Frequently Asked Questions

I know that considering a move or downsizing can bring up a lot of questions—and probably some worries, too.

I've tried to answer the most common questions here, but every situation is unique. If there's something I haven't covered or if you just want to talk through your specific circumstances, please don't hesitate to reach out.

I'm here to support you through this process, and that starts with making sure you have all the information you need to feel confident moving forward.

Getting Started

  • I'm a Senior Move Manager® (also called a Transition Manager for Seniors or Downsizing Concierge), and I guide people through downsizing and moving to smaller homes or senior living communities.

    I start with a consultation to understand your situation, then create a customized plan that covers everything - from measuring furniture for your new space to coordinating estate sales, donations, and haulers. I'm there for the sorting sessions, helping you decide what makes the move and what finds a new home elsewhere.

    The goal isn't just getting you moved. It's helping you create a space that feels like home with less maintenance and more freedom to focus on what matters most to you.

  • A mover shows up with a truck and boxes everything you own—whether you need it or not. I show up with a plan to help you decide what actually belongs in your new chapter.

    While movers focus on getting your stuff from point A to point B, I focus on making sure only the right stuff makes that trip. I'm here for the overwhelming decisions, the "what do I do with 40 years of memories?" moments, and the relief that comes when you realize you don't have to figure this out alone.

    Movers pack and transport. I help you create a home that feels like you—just with less to maintain and more space to breathe.

  • I specialize in green downsizing—helping people move to smaller homes or senior living communities while keeping as much as possible out of landfills. This approach informs everything I do, but I also bring specific expertise in these key areas:

    • Project Planning: Creating a custom roadmap you can actually follow

    • Space Planning: Figuring out what furniture fits in your new space and how to arrange it

    • Downsizing Support: Helping you decide what stays and what goes, with care and without judgment

    • Move Coordination: Managing all the moving parts—movers, estate sales, donations, haulers

    • Settling In: Unpacking and organizing so your new place feels like home fast

    What sets me apart is combining the logistics with genuine emotional support. I understand that this move represents so much more than changing addresses—it's about creating space for what matters most in this next phase of your life, whether that's more time with family, less maintenance, or simply the freedom to focus on the things that bring you joy.

  • Every situation is different, so I price based on what you actually need. After we talk on the phone, I'll come to your home for a consultation where I'll tour your space, understand your goals, and explain exactly how I can help. Then I'll send you a written plan with a clear estimate.

  • The earlier, the better. Even if your move is months away, getting a plan in place gives you more options and ensures a less stressful process. I can map out a timeline that works for your situation, so you're not scrambling at the last minute.

Services & Approach

  • Instead of everything going into a dumpster, I find thoughtful new homes for your belongings. We sell valuable items, donate to organizations that need them, gift things to family and friends, and recycle whatever we can. It's about honoring the life your possessions had with you while giving them a second purpose. Most of my clients are surprised by how little actually ends up in the trash.

  • I do not offer packing services. I focus on the sorting, organizing, and coordination aspects of your transition. I work closely with trusted movers who handle the packing and transport, and I'm there to guide the process and ensure everything goes smoothly on moving day.

    I do offer unpacking and organization services.

  • Yes, I can handle just the coordination and logistics while you and your family tackle the sorting. I am also happy to offer guidance and tips to help you simplify the downsizing process. However, since I use an efficient approach to downsizing and organizing your home prior to the move, I recommend including project planning, space planning, downsizing, and move management services for the most seamless experience. Most people find that doing it together is faster and less emotionally draining. I've developed systems that make the whole process more efficient when we tackle it as a team.

  • Whether you moved last month or you're still living out of boxes from a year ago, I can help you get settled. Sometimes people need time to adjust before they're ready to make their new place truly feel like home—and that's perfectly normal.

  • Yes, though I find the process works best when the parents are actively involved in decisions about their belongings. I can absolutely coordinate with adult children on logistics and timelines, but when it comes to sorting through a lifetime of possessions, having the parents participate—even if just for the meaningful items—makes the whole experience smoother and less stressful for everyone.

Partners & Logistics

  • I coordinate with everyone involved in your move—moving companies, senior living centers, estate sale professionals, eBay sellers, e-waste disposal professionals, non-profit organizations, donation centers, recyclers, and haulers. Think of me as your point person who makes sure nothing falls through the cracks and everyone's on the same timeline.

  • Yes, and it makes everything so much smoother when I can coordinate with them directly. I'll communicate your priorities, make sure fragile items get special attention, and ensure they know exactly where things go in your new home. It's one less thing for you to manage on moving day.

  • Your moving company will provide all the boxes and packing supplies you need. I coordinate with them to ensure the right materials are available when we need them.

  • Absolutely. I work with real estate professionals all the time to make sure your home is ready for market as quickly as possible. I can coordinate timelines so the house is decluttered and staged-ready when your Realtor needs it, and I'll communicate directly with them about any delays or changes. Many of my clients come to me through Realtor referrals because they know I make their job easier too.

  • Yes, I work with trusted estate sale companies and can coordinate the entire process for you. I'll help determine if an estate sale makes sense for your situation, connect you with the right team, and oversee the logistics so you don't have to manage all the details. After the sale, I'll also coordinate pickup of remaining items for donation or disposal, so you're not left wondering what to do with everything that didn't sell.

  • The National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers provides resources on their website at www.nasmm.org. Last year, the New York Times ran an article about the growing Senior Move Management field. You can find it here. Barron’s Magazine also recently ran a feature on our industry, which you can read here.