Angie's List: Moving Tips For Seniors
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Moving can be difficult for everyone, especially for older people who are downsizing. But now there's a whole industry dedicated to making it easier.
Vickie Dellaquila of the North Hills is not just a professional organizer. She specializes in helping seniors and their families get ready for a move.
"Moving is one of the top stressers in life. You've been in a home for 50 years and now all of a sudden you have to downsize and move is very difficult. So remember it's okay to feel these emotions," Dellaquila said.
Ten years ago, Dellaquila started the company, "Organization Rules," and quickly recognized a need for Senior Services.
"My company helps seniors who are downsizing from a large home to a smaller home. Whether that's a condominium, apartment or retirement community or to assisted living. We also help people with organizing services in their home," Dellaquila said.
Dellaquila is so passionate about senior move services, she wrote the book titled, "Don't Toss My Memories in the Trash." The step-by-step guide aims to help seniors having trouble with the moving transition.
Angie Hicks from Angie's List says Senior Move Management Services have increased in the past decade.
"Movers who focus closely on the elderly will pay close attention to things that will be important for their clients such as helping with packing and unpacking and also one of the things that is often overlooked is helping you set up the home of the elderly person to look just like their old home so they feel comfortable and familiar right away," Hicks said.
Senior Move Managers say they help with all aspects of the senior move, depending on what is needed.
"The majority of the time we do the packing, we do the unpacking. Sean hangs all the pictures, the curtains, so when they walk in, everything is set up the way they had left it," Senior Move Manager, Jan Tienhaara said.
If you plan to hire a moving service for Seniors, Angie's list has these tips:
- Be sure to ask about costs --- Research the company before you hire and get costs in writing.
- Ask about a written contract --- Don't sign anything you don't understand.
- Check mover qualifications.
- Ask about insurance options.
Angie's List also says it's important to find movers with experience in these types of moves and see if they are a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers, as well.
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