Many of us are now, or soon will be, helping our parents downsize and move. I have experienced it and I am sure many of you are about to go down that journey too. In fact, as the Baby Boom generation retires, the U.S. population age 65 and over will jump nearly 80 percent in the next twenty years. By 2030, the elderly will account for one-fifth of the total U.S. population. Some Baby Boomers are already retired and are caring for their parents. These statistics tell us that the number of retirees is exploding, but they don't tell us the impact the growing number of retirees is having on families. Family roles get redefined. You may find yourself asking your family upside down lines from the Dr. Seuss book: "Are you my Mother?" "Or, Am I YOUR Mother?" With retirement comes change, lots of change, and often involves a move.
Moving a parent is accompanied with unique challenges and emotions. Not only is there the task of downsizing a home lived in for decades, there are the deep emotions that come from saying goodbye to a lifetime of belongings and a well-loved home full of treasured moments. It is not easy boxing up memories and starting a new lifestyle in a new, smaller home. The organizational and physical tasks associated with planning and implementing such a complex move can be overwhelming for the entire family. That's why it's okay to ask for help. Sometimes, someone outside the family can be just the right figure to assist all of you through the transition.
Did you know there are actually professionals that specialize in moving seniors? They are called Senior Move Managers® and they assist older adults and their families with the daunting process of downsizing and moving to a new residence. Our partner, the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM), has great tips to help you find and qualify a Senior Move Manager®.
Here are their questions to ask before you hire a Senior Move Manager:
1.How long have you been providing senior move management services?
2.Have you participated in any formal training?
3.Are you fully insured for liability and workers' compensation?
4.Do you charge by the hour or by project? (NASMM recommends fees should be provided in writing to the consumer or responsible party prior to providing services.)
5.Will you provide a written contract?
6.Can you provide references?
7.Are you a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM)?
8.Do you offer customized floor plans?
9.Do you provide organizing, sorting and downsizing services?
10.Do you arrange for the profitable disposal of unwanted items through auction, estate sale, buy-out, consignment, donation, or a combination?
11.Do you interview, schedule and oversee movers?
12.How is the billing arranged for the movers?
13.Do you pack or do you hire a moving company to perform the packing? (If the Senior Move Manager indicates they pack, make sure they have the appropriate insurance to cover any damages.)
14.Do you completely unpack and set up the new home? (These services include unpacking everything, hanging pictures, draperies, installing electronics, etc.)
15.Will you handle the transfer of the utilities, mailing address, etc.?
16.What additional services do you offer? Items to consider include:
a.House cleaning
b.Waste removal
c.Shopping
d.Senior escort
e.Assisting with selection of a realtor
f.Helping prepare the home to be sold
By asking these questions you will find a Senior Move Manager you can trust. Your loved one's life-changing experience of downsizing will be mapped out for you and the road will be a much smoother one! Yep, you'll all be ready to enjoy living another Dr. Seuss classic: "Oh, The Places You'll Go!"