Moving day is emotional and chaotic. The last thing you need is to show up with stuff you can't use or forget something important.
Here's what to actually bring—and what to leave home.
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Clothing: Keep It Simple
Bring:
7-10 days worth of comfortable, easy-to-put-on clothesElastic waist pants (no buttons or zippers if possible)Slip-on shoes (non-slip soles)Cardigan or light jacket (rooms can be cold)Underwear and socks (more than you think you need)Pajamas or nightgowns (easy to change)Robe and slippersDon't bring:
Expensive jewelryComplicated outfits that require help to put onShoes with laces (unless they can tie them themselves)Dry-clean-only clothesWhite clothes (they'll get stained)Clothes that are hard to washPro tips:
Label EVERYTHING with a permanent marker or iron-on labelsStick to machine-washable fabricsSkip anything you'd be devastated to loseDark colors hide stains better---
Personal Items: Make It Feel Like Home
Bring:
Photos in frames (not glass—use plastic frames)Small blanket or throw from homeFavorite pillowA few small decorationsClock (digital, easy to read)CalendarRadio or small TV (check if facility allows)Books, magazines, or puzzles they enjoyDon't bring:
Valuable or irreplaceable itemsAnything glass or breakableLarge furniture (rooms are small)Too much stuff (there's limited space)Why this matters:
Familiar items reduce confusion and make the room feel less institutional. But keep it minimal—too much clutter is overwhelming.
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Toiletries and Personal Care
Bring:
Toothbrush and toothpasteDenture supplies (if needed)Hairbrush or combShampoo and body wash (unscented, gentle)Lotion (unscented—many residents are sensitive)Electric razor (safer than blades)DeodorantChapstickTissuesDon't bring:
Expensive skincare products (they'll get mixed up or used by someone else)Aerosol cans (often not allowed)Sharp razors or scissorsNail polish remover (flammable)Note: Many facilities provide basic toiletries, but having familiar brands can be comforting.
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Medical and Legal Documents
Bring copies of:
Insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid, private)List of current medicationsList of allergiesDoctor contact informationEmergency contactsPower of attorney documentsAdvanced directives (DNR, living will)Social Security card or numberKeep originals at home. Give the facility copies, not originals.
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Medications
Do NOT bring medications from home.
The facility will order and manage all medications. Bringing your own causes confusion and safety issues.
What to do:
Give the facility a complete list of current medsBring pill bottles so they can see dosagesLet the facility pharmacy handle it from there---
Electronics
Check facility policy first. Some allow personal electronics, others don't.
If allowed, bring:
Cell phone and chargerTablet or laptop (if they use it)TV (small, if allowed)Radio or CD playerHeadphonesDon't bring:
Extension cords (fire hazard—usually not allowed)Space heaters or fans (fire hazard)Coffee makers or appliances (fire hazard)Anything valuable that could get stolenReality check: Electronics often get lost, broken, or stolen. Don't bring anything you can't afford to replace.
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Money and Valuables
Bring:
Small amount of cash ($20-40 for vending machines, outings)Checkbook (if they manage their own money)Don't bring:
Credit cardsExpensive jewelryWatches over $50Collectibles or antiquesLarge amounts of cashWhy:
Things go missing. It's not always theft—sometimes it's confusion, mix-ups, or residents with dementia taking things.
If they have valuable jewelry, leave it home or put it in the facility's safe (if available).
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What the Facility Provides
Most nursing homes provide:
Bed, mattress, pillowsLinens and towelsToilet paper, soap, paper towelsMedical equipment (wheelchair, walker, etc.)Basic cable TV (sometimes)Ask before buying:
Check what's included before you go shopping. You might not need as much as you think.
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Special Considerations for Dementia
If your loved one has dementia:
Bring:
Familiar objects from home (helps with orientation)Family photo albumMusic they loveSimple activities (large-piece puzzles, coloring books)Don't bring:
Anything they could choke on (small objects)Valuable items (they might give them away or hide them)Complicated electronics (they won't remember how to use them)---
Moving Day Tips
Before you go:
Label everythingTake photos of what you're bringing (in case anything goes missing)Make a list of what you packedWhen you arrive:
Unpack togetherArrange things how they like themPut photos where they can see them from bedLabel drawers (if needed)First week:
Check in daily (or as often as possible)See what they actually need (you'll learn as you go)Bring forgotten items---
What People Always Forget
1. Phone charger (always)
2. Reading glasses (critical)
3. Hearing aid batteries
4. Comfortable slippers
5. Favorite snacks (check if allowed)
6. Address book (for staying in touch)
7. Stamps and envelopes (if they write letters)
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The Bottom Line
Less is more. You can always bring more stuff later.
Focus on comfort, familiarity, and practical items. Skip the valuables and breakables.
And remember: the room doesn't have to be perfect on day one. Give it time.