If you or someone you know is facing a move to a new space, a professional Senior Move Manager (SMM) can be a valuable resource. They can help make the process of moving as smooth and stress-free as possible and provide quality results for you and your entire family.
Especially if this is the first time you’ve moved in a very long time.
A Senior Move Manager is a professional who specializes in helping seniors and their families with the process of moving. They can provide a variety of services, ranging from decluttering and downsizing to packing and unpacking, to help make the transition to a new home as smooth and stress-free as possible.
SMMs often have a background in social work, which gives them the skills and knowledge necessary to help seniors and their families through what can be a difficult and emotional process.
So, with this background, you can rest assured that they have significant expertise in dealing with and caring for older adults and their needs.
For us baby boomers, the services of a Senior Move Manager is can be invaluable as we move into our retirement years and face the prospect of downsizing or leaving our current home.
In this article, we’ll explore what they do, the benefits of working with one, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Who Uses Senior Move Managers?
My mom-in-law who is 100 years old has decided to move to an independent living facility. Although she is in fairly good health, she is not physically capable of packing boxes and de-cluttering her condo for the move.
Her adult children are also in their senior years and unable to do all the physical aspects of relocation which includes things like packing, moving furniture, getting rid of boxes of clothes, furniture, etc.
Let’s face it, not only are senior relocations very emotional, but there are so many different aspects of the move process that are just physically difficult to do, as an older person.
For my mom-in-law and her adult children, an SMM can be an invaluable resource to help avoid or at least diminish the emotional and physical distress that comes with moving to a new place.
Other people who may benefit by hiring a Senior Move Manager include:
- Elderly adults who are downsizing to a smaller residence or retirement community.
- Seniors who have recently lost a spouse and need assistance with de-cluttering and estate sale management.
- Older adults who are moving in with family members and need help sorting through their belongings.
Exactly How Does A Senior Move Manager Help?
Essentially, they are there to help create a seamless action plan for the entire move. Or any part of the move that you wish to use them for. This can greatly help you to avoid costly mistakes during a move.
A good SMM is an adviser, problem solver, wise friend, neutral third party and professional downsizer who helps families shuck the stuff while holding onto the memories. SMMs arrive without the baggage that can come with family history. They understand that when an aging parent leaves the family home, it is a loss for the whole family.
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The specific services that each SMM and their company provides depends on that person and company so make sure to check what they can do for you before hiring them.
What Kind Of Costly Mistakes Could Be Made During A Move?
There are a few costly mistakes that could be made during a move if you’re not careful.
1. Hiring The Wrong Moving Company – This can be the most costly mistake of them all. If your home is filled with precious products such as antiques, you want a moving company that has experience in moving these types of objects.
2. Not Packing Properly – Another costly mistake is not packing properly. This includes not using proper materials, such as boxes that are the wrong size or not sturdy enough. It also includes trying to pack too much into one box, which can cause items to break.
3. Not Getting Insured – Another costly mistake is not getting your belongings insured during the move. This is particularly important if you have high-value items, such as antiques or electronics.
4. Not Hiring A Professional Cleaner – One final costly mistake that could be made during a move is not hiring a professional cleaner. This is especially important if you are moving out of a rental unit. Not hiring a professional cleaner could result in losing your security deposit.
By taking the time to do some research and planning ahead, you can avoid making these mistakes and save yourself a lot of money in the long run.
So, besides saving you money, exactly how else does a Senior Move Manager help seniors and their families?
If you or an elderly parent is downsizing from a family home to a smaller dwelling, a senior move manager can help you sort through your belongings, determine what to keep and what to let go of, and coordinate the actual moving process.
Similarly, if you or a senior parent is moving into a retirement community or assisted living facility, these professionals can help you get settled into your new residence.
They can assist with everything from unpacking and organizing your belongings to helping you get acclimated to your new surroundings.
They can certainly provide the emotional support that both the seniors and their family members need during this time.
This can be an invaluable service if you’re feeling anxious or stressed about making such a big transition.
And honestly, who wouldn’t be anxious or stressed during a move? Especially if you’re an older adult who has lived in their home for many years. I know I certainly would.
Additionally, if you have a loved one who is moving into a nursing home or long-term care facility, a Senior Move Manager can help to make the transition as smooth as possible.
There are a lot of key decisions that need to be made during this process, some of which are financial, some of which are personal. A Senior Move Manager can help you to navigate through all of them.
They coordinate with the moving company and some may even work closely with moving companies who have made these types of moves before.
So, if you or a senior loved one is facing a big move, consider hiring a Senior Move Manager. They can make the process much easier and smoother for everyone involved.
How To Decide If You Should Use A Senior Move Manager
If you are not sure if this service is right for you, consider asking yourselves these following questions.
