Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
How much will my move cost?
Just as each individual is unique – so is every move or project. We will be happy to meet you in your home for a one hour consultation to discuss your specific needs and provide you with a written estimate. Because our services are geared to the unique needs of our client families, and circumstances can change, we offer a non-binding estimate based on our professional experience with similar projects. We require a signed agreement and deposit in order to add your project to our calendar. The balance on your invoice will reflect the actual time, service and supplies needed to ensure the successful completion of your move or project.
If I hire you, do I have to use all of your services?
No. We are happy to assist you with whichever services you need.
What is the difference between your services and a moving company?
Although movers provide an invaluable service in lifting heavy furniture and relocating your belongings from one home to the next, we take care of the details that matter most to seniors. In our experience, move managers are much more conscientious packers and unpackers. We place belongings in the appropriate place within your new home using common sense and knowledge of your preferences to guide our actions. We also have an eye for color and décor and are regularly complimented on how nice the new home looks.
How quickly can a move happen?
Depending on the situation and availability of staff and a mover, small moves can be done with just a few days notice. These smaller moves are typically for older adults moving into an assisted living apartment, memory care unit, or skilled nursing facility. Larger projects or moves into independent living communities, including cottages and apartments, typically take more time, anywhere from three weeks to several months, depending on the amount of belongings and the specific project goals. It’s never too early to begin the planning process so call now for an in-home consultation.
What is significant about the certifications you hold?
As a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM), the leading membership organization for Senior Move Managers, Move Elders With Ease is bound by a pledge of integrity and committed to safety and ethics as well as professional development. NASMM is recognized for its innovative programs and expertise related to senior move management, transition and relocation issues affecting older adults.
NASMM’s Senior Move Manager - Certified (SMM-C) is the only certification program designed exclusively for Senior Move Managers, offered by a professional non-profit trade association and based on both knowledge and experience.
How will I know what furniture and belongings will fit into my new home?
One of the first steps that we recommend is a floor planning session for your new residence. Working with you, we will discuss and measure the furniture you would like to move and then place it on the scaled floor plan using our planning board. Clients typically find their mental stress greatly reduced once the furniture layout is complete! And this step makes your move most efficient for the movers, decreasing their time and your cost.
What do I do with belongings that are not making the move?
Oftentimes clients will have family members or friends that are able to use some of the belongings not being moved. We also regularly guide clients to the best avenues for potentially selling their items and can recommend trusted appraisers if needed. For items that are not sellable, we coordinate donation pick up and also work with local haulers to handle the items that must be recycled or taken to the landfill. Regardless of the avenue, we can handle complete emptying of the former residence.
Do you help with out of state moves?
Yes, we regularly partner with Senior Move Managers in other parts of North Carolina or the nation to help facilitate a stress-free transition, either preparing the belongings here to move elsewhere, or receiving the belongings and setting up the new home in our area.