When it comes to the organizational and physical tasks of planning and implementing a senior move or relocation, it can feel overwhelming and be very time-consuming. We get it! We’ve managed 100’s of moves since 2010 and we specialize in senior move management.
Over the years, we have developed a process to ensure everything goes smoothly before, during, and after your move. The question we get most often is:
What is the difference between a Mover and a Senior Move Manager and which one do I need?
The short answer: you need both.
Here’s how to know whether you should be hiring a senior move manager.
What does a Senior Move Manager do?
Older adults making a transition have usually not moved in 30, 40 or 50 years and need to downsize their possessions considerably. The organizational and physical tasks associated with planning and implementing such a complex move can be overwhelming for the entire family. Getting the help of an experienced Senior Move Manager will make all the difference, saving you the frustration of managing on your own.
Our team of Senior Move Managers brings the process and structure you need for a smooth and easy move. At Smartly Organized we are organizational experts, decluttering pros, and space planners. We assist with tough downsizing decisions, provide support about what to do with everything you don’t want, and we provide packing and unpacking services so you can quickly settle into your new home.
We plan your project with the end in mind – specifically, your move date and timeline – and we schedule and staff your sessions accordingly. The size of the team, number of hours per session, and the frequency of sessions will vary depending on your specific activities and timeline. Don’t worry though – you will work one-on-one with an organizer when reviewing and editing items. The team is well-versed in managing the process without overwhelming you.
What do Movers do?
Moving companies are the “muscle” you hire to safely move your possessions from Point A to Point B. We need them, for sure, for the physical move. However, movers will pack everything they see without regard to where it is going, if it is needed, or if it is literally trash. At your new home they will unpack your items which really means simply removing the boxes. Your items will be placed on any available surface (including the floor) making it even harder for you to get around. Our team will sort, edit, organize so you take only what you use, need, and love and then we will unpack, assign homes, put away and style your new home. Big difference.
A team of experts on your side.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, as a member of NASMM we abide by a code of ethics, embrace continuing education, and are working toward our A+ accreditation to supplement our existing Certified Professional Organizer® designation. We employ a team of compassionate, helpful, and experienced individuals and we are fully insured. We are professionals who partner with you and your family to handle your belongings and treat you and your things with respect. Our team anticipates potential difficulties before they become costly problems for you. We have vetted resources to provide our clients with competitive prices and superior service. In addition, we help busy families, seniors, and professionals. We invite you to see our testimonials or ask us for references.
Senior Move Management FAQs
Still have some questions about what we do, and how much our services might cost for your move? Read on for answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Q: What exactly is a Senior Move Manager?
A: Senior Move Management is the profession that assists older adults, individuals, and families with downsizing, relocation or simplifying their homes.
Although specific services vary, most Senior Move Managers can help with some or all of the following:
- Developing an overall move or “age in place” plan
- Organizing, sorting, and downsizing your belongings
- Customized floor plans so you can be sure everything will fit
- Arranging for the profitable disposal of unwanted items through auction, estate sale, buy-out, consignment, donation, or a combination of the above
- Interviewing, scheduling and overseeing movers
- Arranging shipments and storage
- Supervising and overseeing professional packing
- Unpacking and setting up the new home
- Arranging for other services, such as cleaning, waste removal, shopping, senior escort, assisting with selection of a realtor and helping prepare the home to be sold
Some Specialty & Senior Move Managers provide these services directly; others function in more of an oversight or management role. Senior Move Managers have extensive practical knowledge about the costs, quality, and availability of various local community resources. Additionally, Senior Move Managers frequently assist individuals who choose to stay in their own homes, but simply require expert organizational skills and solid knowledge of “aging in place” concepts to help them achieve their goal of not moving anywhere, but improving quality of life!
One call to a Senior Move Manager can connect you with services for a seamless, successful transition of all kinds.
Q: Why is Senior Move Management, in particular, so popular now?
A: Times have changed! We’ve listed the key reasons below:
The numbers tell the story. The U.S. population aged 65 and over will jump nearly 80 percent when the Baby Boom generation retires (from 2010 to 2030). By 2030, the elderly will account for one-fifth of the total U.S. population. Did you also know that Americans age 85 and above comprise the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population?
Today, many families are geographically dispersed and adult children are often not able to help with the moving process due to distance, career or family obligations.
Many older adults have no surviving children, or increasingly, their children are older adults themselves. If illness or death precipitates the move, the family is likely already drained both emotionally and physically. They need help. Senior Move Managers emerged to fill these gaps and to facilitate the transition for everyone involved.
Older adults making a transition have usually not moved in 30, 40 or 50 years and need to downsize considerably. The organizational and physical tasks associated with planning and implementing such a complex move can be overwhelming for the entire family. Seek the help of experienced, insured professionals and call a Senior Move Manager.
Q. How much does it cost? How do you charge for your services?
A: Every move is different, and we tailor our services to fit your needs. Smartly Organized provides a customized written proposal for every client addressing your specific needs. We do this after an initial consultation and walk-through of your home where we gather all the details of your move. The estimate is based on the volume of your possessions and number of hours we expect the tasks will take. This is a dynamic process and sometimes you’ll end up wanting more help, and sometimes we find you embrace the process and do more on your own. We remain flexible to your needs.
We staff projects based on your timeline, availability, and specific needs. You’ll enjoy working with our team of caring and compassionate organizers who are dedicated to your project.
We break your project down into before, during, and after your move. Activities before your move may include working with you on downsizing and decluttering your home, managing the profitable disposition of your unwanted belongings and furniture, packing and preparing for your move, working with contractors to coordinate repairs and updates, scheduling quotes from movers, floor planning, and more.
During your move, activities may include supervising the movers as they disassemble and wrap your items, cleaning and managing junk haulers, and transporting liquids, plants, fragile or valuable items.
Activities after the move center around unpacking and setting up your new home. Our team will unpack, organize, put away, and decorate your new home. We maximize your storage and make your space feel like home. Your beds are made, bathroom and kitchen set up and functioning.
The Right Senior Move Manager for You
You may need help with all or just some of the above activities. We tailor our services to meet your specific needs, and always remain flexible to adjust so you never have to worry about a thing.
Ready to hire a professional Senior Move Manager for your next move? Reach out to our team to ensure your move is a smooth and easy one.