Senior Moving Services

How to Find One to Work With

Finding a senior mover is much easier today than it was a few years ago. This niche industry has grown exponentially in recent years due to the large number of Baby Boomers that are beginning to retire. In the past, families lived closer together and could easily help move their loved ones into a new community.

Locating a senior mover that fits your exact needs can lift the burden of hard-decision making by helping you categorize and organize your current living situation. A great senior mover should have an array of solid referrals and testimonials. They should be able to answer your questions and help direct you towards the services that you actually require. Be wary of senior movers who cannot answer your basic questions in regards to your move.

Note the three key questions to ask a potential senior mover:

1. Are you insured with full liability and workmen’s compensation insurance? Ask to see proof.
2. What professional credentials do you have? Verify them if you can.
3. How are moving costs determined? Ask to see a list of services along with the pricing. This will vary from one company to the next.

Non-profit associations such as the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) can help you find a legitimate senior mover in your area. The NASMM is the gold standard for senior transition services for both downsizing and moving. Senior Move Managers® not only help you move your belongings, but they also cater to the emotional aspects of the moving and downsizing process.

It’s a good idea to budget in more than you think you’ll need for a good senior mover. A good senior mover will know the ballpark figure of how much your move may cost after doing an initial consultation with you and may even provide a sample breakdown of expenses.

Never fall for the cheapest service that is quoted to you. Even legitimate companies may hook you on their deep discounts up front only to charge you an arm and a leg in extra fees once the items are delivered.

Many moving companies use weight as a determination for the price of the move. Other companies figure in the number of boxes and the type of furniture being transported. Make sure to get your contract in writing. Some moving contracts can include the term “Not to exceed X amount of dollars” so that you are not overcharged if the weight of your belongings goes past a certain point.

Beware of scam movers. These types of movers will have few to no referrals that can speak for their services. Some scam movers will set up a fake website to lure you into believing that they are a legitimate company. Check their business license number and find out who they are online. Scam movers, unfortunately, prey on the unsuspecting. If you are not careful, you may also be caught off-guard.

Once you have decided on a senior mover, create a basic timeline of what you will need to have completed by what date. A Senior Move Manager® or Professional Mover may also be able to help guide you in creating an adequate timeline. Hold yourself accountable to your timelines and provide ample time to get the job done.

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SeniorAdvisor.com Staff

Senior Advisor's knowledgeable writers blog about senior care services, trends and more.