1. How much stuff do you have?
2. How many family members or friends are available to help?
3. Do you have any physical limitations that make it difficult to move around or lift heavy objects?
4. Are you moving locally, long distance, or internationally?
5. What is your budget for the move?
6. How much time do you have to plan and execute the move?
7. Are you moving into a retirement community or assisted living facility?
8. Do you need help downsizing or de-cluttering before the move?
9. What is your emotional state during this transition?
If you have a lot of stuff, limited help, physical limitations, a complex move, or are feeling overwhelmed emotionally, you should seriously consider hiring a Senior Move Manager.
This professional service can handle as much or as little of the move as you need, from packing and unpacking to coordinating with the movers to overseeing the entire project.
Some companies will even provide storage options if you need to remove items from your home before the move or want to keep some items close by but out of your new house.
A Senior Move Manager can be a godsend during a challenging time, providing peace of mind and taking on the physical and emotional tasks of moving so you don’t have to.
How To Find A Senior Move Manager
The best way to find a reputable SMM is to ask for referrals from friends, family, or your local senior center.
You can also search online for Senior Move Manager companies in your area. Once you have a few potential candidates, be sure to interview them and ask about their services, rates, and experience.
Check out the National Association Of Senior Move Managers (NASMM). This is a professional organization that provides resources, support, and information for senior move managers.
You can also contact a real estate agent who have specialized training in working with seniors and their families. These agents are known as Senior Real Estate Specialists.
They can recommend and work with Senior Move Manager to prepare your home for sale and to find a more suitable housing for your current needs.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Senior Move Manager?
There are many benefits to working with an SMM, including:
- Getting expert help and advice throughout the moving process.
- Having someone to take care of the details and logistics, so you can focus on your move.
- Reducing stress and anxiety by having a professional handle everything.
- Avoiding potential problems and pitfalls that can occur when moving.
- Ensuring a successful and smooth transition to your new home.
- Help you to save money through package options and avoiding moving mishaps and mistakes.
The only downside to using this type of professional is cost. For some, it just may not be feasible to spend the money.
But certainly, if you are able to, I would highly recommend using their services. There’s no need to make your life any more difficult if you can help it. Don’t you think?
How Much Do Senior Move Managers Cost?
The cost of hiring a Senior Move Manager will vary depending on the scope of work and the number of hours required. Typically, senior move managers charge at an hourly rate. These rates can range from $50 to $250 per hour. Some companies may also charge a flat fee for their services.
AARP estimates that the average move manager charges anywhere from $40-$125 an hour. Total, you’ll likely spend about $1,500 to $5,000 on a move management service.
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When hiring a senior move manager, be sure to ask about their experience and credentials. It’s also a good idea to get a written estimate of the total cost of the project. This will help you budget for the move and avoid any unexpected expenses.
20 Questions To Ask When Hiring A Senior Move Manager.
Whenever you hire a service, it’s important to ask the questions (the right ones) so that there are no surprises during or after the service is rendered. Same is true when hiring a senior move manager.
The move manager should meet you at your home but just in case they do not for any reason, I would recommend to find one that will.
Here are 20 questions to help you get started:
1. What is your company’s philosophy on seniors and their moves?
2. How do you determine what services a senior needs during a move?
3. How do you ensure that seniors are comfortable with the move process and their new surroundings?
4. What is your experience working with seniors and their families during a move?
5. How do you deal with the challenges that can come up during a senior move?
6. What kind of support do you offer seniors and their families after the move is complete?
7. How do you ensure that all of a senior’s belongings are packed safely and securely for the move?
8. What are your company’s policies for storing and moving seniors’ belongings?
9. How do you handle the transportation of a senior’s belongings to their new home?
10. What kind of insurance do you have in place to protect seniors’ belongings during a move?
11. What happens if something goes wrong during the move and a senior’s belongings are damaged or lost?
12. Do you have any references from seniors or their families who have used your services in the past?
13. Can you provide me with a list of seniors’ homes or apartments that you have helped to relocate?
14. What is your policy for scheduling senior moves?
15. How far in advance do you need to be notified of a senior’s impending move?
16. Do you have any discounts or promotions that could help reduce the cost?
17. Are there any additional services that you offer that could help make the move go more smoothly?
18. Can you provide me with a written estimate of the cost of your services?
19. Do you have liability insurance in case of damage to seniors’ belongings during the moving process?
20. What are your company’s policies regarding payment for your services?
By asking these 20 questions, you can get a better understanding of the senior move management company you are considering and whether or not they will be a good fit for your needs.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot to think about when you’re facing a move, but hiring a Senior Move Manager can help make the process much smoother and less stressful.
They can help with everything from de-cluttering and organizing to packing and unpacking, and provide support on moving day. If you’re facing a move in the near future, consider hiring a Senior Move Manager to help make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.
