You raised your family in your home and have fond memories of friends and loved ones passing in and out of its doors. It is natural to feel overwhelmed and emotional at the prospect of moving into an assisted living facility. Here are four ways you can make moving easier for yourself and gracefully enter this new chapter in your life.

Make a Plan

A lot of the anxiety and stress about moving comes from not having an idea of where to start. Get your big decisions out of the way first. For instance, decide whether you will need professional help to pack and move or just require a UHaul on Moving Day. Make a timeline of errands you need to get done and put up daily to-do lists on the fridge.

Rely on The Emotional Support of Your Family

It helps to know that someone cares about how you’re feeling. Involve your family in your move as much as possible, whether it’s for help packing or simply to keep you company. A good idea is to call family over for a day to sort through memorabilia. You can all enjoy a walk down memory lane together as a family.

Take Control

You may not be physically up to every aspect of moving but make sure you’re in charge of decisions like what you’re going to take to your new living arrangements and what items you want to have with you. Often, well-meaning family members or children will try to convince you to do things the way they see fit. Listen to them but remind them firmly that it is you who has the final say.

Make Your Peace with Downsizing

This might be the most difficult part of moving. However, try to envision whether your things will fit into your new room. Giving keepsakes to family, holding a yard sale for your community or donating to Goodwill are some ways to downsize and prepare for the move. If you can’t part with some things, come up with ways where you can keep the memory but let go of the object. Old photographs can be digitized and favorite clothing can be made into a quilt.