Your Guide to Professional Downsizing Companies and Movers
Are you interested in moving to senior living, but dread the idea of a daunting to-do list for decluttering, organizing, packing and more? Learn how professional downsizing companies and movers can help you take on these backbreaking tasks and make moving happen in the blink of an eye.
Hire Moving Companies and Real Estate Agents with Specialized Training
The National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers® (NASMM) offers education and training for moving companies and real estate agents on how to recognize and manage the stress of older adults relocating to a new home. Their programs are internationally recognized and require each member to complete four rigorous courses and offer senior moving services including:
- Move management or oversight
- Sorting services
- Setting up new residences
- Disposal and/or dispersal of remaining items
Searching for an NASMM Senior Move Manager is easy. Search their database by entering your ZIP code and browsing moving experts in your area.
Senior Real Estate Specialists® (SRES®) are another great resource for older adults ready to make a move to senior living. Members of SRES are REALTORS® for seniors trained to create a customized approach to your move. They can also help you choose a senior living community that’s right for your lifestyle and find financial options to help you reduce out-of-pocket expenses during your move. You can find a Senior Real Estate Specialist by searching the SRES database on their website.
Watch Online Videos Online and Listen to Podcasts Created by Experts
Many senior moving and downsizing experts are offering advice online through videos and podcasts. For example, downsizing coach Anne Nouri has a free series on Apple Podcasts, and many Seniors Real Estate Specialist agents provide short, useful videos on YouTube.
The best part of exploring online videos and podcasts about moving to senior living is that they require zero commitment. You can watch or listen to them on your own time, without having to purchase any services. If you like what you see (or hear), you can reach out to the expert for more information about their offerings.
Consider Professional Packing or Partial Moving Services for a DIY Move
Professional packing services can make a DIY move to senior living easier and more organized. Many moving companies offer a la carte packing and unpacking services that mind every detail of your belongings. Professionals bring high-quality supplies to keep household items secure during your move, and take the supplies with them when they’re done unpacking. Your items will arrive safely, and you won’t have to deal with empty boxes cluttering your new home.
If you have furniture that might be too heavy to lift on your own or with the help of loved ones, consider partial moving services. Professional movers can move heavy or oddly shaped items up and down flights of stairs and around tight corners without damaging your belongings or the interior of your home.
Whether you’re paying for packing services or a full move, it’s best to go with a well-reviewed company that never asks for an upfront payment other than a small deposit. An honest, reputable moving company will never ask for 100% of the moving costs in advance.
Instead of Dropping Off Your Donations, Have Them Picked Up
Leaving unwanted items in your current home makes it difficult to monitor your progress. The Salvation Army and Goodwill offer free donation pickup that accepts a variety of items, which makes it easy to downsize and do something good for others.
Here just a few donations The Salvation Army and Goodwill will pick up from your house:
- Furniture
- Mattresses
- Shoes and clothing
- Various household items and appliances
- Electronics
- Books
If you have a garage full of tools and building materials, donate them to Habitat for Humanity. Habitat Restore home improvement thrift stores partially fund their worldwide affordable housing efforts, and many of their thrift stores will pick up donations for free. Check their website to see if a Habitat Restore offers donation pickups in your area.
Don’t Forget About Other Professional Services that Make Life Easier
While finding the right moving and downsizing services are essential, there are plenty of other services that can also make the process less stressful.
- Doggie daycare. Dog daycare services can be beneficial for a pup who might be confused by boxes and moved furniture. They can burn energy, socialize with other dogs, and give you more room to work on decluttering and downsizing.
- Restaurants or meal delivery. Instead of stressing out about what to make for meals, order delivery or go to a restaurant from time to time. You won’t be adding groceries to your house and someone else is responsible for cooking and cleaning.
- Personal services. There’s no better way to reward yourself than with a professional massage, nail appointment, salon appointment, or even time on the golf course. Make sure you take time to treat yourself during the process of moving.
- Automatic services. Services like automatic withdrawals from your banking account for regular bills, automatically filled prescriptions, and reminders sent to your phone or email about important dates can help you stay organized and focused on other tasks.
Ready to Make Your Move to Senior Living?
The Chesapeake has exceptional services and amenities that make life easier every day. Contact our retirement counselors to learn more about our senior living community and schedule a tour of our beautiful cottage homes and apartment homes.