When It’s Time to Move: A Guide for Seniors Transitioning to Assisted Living

For many seniors and their families, deciding to move into assisted living is one of life’s biggest transitions, and once that decision is made, the next steps can feel overwhelming.

Between sorting through a lifetime of belongings, preparing a home for sale, and handling the logistics of a move, it’s easy to feel unsure where to start.

That’s where The Gallivan Group at Keller Williams Realty in Champaign-Urbana comes in. Our experienced, compassionate real estate team has guided countless local families through this process. helping them simplify, organize, and move forward with peace of mind.

Step 1: Start with a Clear Plan

Once the new assisted living community and move-in date are confirmed, it’s time to create a plan for what comes next.

Break the process into manageable milestones:
✅ Sort and pack personal belongings
✅ Prepare the home for listing
✅ Schedule the sale and closing
✅ Coordinate moving day logistics

Having a clear timeline helps everyone stay organized and reduces last-minute stress.

💡 Pro tip: Work backward from the move-in date, it helps determine when to begin packing, cleaning, and scheduling showings.

Step 2: Declutter and Downsize with Care

Every home holds decades of memories, and sorting through them can be both emotional and freeing. Focus on what truly matters and find thoughtful ways to handle the rest:

• Preserve keepsakes, photos, and sentimental items
• Donate furniture or clothing to local organizations like Salt & Light or Habitat for Humanity ReStore
• Gift family heirlooms or meaningful items to loved ones
• Sell select items through local estate sales or consignment shops

If needed, professional organizers in the Champaign-Urbana area can assist with senior moves and downsizing, offering a gentle, efficient approach to simplifying.

Step 3: Prepare the Home for Market

Even the most loved homes can benefit from a few updates before going on the market. The Gallivan Group specializes in helping seniors make smart, cost-effective improvements that attract buyers without unnecessary stress.

We often recommend:

• Fresh paint in light, neutral tones
• Simple landscaping and curb appeal touch-ups
• Professional cleaning or light staging
• Minor repairs (door handles, faucets, lights)

Our team can also connect you with trusted local vendors, painters, cleaners, stagers, and movers, to make the process as easy as possible.

Step 4: Partner with a Real Estate Team That Understands Senior Moves

Selling a longtime family home isn’t just about contracts, it’s about care, trust, and understanding.

At The Gallivan Group, we provide hands-on support tailored to senior moves and family coordination, including:

• Compassionate communication with both the homeowner and out-of-town family members
• End-to-end coordination with attorneys, title companies, and moving services
• Customized marketing for Champaign-Urbana and surrounding Central Illinois communities
• Transparent guidance through pricing, inspections, and negotiations

We handle the details so you can focus on what matters most, your loved one’s comfort and transition.

Step 5: Plan the Move Smoothly

As the closing date approaches, it’s time to handle the moving logistics.

• Schedule movers experienced with senior relocations
• Label boxes clearly by room
• Keep essential items (medications, paperwork, valuables) in a separate bag
• Coordinate directly with the assisted living community for move-in day

Many local communities, such as Windsor of Savoy, Carriage Crossing of Champaign, Bickford of Champaign, and Evergreen Senior Living, offer move-in support and can help make the day seamless.

Step 6: Celebrate the New Chapter

Moving out of a longtime home can be emotional, but it’s also a beautiful new beginning. Once your loved one is settled, encourage them to join activities, meet neighbors, and make their new space feel like home.

For families, take pride in knowing you’ve helped make a meaningful, supported transition possible.

A Message from The Gallivan Group

At The Gallivan Group at Keller Williams Realty, we’re more than Realtors, we’re trusted partners in life’s biggest transitions. Our team brings decades of experience helping Central Illinois families navigate home sales connected to senior moves, estates, and relocations.

We serve Champaign, Urbana, Savoy, Mahomet, Tolono, and surrounding areas, offering full-service real estate support from consultation to closing day.

📞 Ready to start the next step?
Visit thegallivangroup.com or call 217-202-5999 to schedule your free home consultation today.