What a senior move manager actually does
Moving out of a long-time family home is equal parts logistics and grief, and senior move managers are the professionals who carry both. A typical engagement covers planning the move, sorting and downsizing decades of belongings (what goes, what's gifted, what's sold or donated), space-planning the new home so furniture actually fits, packing, overseeing the movers on move day, and unpacking the new place down to pictures on the walls and dishes in the cupboards. Many also handle what stays behind — estate sales, donation runs, and preparing the house for sale.
Most companies in this directory appear in the National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers (NASMM) member directory; several hold NASMM's A+ accreditation, the industry's highest standard. Families typically hire a move manager 4–8 weeks before a planned transition — earlier is easier, especially when a move into senior living has a fixed date.
How much does a senior move manager cost?
Most firms bill hourly, commonly in the $60–$125 per hour range per team member depending on market. Complete moves — sort, pack, move-day oversight, and full setup of the new home — often land between $1,500 and $5,000+ depending on home size and how much downsizing is involved. Nearly all offer free consultations and written estimates.
How is this different from hiring a moving company?
Movers move boxes. Senior move managers manage the transition: the downsizing decisions, the floor plan, the coordination with the senior-living community, the emotional pacing, and the movers themselves. Most work with vetted moving partners rather than owning trucks.
When should we call?
Four to eight weeks ahead is comfortable for most moves. If a health event forces a fast transition, call anyway — rush moves are a routine part of this profession, and an experienced move manager can compress the timeline dramatically.