Source: TLC Senior Move Experts, Sarasota, FL
(www.tlcseniormoveexperts.com)

In this article, I want to share some resources I’ve found as well as referrals to some fantastic local companies who excel in helping seniors who are downsizing or moving. After all, moving presents a lot of challenges, but those challenges are unique for seniors in these situations.

Resources for Seniors Who are Downsizing or Moving

“Senior Move Management” is the profession that assists seniors and their families with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation and/or aging in place. The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) is the leading membership organization for Senior Move Managers in the United States, Canada and abroad. NASMM is recognized for its innovative programs and expertise related to Senior Move Management, transition and relocation issues affecting older adults. (Click here to find a Senior Move Manager; there are at least a dozen in the Denver metro area alone.)

The NASMM publication “Your Guide to Stress-Free Rightsizing and Relocation” is chock-full of practical advice. If you are downsizing yourself or if you are helping someone who is (or soon will be), I highly recommend downloading it. Here is a brief recap of just one resource from the publication:

Ten Tips for Stress-Free Downsizing or Moving for Seniors

1. Ask for help. Don’t be too proud or independent-minded to ask for help.
2. Pack a “survival bag” for moving day. You’ll want to include anything you’ll need for your first night at your new home or a night away from home.
3. Put together a plan of where things will go in your new home. This makes it easier on the movers and on you.
4. Don’t lose touch. Create a list of people, places, and utilities/services that need to be notified of your upcoming change in address.
5. Take care of any toxins. If you will no longer need cleaning products for your household, yard, and car, visit Earth911 for information on hazardous material collection in your area.
6. Use it up, don’t move it out. Take an inventory of your canned goods, frozen foods, and paper products. Plan to use as many of these products as you can before you move. If you simply have too many of these items, think about passing them on to a local food pantry.
7. New looks for books. Books take up a lot of room and weigh a lot (which factors in to the cost of your move). Consider donations to libraries or senior centers, or sales to used bookstores.
8. Save your memories. Copy your special photos on to CDs, try your hand at scrapbooking, or use one of the services that will take all your photos, slides, and videos and do it for you.
9. Get generous. This is the time to make arrangements to “gift” some of your treasures to special people such as family, helpful neighbors, friends, favorite organizations, or a church/synagogue.
10. Start early to end happy. It’s never too early to begin the downsizing process.

Referrals to Local Companies

In my decade-plus of experience as a Realtor in the Denver metro area, I’ve been lucky to encounter some truly fantastic companies that can help you as you buy, own, or maintain a home, or as you get ready to move. I’m happy to share these referrals with you. When you contact them, please be sure let them know I sent you.

• Affordable Moving & Storage
  Affordable Moving & Storage has served the Denver area proudly for 30+ years. They are locally owned, family operated, and enjoy an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau as an Accredited Business. They provide accurate quotes with no hidden charges, so you’ll never be taken by surprise. Affordable Moving & Storage are experts with local and national moves.

• Local Moving LLC
  Local Moving LLC is one of Denver’s highest-rated moving companies and is proud to have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The Local Moving team shows up ready to tackle any job. Their pricing is simple and easy to understand, and no job is too big or too small. They can even handle cross-country moves.

• Squared Away Home Organizing – Professional Organizer
  Karla Kalahar is a miracle worker. She and her company, Squared Away Home Organizing, can help you go through stuff and either donate it to charity, sell it online (giving the client the proceeds) or make sure it’s properly disposed of. She even offers packing and unpacking services. (Side note: I also offer her organizing/decluttering services to clients who list their homes for sale with me. Clutter is a surefire sale-killer.)

• 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
  1-800-GOT-JUNK? is a full-service junk removal company serving areas across the United States. Do you have old furniture, appliances, electronics, tires, construction debris, or yard waste you need to make disappear? They’re the ones you’ll want to call. Plus, they ensure that your junk is recycled, donated, or otherwise disposed of responsibly. I like that! Look to them for upfront pricing based on how much space your items will take up in their truck. And you won’t have to lift a finger, other than to point at what you want them to take away. You can call them to get a free, no obligation quote or you can book an appointment online.

Resources and Vendors in This Article

• Affordable Moving & Storage
• Earth911
• Local Moving LLC
• National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM)
  • Find a Senior Move Manager
  • Your Guide to Stress-Free Rightsizing and Relocation
• Squared Away Home Organizing
• 1-800-GOT-JUNK?

As always, we are grateful for your trust in us and for your referrals. If we can help you or someone you care about with a downsizing move or purchase of a home better suited to their needs, reach out to me at jensellsco@comcast.net or 303-204-6494.