Preparing to Move In
Moving into a sober living home is a major step forward in your recovery. Whether you are transitioning from treatment, stepping down from a higher level of care, or making a fresh start, knowing what to bring — and what to leave behind — can make the transition smoother and less stressful.
Every sober living home has different rules about what is allowed, so always check with the specific program before packing. This guide covers general best practices and includes specific details about what Rooted Co-Living provides so you know exactly what to expect.
Essential Documents
These are the most important items on this list. Do not leave without them:
- Valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport). If you do not have one, let the program know — many can help you obtain one after move-in.
- Health insurance card (Medi-Cal, private insurance, or VA benefits card)
- Social Security card or a copy
- Any current prescriptions with pharmacy labels intact
- Court documents if you are on probation or parole (compliance letters, court dates, officer contact information)
- Birth certificate if you have it available
- Vehicle registration and insurance if you have a car
At Rooted Co-Living, we ask for a valid photo ID during the application process. If you do not have one at the time of application, you can upload it later — we will work with you to make sure you have what you need.
Medications
Bring all current medications in their original labeled containers. This is important for several reasons:
- House management needs to verify prescriptions
- Original labels prevent confusion about medication identity
- Some sober living homes store medications centrally for safety
- Random drug testing may require documentation of prescribed medications to avoid false positive complications
If you are on Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) such as Suboxone, methadone, or Vivitrol, make sure to bring documentation from your prescribing provider. Legitimate sober living homes, including Rooted, support MAT as part of evidence-based recovery.
Do not bring any medications that are not prescribed to you, any expired medications, or any substances that are not clearly labeled with a current prescription.
Clothing
Pack practical, everyday clothing. You do not need a full wardrobe — you can always add to it later. Focus on:
- 7 to 10 days of everyday clothing (shirts, pants, shorts)
- Undergarments and socks for at least a week
- Pajamas or sleepwear
- A jacket or hoodie — mornings and evenings in Corona can be cool, especially in winter
- One set of interview-appropriate clothing (collared shirt, slacks, closed-toe shoes). You may need this for job interviews, court appearances, or meetings with case managers.
- Comfortable shoes for daily wear
- Workout clothes if you exercise regularly
Laundry facilities are included at Rooted Co-Living, so you do not need to bring an excessive amount of clothing. You will be able to do laundry regularly.
Personal Hygiene
Bring your own personal hygiene items:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash or soap
- Deodorant
- Razor and shaving supplies
- Hairbrush or comb
- Any personal grooming items you use daily
Most sober living homes do not provide personal hygiene items, so pack enough to last at least the first week. After that, you can purchase supplies locally.
Bedding and Linens
This varies by program. Some homes provide bedding; others expect you to bring your own.
At Rooted Co-Living, rooms are fully furnished — including bed frames, mattresses, and basic furnishing. We recommend bringing:
- A set of sheets (twin or twin XL — confirm with the program)
- A pillow
- A blanket or comforter
- A towel and washcloth
If you are coming from treatment or a situation where you do not have these items, let us know. We can work with you to make sure you have what you need on move-in day.
Personal Items
A few personal items can help your space feel like home:
- A phone and charger — communication with support networks, sponsors, and employers is important
- A journal or notebook — many people in recovery find journaling helpful
- Recovery literature (Big Book, NA Basic Text, devotionals, etc.)
- Photos of family or loved ones (framed or printed)
- An alarm clock or use your phone — you will have responsibilities with set times
- A small amount of cash for immediate personal needs ($50 to $100)
What NOT to Bring
This list is just as important as what to bring. Most sober living homes have strict policies about prohibited items, and violating them can result in immediate discharge:
- Alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia — this should go without saying, but it is the most important rule. This includes CBD products, kratom, and any substance that could compromise a substance-free environment.
- Weapons of any kind — firearms, knives (beyond a basic kitchen knife), or anything that could be used as a weapon
- Large amounts of cash — keep what you need for the week. Large sums create risk for theft and conflict.
- Expensive jewelry or electronics — community living environments are not ideal for high-value items. Leave them with a trusted family member or in a safe deposit box.
- Candles or incense — most homes prohibit open flames for fire safety
- Pets — unless the program specifically allows them (Rooted does not currently allow pets)
- Furniture — rooms are furnished; there is no space for additional large items
- Extension cords or space heaters — fire hazards that are prohibited in most shared living environments
When in doubt, ask before you bring it. It is better to leave something behind than to have it confiscated during intake.
Tips for Your First Week
The first week in sober living can feel overwhelming. Here are some practical tips to help you settle in:
- Introduce yourself to your housemates. These are the people who will be part of your daily support system. A simple introduction goes a long way.
- Learn the house rules immediately. Read them, understand them, and follow them from day one. This sets the tone for your entire stay.
- Set up your space. Making your bed, organizing your belongings, and personalizing your area (within house guidelines) helps it feel like home.
- Attend every house meeting. Even if you feel awkward at first. These meetings are where community is built.
- Find local meetings right away. Whether it is AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery, or another program — get connected to external support in your first week.
- Ask questions. If you are unsure about something, ask house management. It is always better to ask than to assume.
- Be patient with yourself. The transition takes time. Give yourself grace during the adjustment period.
Ready to Move In?
Moving into sober living is a step toward the life you are building. At Rooted Co-Living, we make the process as smooth as possible — from a straightforward online application to a welcoming intake process.
If you have questions about what to bring, what to expect, or how to prepare, check our FAQ page or call us at (949) 565-5285. We are here to help you get started.
Apply today and take the next step in your recovery.