Caring Transitions Helps Seniors Relocate Without the Stress

Whether you’re downsizing after retirement or assisting with the relocation of an aging parent, we know that the transition can seem downright overwhelming. After all, moving from a beloved home filled with years of memories is difficult – both emotionally and physically. For seniors, this transition can be particularly stressful due to illness or a loss of independence. For this reason, I suggest hiring a certified Caring Transitions specialist to help make the experience as smooth as possible. Every year, thousands of people enlist a Caring Transitions specialist to assist with downsizing, moving, estate sales and everything inbetween. To learn more about Caring Transitions and what they do, take a look at our overview below.

What is Caring Transitions?

Founded in 2006, Caring Transitions Inc. is a Cincinnati-based franchiser with 178 locations nationwide. According to the Wall Street Journal , these franchises have served thousands of people in the past few years. The company’s services include comprehensive downsizing, relocation, estate sales and move management solutions – among others. The article also notes that “a majority of clients are seniors and their families, but the company also serves empty nesters and individuals facing a major transition in their lives, such as death, divorce or downsizing.”

Who should consider hiring them?

Anyone preparing for a major life transition can hire a Caring Transitions specialist to assist with the planning and details. This includes seniors, retirees, empty nesters, family members of an aging relative, and those experiencing an abrupt change such as divorce or the loss of a spouse.

Are these transition specialists certified?

Yes. According to Caring Transitions, each franchise owner “has earned the Certified Relocation Transitions Specialist (CRTS) designation, the most rigorous industry credentials awarded in the fields of senior relocation and move management.” To receive this certificate, the individual must complete multiple training courses and hold one of 12 specific credentials and certifications. Earning a CRTS credential prepares a specialist to support and help older adults with moving, organizing, downsizing, selling and remodeling a home. Caring Transitions employees must also meet certain ongoing education requirements, and are bonded, insured and thoroughly screened as well.

So what exactly do they do?

Below is an explanation of what exactly these transition specialists do.

• Downsizing and Decluttering Services – From downsizing a home to dejunking closets, Caring Transitions helps seniors with all of their decluttering and planning needs. Your local specialist should be able to handle: p aper and document management; decluttering, sorting and organizing; donations, disbursements and liquidations; and other professional move management tasks . A Caring Transitions specialist will collaborate with their client during the “right-sizing” process , which helps prioritize what is most important and helpful in the next phase of life, according to the company’s website.
• Relocation Services – If the idea of packing up all of your worldly possessions and moving to a completely new home is overwhelming, Caring Transitions can help. These certified professionals handle senior relocations from beginning to end. With the help of space planning software, they can also see what items will fit where in your new home. In addition to floor planning, Caring Transitions will take care of locating, organizing and sorting through personal belongings; coordinating changes in address with the post office, utilities, Social Security and others; home staging to ease moving anxiety; professionally packing and unpacking all items; and coordinating with professional movers, moving companies, and Realtors. Caring Transitions also assists with corporate relocations and divorce relocations.
• Estate Sales and Online Auction – Leave the stress of estate sale planning to the professionals. If your loved one passes away, Caring Transitions will help you coordinate the liquidation of their estate while keeping your needs and emotions top of mind. According to the website, Caring Transitions will act as the family’s “on-site advocate,” coordinating the home’s liquidations in a timely manner. Services offered include: inventory, sorting and decluttering; coordinating movers; packing and unpacking; selling items via estate sales and online auction services; dispersing, donating, recycling, and discarding Items; liquidating business assets; floor planning; repairing, painting, cleaning and staging the home for resale; assisting executors, attorneys, trustees and Realtors; decluttering and organizing; fundraising and other special projects.

How do I find a Caring Transitions near me?

Fortunately, there are numerous Caring Transitions franchises located throughout the U.S. To find a nearby Caring Transitions specialist to help you with your (or a family member’s) upcoming relocation, check here .

Are there other senior relocation services available besides Caring Transitions?

Yes. In addition to numerous locally-owned relocation companies throughout the U.S., those moving or “aging in place” can call on the assistance of an official Senior Move Manager®. These Senior Move Managers® are members of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) and specialize in moving services involving older adults. They can handle every aspect of a senior relocation.

According to NASMM, Senior Move Managers® are responsible for creating and executing seamless action plans for a move. Services offered include: organizing, sorting and downsizing; developing an overall move or “age in place” plan; customized floor plans; arranging for the profitable disposal of unwanted items through auction, estate sale, buy-out, consignment, donation, or a combination of the above; interviewing, scheduling and overseeing movers; arranging shipments and storage; supervising and overseeing of professional packing; unpacking and setting up the new home; cleaning, waste removal, shopping, senior escort, assisting with selection of a realtor and helping prepare the home to be sold.

To find a qualified Senior Move Manager®, visit NASMM’s website and click on “Find a Senior Move Manager®.” Then enter your zipcode to find a Senior Move Manager® in your area that fits your needs. For more information on Senior Move Managers®, read our overview here .

Need additional help moving?

Whether you’re moving out of state or across the street, Moving.com has you covered. To find the best moving company to handle your upcoming move, check our extensive network of reputable and reliable movers. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Good luck and happy moving!