Understanding The Role Of A Senior Move Manager

Moving can be stressful, time consuming, and emotionally exhausting. Not only must you pack a lifetime of belongings, hire and manage several different service providers, and manage timelines, but you must also keep a watchful eye to be sure that your prized possessions are being treated with respect.

In this busy day and age, families may not be as readily available or equipped to help move their loved ones for many different reasons.  Whether it be a difference in geographic location, busy schedules, or other life demands, a move can cause undue stress between family members. For example, family members helping with a move may not consider their loved one’s possessions to hold value or significance; what they see is junk and clutter.  To the older adult, these items tell a story, which may be attached to precious memories.  

To make the process easier, familiarize yourself with resources that are available to alleviate tress when making a major life transition. Hiring a Senior Move Manager®, a certified professional who assists older adults with every step of the transition from their long-time home to a smaller space.

Senior Move Managers®, are trained and have experience with the following: guiding older adults through the emotional aspects of the move,  organizing, downsizing, packing, estate sale/donation coordination, space planning, advocacy, supervising movers, post-move support, unpacking, and setting up the new home. Additional services include trash removal, shopping, cleaning, customization of your new space and preparing the home to be sold.

When considering hiring a Senior Move Manager®, the National Association of Move Managers suggests you ask the following questions to determine the best fit for your needs.  

• How long have you been providing Senior Move Management services?
• Do you hold NASMM’s A+ Accreditation or NASMM’s SMM~C Certification?
• Have you participated in any formal training programs?
• Are you fully insured for liability and workers’ compensation?
• How do you charge? (Fees should be provided in writing to the consumer or responsible party prior to providing services).
• Will you provide a written contract?
• Can you provide references?
• Are you a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers® (NASMM)?

Senior Move Managers® have experience and are trained to work with older adults.  These qualified professionals have a wide range of resources available to help their clients save money. Their involvement reduces the overall stress of moving and provides clients and family members with peace of mind ensuring a smooth transition to the next living space.

To identify a Senior Move Manager® in your area, visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers or Certified Relocation & Transition Specialists.

Feel like you need additional guidance or individualized support?

Our team of Certified Senior Advisors® and Certified Dementia Practitioners® has helped hundreds of older adults and their families. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call 617-227-1600 or email [email protected].

Dovetail Companies provides one point of contact for all services seniors may need when transitioning from their longtime home, minimizing stress and providing peace of mind to focus on the transition rather than the logistics. Dovetail Companies is the parent company to three subsidiary companies; Dovetail Support Services, Dovetail Financial and Dovetail Real Estate Group. For more information, visit www.dovetailcompanies.com or call 617-227-1600.