Hiring a Senior Move Manager? Do your Homework – Not all Move Managers are Created Equal!

If you or a senior you know are thinking about moving and could benefit from the services of a Senior Move Manager it is important to thoroughly research your options.

There are many people getting into the growing senior market and donning the hat of Senior Move Managers. Most have a genuine concern for the care and welfare of our senior community, but that is not enough to navigate the complex waters of a senior move. A good Senior Move Manager will become part of your life, a trusted advisor and the person that has your back. Your Move Manager should have the experience to manage your move properly, the business and professional credentials to substantiate that experience and the client and business references to provide proof.

Not all Move Managers are created equal and you should screen carefully and thoroughly.

Do not be fooled by people who say they don’t have any of the business fundamentals like a business license or business insurance so that they can keep their costs down and charge you a lower rate. If you are writing checks to a person and not a company, the odds are they are not a legal company with the professional licenses and proper insurances in place. You are taking a risk that is too great. This is your personal welfare, your home, your possessions. The Move Manager you work with should be a professional, legitimate company.

Here are some questions you should ask:

1. Is your business fully licensed, insured and bonded?
2. How long have you been providing Senior Move Management services?
3. What is your background? How did you end up in Move Management?
4. What are your professional credentials?
   • Are you a member of NASMM (National Association of Senior Move Managers)? www.nasmm.org
   • Are you a member of NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Specialists)? www.napo.net
5. Do you have a website and Facebook page that I can look at? (Do they have a business card and professional brochure? Do they have a professional presence?)
6. Do you have employees?
7. Do you maintain Workman’s Compensation Insurance coverage in the event someone is injured?
8. How do you train your employees?
9. How do you charge? (Fees should be provided in writing to the consumer or responsible party prior to providing services.)
10. Will you provide a written contract?
11. Can you provide references?

If the move management company that you are considering hiring cannot provide the proof, then you should not bring them into your home. If they cannot invest in setting up a legitimate and professional business, then they are not a qualified Senior Move Management Company.

Moving is a BIG deal. Senior moves are an even BIGGER deal. You should only work with proven professionals.

NextStep Transitions is a Move Management Company in Seattle, WA. We have been helping people move since 2007. If you or someone you know is moving, please check out our website or contact us at christy@nextsteptransitions.com We are members of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) and the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Specialists (NAPO).