It is estimated that it takes a minimum of 80 combined hours to completely sort and pack an average home. This is an enormous task.

When it comes to hiring a mover, or moving yourself, deciding which is better is different for everyone. Usually, the first factor considered is cost. But you also must factor in your time, the difficulty or complexity of the move, your ability, the distance, and who you have in your life to help you.

Is time an issue? Do you need to move quickly? Do you have people to help you? Can you organize all the resources (packing materials, utility transfer, moving truck and able-bodied people) you need in the required time frame? How much stuff do you have? If money is not an issue, the headaches of packing and moving everything yourself, can be hugely reduced by hiring a moving company to do it for you.
   
If you and/or members of your family aren’t up to the task, you can call upon the services of a relocation company. This company will not only help you pack and downsize, but can handle all the arrangements with the moving company. 

And if you do decide you or members of your family can handle some of the tasks, they will often work with you to assist in the areas you can’t or don’t want to undertake.
   
A relocation company can help with downsizing as well as moving. They can often give advice regarding retirement communities, help create a plan of action and co-ordinate the whole or part of the process. Most companies will tailor their services to meet your individual needs. They are usually also skilled in helping people cope with the emotional side of moving. They can sort and pack without your help or only minimal direction; or they can work alongside you, helping you with the tasks you find difficult. They know how to get items appraised, all the places you can donate items, or where you can auction items. They will deliver items, remove garbage, and even provide meals. They can ensure your utilities are all taken care of, keys are put into the hands of the right people, and pets are taken care of during the move. They will even involve your family members, if that is your desire.

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 the result is to see you comfortably installed in your new home.
   
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 it. They will commonly 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:
• Assess your current home and your needs
• Assess your new location and how to best accommodate you and your possessions in it
• Provide advice to assist your decision-making
• Create a work plan, short term and long term - with a time frame for every activity
• Provide hundreds of helpful suggestions and ideas
• Help co-ordinate realtors, appraisers, movers, etc.
• Videotape, inventory all your belongings
• Help downsize, doing as little or much as you prefer
• Sort and organize your belongings
• Help disburse all the items you will not be taking with you to friends, family, auctions, sales, storage, etc.
• Handle all your utility and address changeovers
• Arrange for cleanup, household repairs, and garbage disposal, etc.
• Keep you updated on their progress every step of the way
• Allow you to be in control of the process to whatever degree you wish

For “Tips on Hiring a Relocation Specialist” visit www.seniorlivingmag.com/articles/hiring-a-relocation-specialist

For more information on relocating, order Senior Living’s book called “To Move or Not to Move?” at www.seniorlivingmag.com/bookstore

FEBRUARY 2012 SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE VANCOUVER ISLAND
FEBRUARY 2012 SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND