You Do That?
More and more I am becoming convinced that senior move management is a best kept secret. Clients often tell me, ‘I wish I knew about you (or found you) earlier. It would have made things a whole lot easier.’ Professionals who work with the senior population also say to me, ‘It’s such a needed service.’ I’m here to share the secret.
Let me first introduce the National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers (NASMM). It is the leading membership organization for Move Managers and is the only organization to offer a certification program specifically designed for Senior Move Managers®. That title is a Registered Trademark of NASMM and only NASMM members can call themselves Senior Move Managers®. Together with a nationally-acclaimed accreditation and certificate consultant, NASMM developed NASMM A+ Accreditation, representing the highest level of professional achievement that can be awarded to a Senior Move Management company. Sort It Out, LLC is a proud recipient of the A+ Accreditation distinction. I’m also proud to have earned the title of SMM-C, Senior Move Manager®-Certified.
What to expect from a Move Manager
Project Management: From soup to nuts, a move manager is the overseer of a move. From establishing a timeline to unpacking the last box, all aspects of a move and its related tasks are covered. This includes being a resource and liaison among the many affiliated vendors that may be involved in the project. Most Move Managers offer a menu of services and you can decide which ones are best suited for your circumstances.
Decluttering: This is often one of the first tasks in the cycle of a move - deciding what to keep and what to let go. Move managers provide much more than the ‘boots on the ground’ service of packing up donations and in some cases delivering them, identifying which items may be eligible for selling and bagging up disposal items. We provide guidance during the often emotional process of making the decisions as to what stays and what gets let go. With a network of resources behind us, we are able to offer a variety of options about the next best destination for many beloved items. This provides comfort and peace of mind to our clients.
Space Planning: This is an important step, especially when moving to a smaller residence. It is often the case when seniors move from their large homes where families were raised to smaller, more manageable space without the burden of homeowner chores. A Senior Move Manager® provides guidance through determining the storage needs of belongings, measuring furniture and decor to ensure the best use of space and placement of all in the new home. This ensures a thoughtful approach and avoids costly errors.
Packing and Unpacking: Many Move Managers offer packing services. This can be done independent of moving companies or in conjunction with them. Unpacking and organizing belongings in the new home is a staple service to continue and complete a smooth transition and helps our clients settle into their new homes.
Move Managers are responsible for creating and executing a seamless action plan, customized to the client’s wishes. With the gentle and expert guidance of an experienced Move Manager, key decisions can be made to help clients and families avoid costly mistakes that can accompany major lifestyle changes like a move. Most importantly, we ease the stress of moving. Look for Part 2 of this article to learn more about the benefits of working with a NASMM Senior Move Manager®.
The secret’s out!