Society of Certified Senior Advisors: Should You Use a Senior-Friendly Moving Service to Help You Move?

What is more stressful than having children or getting divorced? You guessed it – it is moving! And no, that is not a bad joke but factual results from a survey featured on Fox News. Whether you are a senior or just helping your mom, dad, or other relative make the move, be prepared for an emotionally taxing, stressful experience.

You have two choices: Move yourself or hire a mover

You have the option of moving by yourself and being responsible for all the packing, transport, security, and unpacking. Or you could choose to hire a moving service. They handle everything for you from start to finish. Senior-friendly movers offer extra quality-of-life benefits and services, like storage and auctions for unwanted items.

Is moving by yourself cheaper than hiring a mover?

The latter option is usually more expensive, costing $300 to $1,500 for a short-distance hop, but puts most of the burden of the move on a professional’s shoulders. The exact cost will depend on the location, size of your house, your belongings, distance, and related factors. Some companies charge by the hour, whereas others use the flat-fee structure.

What do senior-friendly moving services do, precisely?

These services are specially designed to cater to senior needs. They do everything regular movers do, but they also offer a few useful services on top. Furthermore, they sometimes employ certified staff specially trained to interact with older adults.

The exact services offered differ from company to company, but you can expect them to offer a combination (or all) of the following:

Assigning a “move manager”: They will assign a senior move manager, a person who will be the move guide, counselor, manager, and customer care rep all rolled into one.
Planning and strategizing: You will receive help with the logistical aspects of the move, from making packing decisions and picking transport, to providing unpacking aid and assistance settling in.
Organizing and sorting: The moving team will help you sort through and categorize your various odds and ends. It is faster and more convenient than doing it yourself.
Packing and unpacking: The team will handle the packing as well as the unpacking. Most companies offer boxes and other necessities as part of their service.
Clearing: They may help you to sell, donate, consign, and even auction the belongings you no longer need.
Shipping and storage: They will arrange shipping and transportation for you. If a temporary or long-term storage unit is needed, they can help you pick an appropriate one.
Overseeing the move: The move manager will oversee the move, making sure your belongings and you are well cared for throughout the process.
Set up at the new home: You can instruct the team on where you want all your things to go in your new home.
Miscellaneous advice: Experienced movers may be able to offer advice on other aspects of the move like selling your home and recommending handymen or real estate agents.
Emotional support: Last, but not least, senior-friendly movers will offer emotional support. Moving is hard for everyone, but especially for seniors who may be very attached to their home, and the movers understand that.

How do you hire senior moving services?

Like all services, you can locate quality moving services online as well as offline. If you take the online route, you can look at curated lists of senior moving services, such as the one published by RetirementLiving. You will be able to read up on customer reviews and testimonials before making a decision. Offline, you can check newspaper ads, look in Yellow Pages, or simply ask friends and family for a recommendation. You can talk to most companies for a free estimate before committing.

What does working with a senior moving manager look like?

When you choose a company for an estimate or just hire them outright, you will typically be assigned a manager. This is an experienced professional who acts as your contact person with the company. They are responsible for overseeing the move, offering guidance and support, and helping you make critical decisions.

Typically, the manager will visit your home to inspect your space and belongings. They will take notes, have a conversation with you and your loved ones about the move, and provide you with an estimate for the whole endeavor. Typically, they take care of all the logistical details in line with your preferences and requirements.

General moving tips for seniors

To make the move easier on you, whether you work with a mover or otherwise, here are some tips:

Be prepared to make modifications Finding senior-friendly homes with the features you need, such as a first-floor bathroom, non-slip tiling, and extra lighting, may be difficult. You will likely need to plan out and make significant modifications yourself, which is time consuming. Be sure to allocate enough time and resources for the upgrades.
Rent vs buy You may be able to find suitable senior-friendly homes by renting, as opposed to buying. It will also remove some of the headaches that come with the move, not to mention minimize the maintenance costs. When scouting for homes or apartments for rent in Denver, for example, you will be able to find rentals online in your specific price range. You can filter searches by amenities, bathrooms, bedrooms, and locations for the best place. You can vet your findings by going on 3D tours, which are included with some listings.
Get help from your family Do not make the move alone; ask for and receive assistance from friends and family. Many hands make light work. They can lighten the burden, if not financially, then at least emotionally. Also, they can help you make important decisions for your new life ahead.
Shop around When choosing a moving service, get in touch with multiple companies, receive quotes, and read customer testimonials before you settle on one. See what is included in the price (flat rate or hourly), and check if you have to pay extra for a specific service. Bad movers do exist and can spoil the whole experience for you, so do your homework to pick a good company.
Listen to the experts Your moving manager and team may offer suggestions about packing, moving, storage, transport, and everything else related to the move. It pays to listen to them; they are professionals who have assisted countless people with moves before. Their advice can save you time, money, and trouble.
Look after yourself Finally, while your move manager and family will support you, do not forget to be there for yourself too. Moving is an emotional experience, so give yourself the time and space you need to process it. Go easy on yourself and take care of your needs. Also, be optimistic because the new place will turn into your new home eventually, and you will be able to build many fond memories for yourself there, just like in the old place.

Conclusion

Should you be using a senior-moving service? The answer, like with all other services, depends on you: your needs, budgets, and unique situation. There is no denying the fact that senior moving services are useful, as they can offer value for money, make your life easier, significantly reduce the stress involved, and make it all go smoother.

About the Author

Nicole Rubin worked in the health insurance industry for years, spending a majority of her time fielding questions from people concerning their coverage and medical bills. She created Insureabilities to provide up-to-date information on the state of health insurance in the U.S.