Skip to Content
March 19, 2025 | Blog
Benedictine Living Community-St. Peter

It’s Not About What You Leave Behind—It’s About What You Bring With You

The Secret to Moving into a Senior Community Without Regret

You’ve spent decades creating a home filled with memories, laughter, and maybe even a little too much “stuff.” But here’s the truth—your best years aren’t behind you. They’re ahead of you. The question isn’t, Should I move to a senior community? The real question is, What kind of life do I want to create next?

The biggest fear seniors have about moving isn’t about the size of the apartment or the amenities—it’s the worry that they’ll lose a sense of who they are. But here’s a little secret: your life isn’t in the walls of your house—it’s in the stories you tell, the friendships you nurture, and the experiences you create.

And if you’re feeling stuck in the decision, there’s a reason why. Let’s talk about a powerful little shift in thinking that can help you make a move you’ll actually be excited about.

The Real Reason We Avoid Moving (And How to Overcome It)

One of the biggest reasons people resist change is commitment bias. We feel loyal to the choices we’ve made—our house, our stuff, even our daily routines—because they’ve shaped our identity. But what if moving to a senior community wasn’t about leaving things behind, but about making space for more?

So instead of thinking about what you’re giving up, think about what you’re gaining:

✔️ More time – No more home maintenance, snow shoveling, or fixing things that break.

✔️ More connection – Say goodbye to loneliness. Build friendships, share meals, and stay active.

✔️ More ease – No more worrying about “who will take care of me if something happens.”

The key is to shift from seeing moving as a loss to seeing it as an investment n investment in your future self.

Want to dive deeper into what independent living really looks like?

We’re hosting a Lunch and Learn at Heritage Meadows on June 18, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM, where you’ll get an inside look at community living, meet others just like you, and enjoy a delicious breakfast on us. RSVP today by clicking here https://sptr.benedictineliving.org/LunchandLearn

Call (507) 931-8545 or email lindsay.karpinsky@benedictineliving.org!

The #1 Moving Hack: Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff

Author Matt Paxton, in Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff, gives one of the most freeing pieces of advice: “Your memories aren’t in your things. They’re in you.”

One of the biggest hang-ups people have when considering independent living is what to do with all their belongings—and let’s be honest, downsizing feels overwhelming. But here’s the trick:

● Don’t focus on what you’re getting rid of—focus on what you’re keeping.

● Keep the things that tell your story, not the things collecting dust.

● Pass items on to people who will truly use and appreciate them.

Think of it this way: Your next home should be a reflection of your best years, not a storage unit for your past.

The Reality Check: Why “Waiting” Might Be the Biggest Mistake

Most seniors say they’ll move “when the time is right.” But let’s be honest—that usually means “when I have no other choice.”

Here’s the harsh truth: waiting too long takes the choice away from you.

● If you wait until your health forces the decision, you might not get to choose where you live.

● If you wait until you “feel ready,” you might miss out on years of fun, friendships, and stress-free living.

The best time to move is when you’re still active enough to enjoy everything a community offers.

👉 Want to know if independent living is right for you? Come visit. Have a meal, meet people, and experience the lifestyle firsthand. No pressure. No commitment. Just a chance to see if this next chapter is the one you want to write.

📞 Schedule a personal tour today!

Final Thought: A Challenge for You

Take one small action today that moves you closer to the life you say you want.

✅ Make a list of what you’d gain by moving.

✅ Schedule a tour of a senior community.

✅ Call a friend who has already made the move and ask what they love about it.

Your future isn’t waiting for you to feel ready. It’s waiting for you to choose it.

Ready to see what’s next? Let’s make it happen.

📞 Call us today to schedule a visit and experience independent living for yourself!