Do you remember the circus act where a dozen clowns scrambled out of an impossibly small car? Well, downsizing from a house of a lifetime can be much the same – only in reverse… just try to fit all of those clowns back in! If you consider the time it takes to go through all your possessions, distribute them to friends, family, or charity, pack all your stuff, and then the emotional toll it all takes on you, it might be wise to take advantage of professional assistance.

Luckily, a robust profession, known as Senior Move Management, has sprung up in recent years to help you with the entire process. These empathetic and highly trained pros recognize that moving at any age is difficult and stressful – particularly for older adults leaving their home for the last time.

A Senior Move Manager will help you with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation and they often have backgrounds in gerontology, social work, healthcare, nursing and psychology. All of them have experience with all aspects of moving the elderly and are trained to recognize the emotional stress that inevitably occurs.

As the older adult sorts through generations of belongings, a Senior Move Manager helps he or she decide what constitutes “treasure” and what is truly “trash”. The Move Manager arranges for consignment, donations and gifts. She will also collaborate with movers and plan for storage (if necessary), set up the new household, and see that the old house is cleaned and ready. Some Senior Move Managers also have experience moving frail Seniors into nursing homes.

What a Move Manager Does

Although specific services may vary, most Senior Move Managers can help with some, or all, of the following:

• Developing an overall move plan.
• Organizing, sorting, and downsizing.
• Customizing floor plans for the new residence.
• Arranging for the profitable disposal of unwanted items through auctions, estate sales, buy-outs, consignment, donation, or a combination of the above.
• Interviewing, scheduling, and overseeing movers.
• Arranging shipments and storage.
• Professional packing.
• Unpacking and setting up the new home.
• Related services such as cleaning, waste removal, shopping, senior escort, and helping prepare the home to be sold.

Some move managers provide these services directly; others function in more of an oversight or management role. They should all have extensive practical knowledge about the costs, quality and availability of local community resources.

Move managers typically charge either by the hour or offer a flat fee for their services. Hourly rates can range from $50 to $125 per hour or more, depending on the level of expertise and experience of the move manager. Some companies also offer package deals or customized pricing based on your specific needs.

Finding the Best Move Manager for You

Finding a Move Manager for senior citizens involves research and reaching out to potential candidates. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find a suitable Move Manager:

Ask your Real estate agent: If your agent works with Seniors on a regular basis, he or she can probably recommend someone they have used before. Nothing beats a personal referral from someone you trust.

Search online: Start by searching online for “Move Manager for senior citizens” or “Senior Move Manager” in your area. You can also add the name of your city or town for more localized results.

National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM): Visit the NASMM website (https://www.nasmm.org/) to find a directory of certified Senior Move Managers. This organization sets the professional standards for Move Managers and ensures their members are qualified and experienced in helping seniors.

Local senior centers and community organizations: Contact senior centers, assisted living facilities, and other community organizations that cater to seniors. They often have recommendations for Move Managers and other senior-focused services.

Contact potential Move Managers: Reach out to potential candidates via phone or email to discuss your needs, inquire about their services, and ask for a quote. This is also an opportunity to evaluate their communication skills, professionalism, and customer service.

Verify credentials: Ensure that the Move Manager you choose is insured and bonded, and if possible, has a certification or membership with a reputable organization like NASMM.

Interview: Arrange an in-person or virtual meeting to discuss your specific requirements and to ask any additional questions. This will also help you gauge the Move Manager’s understanding of your needs and their ability to provide a personalized service.

Sign a contract: Once you have chosen a Move Manager, sign a contract outlining the terms of service, costs, and timelines. This will help ensure that both parties understand and agree on the scope of work and expectations.

The process of moving from a long-time home is unique and emotionally stressful, so the value of hiring a Move Manager cannot be measured in dollars and cents – it can be simply worth it for you and your family to have a helpful, thoughtful, experienced partner whose shoulder you can lean on. •