For aging adults contemplating a major move, hiring a “senior move manager” might be a wise decision.
A rapidly growing segment of the service industry, senior move managers are trained to help aging adults move to smaller homes or senior-care facilities. They have expert knowledge about the decisions, processes and costs of helping seniors downsize and move.
When they’re needed
Move managers are especially helpful when a move must be made quickly or if a health emergency prevents the senior adult from fully participating in the move. But senior move managers are also helpful for senior adults who are simply overwhelmed by all the decisions that need to be made when making a major life transition.
What they do
Senior move managers are typically called in to help with the tasks associated with moving from a long-time family home to a much smaller space, such as a small retirement home or a room or suite in a senior-care facility. Sorting through decades of accumulated belongings is a major task assigned to senior move managers, who can often help ease the emotional aspects of downsizing. Move managers can also arrange for packing and unpacking services, design and decorating, and any other tasks or services to make someone feel at home in a new space.
A national association
The National Association of Senior Move Managers is a network of service providers. The association has a three-year review process for accrediting businesses that provide high-quality services, strong ethical standards and accountability. Many move managers are seniors whose former careers were in project management, giving them expertise in planning multifaceted moves.
Choosing a company and cost
Research companies in your area before choosing one. Look for accreditation from the National Association of Senior Move Managers, or NASMM. Costs vary widely across the country. Most charge hourly, up to $125 per hour, with the average job costing $1,000 to $1,500.
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