Council on Aging Answers 2015 - 72

Headed to a New Residence?
COUNCIL ON AGING - ORANGE COUNTY

hOUSING

Personalized Service Using a Senior Move Manager
It's so much more than just a move...
Making a move at any age can be difficult and stressful. After many years in one home, the amount of goods
that accumulates is incredible. Making the decision
to downsize and relocate to a new home can be overwhelming.
Assessing how to squeeze the contents of a house
into a two bedroom retirement unit takes time. Senior
Move Managers or downsizing specialists are prepared
to spend hours with their clients to sort through and
pare down their belongings into a more manageable
size. Clients face the stressful situation of releasing their
history, often causing worry and anxiety. Senior Move
Managers advise their clients to segment their downsizing into three areas; items to donate, items to sell and
items to give to family members. Their best advice?
Don't wait. Nothing should be off limits. Either use it,
love it - or leave it.
If the entire process seems too daunting, you might
consider contracting with a Senior Move Manager. The
prices of such services can vary widely, from $60+ per
hour in major metropolitan areas to $40 per hour in
other areas. Sorting, packing and moving typically
runs from $4,000 to $10,000 depending on the locale;
according to specialists. Despite the cost, the demand
for downsizing is growing, according to the National
Association of Senior Move Managers. In 2014, the association reported that 50 percent of those contracting
for services with its members were older adults and 30
percent of the initial contracts were from the senior's
family.
Here are some helpful questions to ask when you are
considering hiring a Senior Move Manager.
n How long have you been providing senior move
management services?
n Have you participated in any formal training?
n Are you fully insured for liability and workers'
compensation?
n Do you charge by the hour or by project? (Fees
should be provided in writing to the consumer or
responsible party prior to providing services.)
n Will you provide a written contract?
n Can you provide references?

Answers Guide 2015

CONSIDERING MOVING?
IDEAS FOR GETTING STARTED

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write organizing times on your calendar
Set a timer to get started
Start small-tackle a small project first
Enlist the support of a friend to help
Fill a trash bag once a week of items to donate
Drop off the donation the next day

n Do you provide organizing, sorting and downsizing services?
n Do you arrange for the profitable disposal of unwanted items through auction; estate sale, buy-out,
consignment, donation, or a combination?
n Do you interview, schedule and oversee movers?
n How is the billing arranged for the movers?
n Do you pack or do you hire a moving company to
perform the packing? (If the movers indicate they
pack, make sure they have the appropriate insurance to cover any damages.)
n Do you completely unpack and set up the new
home? (These services include unpacking everything, hanging pictures, draperies, installing electronics, etc.)
n Will you handle the transfer of my utilities, mailing address etc?
n What additional services do you offer? Items to
consider include:
- house cleaning
- waste removal
- shopping
- assisting with selection of a realtor
- helping prepare the home to be sold
Senior moving professionals have significant expertise in resources and approaches that save money, reduce
stress and produce quality results. Personalized, clientcentered services are designed to meet the clients's needs
and preferences.
Reprinted with permission from National Association
of Move Managers - A not for profit association. For additional information visit www.info@nasmm.org

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INClUSION does not imply a recommendation or endorsement of products or services by coaoc. AlwAYS be A vIGIlANT CONSUmeR. veRIFY INFORmATION AND SeeK ReFeReNCeS wHeRe AppROpRIATe.

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Council on Aging Answers 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Council on Aging Answers 2015