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Hiring A Relocation SpecialistBy Barbara Risto A company that specializes in relocating clients is different from a downsizing company in that it handles downsizing PLUS moving. A downsizing company usually helps you organize your current home to make it more functional by clearing out clutter and unnecessary items. A relocation company does all of this while keeping in mind that the end result is to see you comfortably installed in your new home. When choosing a relocating company, get more than one estimate and choose the company that you feel most comfortable with. The right person can not only coordinate and organize everything, but they can bring a sense of calmness during the anxious moments. The estimate should include the consultation fee and all the elements you have agreed they will be responsible for, right down to the landfill charges. The representative of the company you pick should have the necessary interpersonal skills to make an accurate assessment of your personality, your taste, and understand what you value in your current home. They should have a good understanding of the place you are moving to, its limitations or challenges, and be able to advise you on the best items to bring to fit the space and location. They should include you in the discussion, the decisions and the activities to the degree that you are comfortable. They should be able to assess what needs to be done short term and long term and create a plan that they can clearly communicate to you. Ask if they have a Certified Senior Advisor designation. This means they have taken a comprehensive course to better understand the needs and feelings of a senior person. The list of what a relocation company can do for you is endless. Whatever needs to be done, they are usually more than willing to tackle. They will usually have a list of services you can select from, but will create a plan that is unique to your situation. They will take into consideration the ways in which you want or don't want to be involved in the process. They can:
For more information on relocating, order Senior Living’s book called “To Move or Not to Move?” – a helpful guide for seniors considering their residential options. This 132 page book costs $9.95 plus tax and shipping & handling, and can be ordered by calling 1-250-479-4705 or online at www.seniorlivingmag.com/bookstore View All Articles by Barbara Risto This article has been viewed 1022 times. Comments | 
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Showing 0 to 3 of 3 comments.
I think I would feel more comfortable with someone who holds some sort of certification in this field as I would prefer to work with someone who is bonded, insured and has access to an association where they might find ways to improve the service they provide. When it comes down to it you would want someone who has the right connections and works within a code of ethics. In every industry there are those who just do it for the money and I believe they are easily spotted. You really need to do some due diligence to determine if the person you select is compatible and has the required skills to get the job done in an orderly fashion. I recently had to witness my Aunt have her home picked apart after she was crudely removed from it by people she thought she could trust a nurse included. A sad state of affairs.
Posted by: D. Robertson | August 30th, 2011
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I think I would feel more comfortable with someone who holds some sort of certification in this field as I would prefer to work with someone who is bonded, insured and has access to an association where they might find ways to improve the service they provide. When it comes down to it you would want someone who has the right connections and works within a code of ethics. In every industry there are those who just do it for the money and I believe they are easily spotted. You really need to do some due diligence to determine if the person you select is compatible and has the required skills to get the job done in an orderly fashion. I recently had to witness my Aunt have her home picked apart after she was crudely removed from it by people she thought she could trust a nurse included. A sad state of affairs.
Posted by: D. Robertson | August 30th, 2011
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Barbara, I have to disagree about the Certified Senior Advisor designation. This designation is helpful for a lot of the auctioneers, real estate agents, moving companies and interior designers who see a chance to make money off of the aging population. However, there are a lot of people in the field who are Social Workers, or came from the healthcare field who know a lot more about the needs of seniors, and don't bother taking this course. I may be wrong, but at this point, I believe that the "certification" training is given by an auction company!!!! These are not the people I would want looking after my mother's transition. I was in a major car accident just before my aged mother fell and broke her hip at home, She needed to go into a nursing home right away, and I was in no condition to help. When I was researching the field, I found a lot of people who had taken this type of certification course, but I just didn't feel comfortable with them. Instead, I ended up hiring a former Social Worker who had years of experience working with the elderly in hospitals and Long Term Care facilities. She was able to talk us through the tough transition, as well as handling all of the packing, downsizing and moving. I felt that my mother's needs came first. If I ever had to do it again, the Certified Senior Advisor designation would not be one of my considerations. You should look at the person's background.
Posted by: Joan Wagman | November 29th, 2009
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