Do you know the difference between a senior move manager and someone who offers move management services?
The terms are sometimes used simultaneously - I sometimes do it myself - but the designation “senior move manager” is actually a registered trademark of NASMM. What is NASMM you ask? NASMM is the acronym for the National Association of Senior Move Managers and only NASMM member companies can legally call themselves senior move managers.
So why does that matter?
Well you know that when you choose to work with a senior move manager you are working with someone who specializes in helping older adults and their families with the daunting process of downsizing and moving to a new home, whether that is a condo, a retirement residence or a seniors’ apartment.
You can count on professional competence. The organization is based in the U.S. but grants membership to the best of the best in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.
NASMM members are experienced professionals bound by a pledge of integrity and committed to safety and ethics.
We specialize in helping our clients with the emotional and physical aspects of sorting through a lifetime of memories while providing them with effective options and resources that increase efficiencies and reduce stress throughout their entire transition.
For adults who have lived in their homes for 30, 40 or 50 years they are facing much more than “just a move”. Our services are unique, client-centred and personalized to meet our older client’s specific needs as we guide them through an expertly managed, compassionate and cost effective relocation.
Many older adults making this type of change need to downsize quite a bit. The organizational and physical tasks required can feel overwhelming.
Before achieving full membership in NASMM, members are vetted for experience. We carry and maintain general business liability insurance coverage and we must pass certificate classes in senior move management ethics, accountability and senior move management safety.
Additionally we invest in professional development and adhere to the NASMM code of ethics.
So why wouldn’t everyone who offers move management services become a NASMM member?
That’s a good question. Honestly it is expensive to maintain sufficient liability insurance, pay a pricey membership fee every year – in U.S. funds no less - and some folks want to reach the senior market but they may not want to invest money in their business or in professional growth. Not surprisingly I see a lot of these services come and go… .
Since founding and launching Moving Seniors with a Smile Inc. in 2012, I have seen individuals “helping” older adults without the background, the experience, the resources or the professionalism that we offer our clients. It’s about reducing your stress, not adding to it by working with someone who may lack the professionalism that can truly provide you and your loved ones with a seamless transition.
For some, moving isn’t in the cards at the moment but your home in its current condition may not be meeting your emerging health and mobility needs. Over time our homes can become cluttered with too much stuff that we no longer use.
If your space isn’t serving you as well as it did ten or twenty years ago you may desire a change but find the daunting process of downsizing, decluttering and discarding more than you want to tackle on your own. We can help with that as well so that your existing home becomes a safe and inviting space that caters to your current wants and needs.
An awesome senior move manager can provide compassionate guidance, encouragement and hands-on help. We understand the physical and emotional stresses associated with later lifestyle changes as well as the ethical, safety and communication issues that accompany working with older adults.
With our gentle and expert guidance you make the key decisions and, as a proud member of NASMM, our sensitive, knowledgeable and objective senior move management solutions can make your downsizing project and/or entire transition seamless.
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