What to Pack When Moving Your Parent into a Care Home

Topic cluster: Life in a Care Home | Reading time: 5 min

Moving a parent into a care home involves careful packing — but also making thoughtful choices about what will genuinely make their room feel like home. This guide provides a comprehensive checklist for what to pack, what to leave, and how to help your parent settle into their new space.

How Much Space Will There Be?

Care home rooms are typically furnished and equipped with a bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, and often a chair and small table. Room sizes vary — many are approximately 12–15 square metres. Your parent will have their own space but it is modest, so prioritise items that provide the most comfort and personal meaning.

Ask the care home in advance:

What furniture is already in the room?
Can I bring extra furniture (an armchair, small bookcase)?
Are there height restrictions or safety considerations for furniture?
Is there a TV in the room already?

Clothing

Pack enough clothing for approximately 2 weeks between laundry. Clothing in care homes should be practical and easy to put on and take off.

Clothing checklist:

☐ Comfortable, loose-fitting everyday clothes (7–10 outfits)
☐ Comfortable underwear (7–10 pairs)
☐ Socks (10–14 pairs — they go missing easily)
☐ Nightwear / pyjamas (3–4 sets)
☐ Dressing gown
☐ Slippers with non-slip soles
☐ Outdoor shoes and indoor shoes
☐ Cardigan or warm layer for cooler rooms
☐ One or two smarter outfits for special occasions or family visits
☐ Seasonal clothing (light layers for summer; warm coat, scarf for winter outings)

Label everything. Most care homes require clothing to be labelled with the resident's name. Iron-on labels or laundry markers work well. Some families use a labelling service — name tapes are available online.

Personal Care and Toiletries

☐ Toothbrush and toothpaste
☐ Shampoo and conditioner (preferred brand)
☐ Body wash or soap
☐ Deodorant
☐ Razor or electric shaver
☐ Hairbrush / comb
☐ Hair dryer (if they use one — ask the home about electrical item policies)
☐ Nail scissors / file
☐ Moisturiser (preferred brand — familiar smells provide comfort)
☐ Perfume or aftershave
☐ Lip balm
☐ Tissues

Medications

The care home will typically take over medication management. Before moving in:

Provide a current medication list with dosages
Bring the original medication bottles or pharmacy bags
Check whether the care home uses a monitored dosing system (MDS) and whether the GP needs to change the prescription format

Do not leave unused or expired medications in the room.

Personal Items to Make the Room Feel Like Home

This is where the real difference is made. Familiar objects, meaningful photographs, and personal touches transform a room from institutional to individual.

☐ Framed photographs of family, friends, places that matter
☐ A favourite ornament or decorative item
☐ Cushion or throw from home
☐ Books, magazines, or large-print reading material
☐ A clock (analogue — easier for many older people to read)
☐ A radio or music player loaded with favourite music
☐ A tablet or laptop (if they use one) for video calls and entertainment
☐ Playing cards, puzzles, or a favourite hobby item
☐ A life story book or photo album (invaluable for dementia residents)

Practical Essentials

☐ Hearing aid and spare batteries
☐ Glasses (including a spare pair)
☐ Dentures and cleaning products
☐ Walking aid (stick, frame) — labelled
☐ Phone (mobile or landline), charged and with key contacts saved
☐ Phone charger
☐ Small amount of cash for incidentals (hairdresser, activities)
☐ TV remote (if bringing their own TV)

What to Leave at Home

Valuable jewellery or sentimental items that cannot be replaced
Large sums of cash
Medication not listed on the current prescription
Items that could pose a safety risk (sharp implements, hazardous substances)

If your parent has jewellery they want to keep with them, ask the care home about their security arrangements.

On the Day

Moving day is emotionally significant — for you and your parent. Keep it calm, take it at your parent's pace, and focus on making the room feel personal and welcoming before you leave.

Don't try to unpack everything in one visit. Come back over the next few days to add finishing touches and adjust what isn't working.

Finding the right care home? homeformum.com helps families search, compare, and arrange care home placements across the UK.