Preparing For a Smooth Move to Emerson Lakes

Eileen and Jim Hardigan are among the hundreds of retirees who are excited to move to Emerson Lakes, an Erickson Senior Living community under construction in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., when it opens next fall.

However, downsizing from a single-family house in Venice, Fla., to a two-bedroom residence with a den, the couple wasn't sure how much they could bring with them.

"We didn't think our furniture would fit," says Eileen, noting that they've lived in their house for 20-plus years.

But with help from Sales Associate Liam Hamann, who previously worked for his family's senior moving company, the couple was able to find the perfect places for their beloved pieces in their new home.

"We were pleasantly surprised!" Eileen says.

"Creating a furniture layout offers peace of mind for many Priority List members," notes Hamann. "It's a small step that makes planning ahead much easier."

Priority List perks

Eileen and Jim spent nearly a year visiting local retirement communities before they discovered Emerson Lakes. Eager to learn more about the community, they joined the Priority List, as members have the opportunity to attend exclusive informational events.

Sold on Emerson Lakes' worry-free lifestyle and range of amenities, the couple reserved their two-bedroom home in Sandhill Point, the community's first residence building.

The Hardigans then scheduled a complimentary home visit with Hamann--another perk of their Priority List membership.

"During a home visit, I walk through each room and ask what belongings they are interested in bringing with them," Hamann explains. "They also show me how they are enjoying life in their existing space. Then, we collaborate to ensure their new home will match their style and be functional."

A home visit

During the Hardigans' home visit, Hamann measured several pieces of furniture, including their beloved dining set and king-sized bed.

Then, he placed mini replicas of the furniture, sized to scale, on a planning board that matches the floor plan they chose for their new home. The replicas--representing their dining set, bed, dressers, and more--were moved around until Hamann found an ideal use of the space.

When Hamann returned to the Sales and Information Center, he emailed a digital rendering of the final layout with the pieces in place, so Eileen and Jim could provide feedback and give their stamp of approval.

"Liam was so helpful to us," says Eileen. "By placing the furniture in the floor plan, we saw how large the rooms really are."

Jim, too, appreciates the outcome of the visit. "We weren't expecting to take our round kitchen table and chairs and king-sized bed," he says. "We don't have to get a new bedroom set after all!"

Personalized support

Florida residents Joe and Claudia Hamrick explored continuing care retirement communities near their children in California and Washington before finding their perfect match closer to home.

"We couldn't find any that compare to the quality and offerings of Emerson Lakes," says Joe.

"You never know what the next stage is going to be, so we decided that we would get ahead of the curve and make arrangements," Claudia adds.

So, the couple joined the Priority List and reserved a two-bedroom home in the community's second residence building, Laguna Springs.

Joe, who had orchestrated their previous job-related moves, was prepared with measurements of their furniture and began considering where each piece would go in their new home.

To ensure they were on the right track, they reached out to Hamann for his expert opinion.

"Liam was very knowledgeable and instrumental in guiding us through the planning process. He helped us refine what Joe had done and was able to find more space within the layout," Claudia says. "We switched the way a table was positioned and moved a couch. We're very excited about the next step and can see ourselves at Emerson Lakes."

'Envision your next chapter'

Hamann, who looks forward to welcoming Emerson Lakes' first residents next fall, encourages anyone considering a move to join the Priority List.

"In addition to exclusive community updates, informational events, and complimentary home visits, I can connect you to our preferred real estate agents and moving companies," he says. "There are so many resources available to help you start to envision your next chapter at Emerson Lakes!"

Request more information today to learn more about the planning and moving services available to Priority List members.