By Julie Holdsambeck | Associate Broker, eXp Realty | Central Alabama Updated November 2026
A senior move manager helps older adults and their families plan a move, sort and downsize belongings, hire and oversee movers, and set up the new home. Some do the work themselves and some coordinate it for you. Fees vary, so ask for a written estimate first (NASMM).
If you’ve lived in your home for 20 or 30 years, the hardest part of moving usually isn’t the house. It’s everything in it. The closets. The attic. The garage. The boxes from your parents’ house that you never opened.
That’s where a senior move manager comes in. A lot of people have never heard of them. So let’s talk about what they do, what they cost and whether one makes sense for you or your parents.
What is a senior move manager?
It’s a professional who helps older adults and families downsize, move or simplify their home.
The National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers (NASMM) describes it as a profession that helps older adults, individuals and families “downsize, relocate, or simplify” (NASMM). Some move managers do the hands-on work themselves, while others hire and oversee the people who do (same source).
Think of them as the project manager for your move. You still make the decision, and they make sure the decisions turn into a plan.
What does a senior move manager actually do?
Most offer some or all of these, according to NASMM (same source):
- Make a moving plan, or an “age in place” plan if you’re staying put
- Help you sort, organize and decide what to keep
- Draw up a floor plan of the new place so you know what fits
- Sell, auction, donate or consign the things you’re not taking
- Hire and oversee movers, packers, shipping and storage
- Unpack and set up the new home
- Help with related jobs, like cleaning, hauling things away and getting the house ready to sell
Here’s a biggie. That floor plan step saves a lot of heartache. It’s much easier to decide about the dining room table when you can see it won’t fit before moving day.
How much does a senior move manager cost?
It depends on where you live and what you need.
NASMM says fees “vary widely” by region and services. Some charge by the hour. Others quote one price for the whole job. NASMM members give you a written estimate before you pay anything (NASMM).
You can also hire one for just part of the work (same source). Maybe you only need help with sorting. Or maybe you want someone to handle moving day and unpacking so you’re not doing it alone.
I won’t guess at a price for the Tuscaloosa area, because it really does vary. Get two or three written quotes and compare what’s included.
Is a senior move manager worth it?
For some families, yes. For others, family and friends can handle it.
It may be worth it if:
- The kids live out of town and can’t be there for weeks at a time
- The house is full after decades of living there
- There’s a deadline, like a move into assisted living or a closing date
- Sorting is turning into arguments (it happens in a lot of families)
- You’re the one moving and you don’t want to lean on your children for everything
It may not be needed if the home is small, the timeline is loose and you have a few helpers who are willing and nearby.
Here’s something to think about. In NAR’s 2025 report, sellers had stayed in their homes a median of 11 years, the longest ever, and the typical repeat buyer was 62 (NAR). If you’ve been in your home longer than that, you already know how much can pile up. That’s a lot of living to sort through.
How do I find a good senior move manager?
NASMM has a “Find a Move Manager” search on its website (NASMM).
Before you hire anyone, NASMM suggests asking (same source):
- How long have you been doing move management?
- Are you a NASMM member? Do you have A+ Accreditation or SMM~C Certification?
- Have you had formal training?
- Are you fully insured for liability and workers’ compensation?
- How do you charge, and will you put the fees and a contract in writing?
- Can I talk to a few references?
I’d add one more. Ask how they handle things you’re unsure about. A good one won’t rush you.
When should we bring in a move manager?
Earlier than you think.
Sorting a house takes time, and you don’t want to do it in a rush. If you’re planning to sell, it helps to start the sorting before the house goes on the market because a clean, uncluttered house photographs better and shows better.
That matters right now. In Tuscaloosa, homes took a median of 39 days to sell in September, but “hot homes” went pending in about 14 days (Redfin). The homes that sell fast tend to be the ones that are ready on day one.
So a simple order that works for a lot of families:
- Decide on the next home, or at least the size of it.
- Sort and downsize with that size in mind.
- Get the house ready and list it.
- Move, unpack and settle in.
A move manager can help with steps 2 and 4. I can help with steps 1 and 3. And we can work together so the timing lines up.
A Story That Might Sound Familiar
Often family members function in this capacity. A son or daughter finds the next location and coordinates the move, also locating service providers. But when emotions run high, as they have with one of my clients, helping and being a loving family member at the same time becomes almost impossible.
That’s where a senior move manager comes in. Moving is always expensive, and though we are tempted to cut corners the relationships are worth the price of saving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a senior move manager and a moving company?
A moving company loads, hauls and unloads your things. A senior move manager handles the whole process, including planning, sorting, selling or donating items, hiring movers and setting up the new home. Many move managers hire and oversee the moving company for you.
How much does a senior move manager charge?
Fees vary by area and by what you need. Some charge by the hour and some quote a flat price for the job. NASMM members give a written estimate before you pay, so get a few quotes and compare them.
Can I hire a senior move manager for just part of the move?
Yes, NASMM says you can hire a move manager for only part of the work. Some families only want help sorting, while others want help with moving day and unpacking.
How do I find a senior move manager near Tuscaloosa?
Start with the “Find a Move Manager” search on nasmm.org. Ask about training, insurance, how they charge and for references. Get the fees and contract in writing before work starts.
Should I sort my belongings before or after I list my house?
Before, if you can. A clean, uncluttered home shows better and photographs better. In Tuscaloosa, the homes that sell fastest tend to be the ones that are ready on the first day they’re listed because there are people waiting.
Let’s Make a Plan Together
If you’re starting to think about downsizing or you’re trying to help Mom or Dad get ready, you don’t have to figure out the order of things alone. I’m happy to sit down and talk through timing, what the house might sell for and what the next home could look like.
No pressure. Just a plan that fits your pace.
Julie Holdsambeck Associate Broker, eXp Realty Central Alabama 205-928-9376 yourcentralalabama.com
