Selecting a Senior Move Manager
Help for Older Adults who are planning to relocate
Any move is tremendously stressful! And moving from your long-time residence is even more so. So much so that losing a spouse is the only other event more stressful, according to stress studies. How wonderful to have an experienced Senior Move Manager reduce that stress by walking with you through the steps to a successful relocation.
What is a Senior Move Manager?
A Senior Move Manager is a professional who provides emotional,
organizational, and hands-on support to older adults and their families
during the move process. He/she understands the difficult experience
of moving from a long-time residence and makes that move as stress-free
as possible.
A senior move manager will
- Set up a time-line and comprehensive plan for your move
- Locate and oversee a mover
- Draw up a scale-model floor plan of your new residence
- Create scale-models of your furniture to help you plan your space
- Help you stay focused on the task at hand
- Help you sort through your possessions
- Pack those items to be moved
- Arrange for the disposal of unwanted items (donations, estate sales, etc.)
- Unpack and organize your new home
- Help you prepare your home for sale.
How Do I Find a Senior Move Manager?
Help is at your fingertips when trying to locate a qualified
Senior Move Manager. The National Association of Senior Move Managers
(www.nasmm.com) provides a directory
of Senior Move Managers in your locale. The National Association
of Professional Organizers (www.napo.net,
phone 847-375-4746) lists professional organizers by geographic area,
as well. Look for those specializing in working with seniors.
Friends, senior citizen organizations, realtors, lawyers, and retirement communities may also provide referrals to help you locate a Senior Move Manager.
What Questions Do I Ask?
As you interview potential senior move managers, keep in mind
some pertinent questions to ask:
- How long have you been a Senior Move Manager?
- Are you insured and licensed by your state?
- Do you have letters of reference/phone numbers I may call?
- What is your fee structure?
- Will you provide me with a written contract?
- What services do you provide yourself and which ones are provided by others?
Even if you have family or friends who are willing to help you, a Senior Move Manager possesses expertise and experience, thereby providing you with economical and insightful solutions as well as connections to local resources to expedite your move.