OK.
Pick the Right-Sized Furniture
If you are bringing your own furniture to the apartment, it is extremely important to note the size and dimensions of them to make sure that they fit nicely in the apartment. Trade bigger, bulkier furniture for simpler, smaller pieces like downsizing a king or queen bed to a twin. However, it is good to keep in mind that multiple small pieces can take up just as much room as a single bigger piece of furniture. For our Independent Senior Living, our apartments come fully furnished so that you or your loved one will not have to worry about moving and fitting furniture around.
Opt for Multi-Purpose Furniture
One of the best ways to maximize space is by including furniture with multiple uses. Some examples include storage ottomans, shelved headboards, or decorative trunk tables. These items serve a decorative purpose in addition to a functional one, maximizing space by providing extra hidden storage in style.
Avoid Buying in Bulk
While buying items in bulk can save on costs, it can also take up lots of space in your apartment. At our retirement community, we offer complimentary transportation regularly to malls, doctor’s appointments and more so you or your loved one will be able to buy what they need in appropriate amounts without much inconvenience. Additionally, our helpful team will be happy to help you or your loved one with purchasing necessities should you be unable to.
Organize Regularly
Regular spring cleaning can make a world of difference in maximizing space. Go through your drawers and closets and discard or donate any old items or simply things that you might not use or will not use anymore. It is recommended to reorganize the apartment at least twice a year, once in the spring and another time in the fall so that you can swap out winter and summer apparel to maximize space.
Avoid Singe-Use Gadgets
Single-use gadgets such as a hamburger press or an apple slicer can be convenient but also consume a lot of space. Instead, opt for multi-functional gadgets like a multi-cooker or a smart TV to replace old TVs that would require physical copies of DVDs to watch movies on.
Keep it Simple
Lastly, keep it simple. Moving into a retirement community is an opportunity to declutter and simplify your life. Sometimes less is more and you or your loved one might find life easier and more relaxing with lesser material items to worry about. Additionally, the support you receive daily will also help cut down on necessities that you need. For example, you might not need as many kitchen supplies if you are taking advantage of the freshly prepared meals we offer our residents three times a day.