For many seniors, deciding to sell the home they’ve lived in for many years, and likely raised a family, can be overwhelming and stressful. Whether your parent is making a move to a senior living community, has chosen to move into your home, or is ready to downsize, the process of sorting through and packing up years’ worth of possessions is a daunting task. In fact, 75% of seniors surveyed acknowledge that the amount of things they own has made them reluctant to move. If you, as their child and support system, have been tasked with assisting them with their move, you may want to consider hiring a senior move manager.
What is a senior move manager?
Senior move managers specialize in assisting older adults with every aspect of the relocation and downsizing process. For those who have decided to age in place, a senior move manager can help in decluttering and making the home as safe as possible for your loved one. Many senior move managers have had prior careers and experience in gerontology, health care, social work, and project management. Members of the National Association of Senior Move Managers are required to have liability insurance, adhere to a code of ethics, and provide their clients with contracts.
What does a senior move manager do?
First and foremost, a senior move manager takes on the stress and burden moving to ease the transition for your loved one and make their move as smooth as possible. Their role in the moving process means that you can provide emotional support for your loved one rather than ending up in conflict with them.
A senior move manager will:
- Help declutter and organize belongings for either moving, donating, or discarding
- Get appraisals for items that are appropriate for selling, auctioning, or consigning
- Pack up as much, or as little, of the home as your loved one feels comfortable with
- Arrange for items to be shipped or placed into storage
- Plan the logistics of the move from start to finish
- Hire and oversee professional moving services
- Unpack belongings and set up the new home or apartment
- Create and execute floor plan designs to ensure that furniture and belongings will fit in the new space
Senior move managers typically offer their services a-la-carte, making it simple for your loved one to choose from the items that will most benefit them. It is then up to your senior move manager to work alongside your loved one and create a plan of action for the upcoming move. Visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers to find a senior move manager in your area. Before hiring anyone, be sure to meet with and interview a couple of candidates to ensure that they will be a good fit for you and your family.