Most seniors haven’t moved in decades. So, making a move can easily become overwhelming for everyone involved. That’s where senior move management (SMM) comes in to help! Senior move managers are kind, experienced people who make the whole process a lot easier by managing the practical details. They also understand the feelings and challenges for seniors that come with moving or downsizing.
In this guide, we’ll talk about what senior move management is, the kinds of services it offers, and why this support is so important for seniors making a move to a new home or facility.
What is senior move management?
This caring service helps seniors and older adults transition more smoothly to new living arrangements, for example, senior living communities. The SMM services, provided through a senior move manager, help make this move easier and less stressful.
What exactly is a senior move manager?
This caring expert helps seniors and families during moves. They organize, pack, arrange travel, and offer emotional support. Essentially, a senior move manager provides a smooth transition and relocation process. And, even more importantly, they work to ensure seniors feel heard and involved every step of the way. Many senior move managers have experience in related fields, such as healthcare, social work, or project management.
Are senior move managers accredited?
Trusted senior move specialists are accredited by the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM). They follow strict ethics, safety standards, and carry insurance to protect everyone.
What makes senior move managers different than a moving company?
Unlike movers who coordinate the actual packing and transporting of belongings, senior move managers provide support every step of the way. As professional moving organizers, they specialize in sorting, decluttering, and deciding what to keep to make the transition easier, less stressful, and more respectful for seniors. They’ll also plan the move, unpack carefully, and organize the new home so it feels comfortable and familiar.
Senior relocation services provided by senior move management
Senior move managers (SMMs) provide valuable relocation assistance for seniors in the following ways:
Creating a customized plan tailored to the senior’s needs and senior housing options
- Helping with downsizing and decluttering
- Coordinating packing and unpacking, including securing professional services
- Scheduling and overseeing reliable movers and organizing shipment or storage
- Offering emotional support to ease the assisted living transition and reduce family conflicts
- Managing related services like cleaning and home sale preparation for retirement moves
Importance of senior move management for older adults
Moving is hard for anyone. But for seniors, their home often holds years of memories. A senior move manager provides emotional support during relocation. They understand that seniors encounter unique challenges during moves and, in response, provide empathy and efficient solutions.
Can a senior move manager help long-distance families?
Absolutely. When adult children live far away, a manager acts as a trusted helper who knows exactly what needs to happen. They work to ease worry and eliminate confusion.
Can hiring a senior move manager help reduce family conflict?
Yes! Moving can cause tension, but having an unbiased third party offering family support for senior moves helps everyone see things clearly and stay calm. This professional move assistance for older adults includes assisting with difficult decisions, such as downsizing issues. Or they can advise about aging in place vs. moving, or the possibility of transitioning to a retirement community.
How much do senior move managers charge per hour?
On average, their rates range from $65 to $125 an hour. The total cost for professional help for a move into assisted living ranges in the thousands, depending on your location and how much help you need.
Tip: Ask about personalized senior move packages to fit your budget needs!
Are senior move managers worth it?
Absolutely! Senior move managers truly make transitions smoother, more affordable, and less stressful for everyone involved. They guide seniors through every step of moving, such as connecting families with trusted pros like movers and cleaners. They can also save money by organizing what to keep, sell, or donate. And they can coordinate virtually to reduce travel costs and find senior discounts.
Finding the right senior move management specialist
When choosing a senior move management specialist, you may want to start by using NASMM’s locator to find accredited senior move managers near you. Ask plenty of questions and get reviews or referrals. Involving your senior loved one in interviews can also go a long way toward helping everyone feel more comfortable. And finally, compare rates after discussing needed services.
When you are ready to make your move, work with a professional moving company that offers personalized, flexible help so your next move is easy and stress-free. Trust the experts for the best senior moving help.