Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a Move Management Services Company do?

At Overwhelmed How Can I Help, LLC we provide personalized relocation services to support any transition, but usually from and into a new home. Our team begins by sorting, separating and organizing all of your possessions and helps you make decisions about where they will go — auction, donate, gift, move with you or recycle. We organize, pack and label, choose a reputable moving company on your behalf, and take care of all the details before, during and after your move.  Please refer to Question #10 – What happens on Move in Day?.

2. Why should I hire a Move Manager?

Our tag line is “Taking the Stress out of the Transition”. Planning ahead of time is the single most efficient way to ensure a smooth and cost-effective transition with the least amount of stress. We know it’s personal and we are able to detach from the task and get it done within a timely manner. We are trained and certified.

3. Who do you work with?

Overwhelmed How Can I Help, LLC is changing to take care of so many areas of need. Helping the aging population move or helping the siblings or loved ones settle an estate is a good part of the business. We work with individuals suffering from different forms of dementia to help accomplish the move. Helping individuals to “age-in-place” safely is becoming a growing concern; please see my article on Universal Design. We also work with those that have special needs, whether the needs are to organize or de-clutter, we can help. If you are coming home from the hospital, we can help with creating a first floor living space. The list goes on, whether we are helping a millennial, baby boomer or someone from any other generation. We care and we are here to help. Also refer to “Who benefits from using & referring Certified SMM” on the Home page.

4. Do you work with Retirement Communities?

Yes, dozens. Admissions and marketing associates find our help invaluable. We help you make that crucial decision that it is possible to move from your home you’ve lived in for 15, 20, 30+ years and go from 2000+ sq. ft. to 1000 sq. ft. or less. Our computer program can help you decide what furniture to take and where it will fit in your new home.

5. Why de-clutter prior to moving?

De-cluttering prior to your move can save you 5 to 15% on move expenses. It also maximizes your tax deductions and helps charitable organizations in the process.

6. I’m not moving. Do you provide de-cluttering, organizing, sorting and downsizing services?

By all means, Yes! This is often the most daunting task for families and individuals. You’d like to get back on track but don’t know where to start. Our educated and skilled staff at Overwhelmed How Can I Help, LLC will accomplish these tasks for you at your direction and in an efficient manner.

7. What is aging-in-place and how are you involved with the aging population of people who are not moving?

Wanting to live longer in your present home may require an array of services to support your independence. Home modification to age-in-place can be a great way to accommodate the changes that accompany aging so you can safely remain in your home as long as possible and possibly forever. We can be a valuable asset by performing a thorough assessment of the home and then helping to develop a plan by hiring, coordinating and overseeing the various contractors who perform the necessary renovations for you to comfortably and safely age-in-place. Please see my article on Universal Design.

8. Why do I need a Senior Move Manager when moving?

We help with the emotional and physical aspects of moving, making your transition easier for you. A Move Manager can enhance the marketability of your home by offering suggestions on how to make the most out of the sale of your home. We make your move easier by providing guidance and structure, while you make the decisions. We have accumulated over the years an arsenal of dependable resources that will save you from backaches and headaches. Move Management is not a luxury, it’s an investment. Give yourself permission to hire a professional.

Many moving companies offer packing and unpacking services, but they do not help you downsize or de-clutter before the move. Some moving companies get paid on the amount/weight they move. Shipping less will cost you less. Movers will unpack but do not put things away, thus leaving everything out and disorganized. They don’t make your bed, set up your kitchen or rooms or plug in your coffee pot. It’s up to you to do this. We also utilize a computer program that can duplicate the space you’re moving into and help you see what furniture is going to fit and where. Planning and organizing ahead of time is the single most efficient way to ensure a smooth and cost effective move. Please refer to Question #10 – What happens on Move in Day?

10. What happens on move-in day?

Isn’t this magical? You spend the day doing what you like best. The movers arrive early on move-in day, the boxes are already packed, the floor plan is approved. An OHCIH representative is there to handle the logistics of the loading order. Movers arrive at the new location midday that same day and are met by an OHCIH crew. A crew member guides the furniture in the pre-approved locations. Our team then unpacks boxes, organizes clothing, makes the beds, sets up the kitchen and rooms, plugs in the coffee pot and electronics and discards the boxes. We can even set up a china cabinet to look exactly like it did before the move. At the end of the day, you enter a well-organized home ready to start a new chapter in your lives. Our biggest reward is to hear you say, “We couldn’t have done it without you.”

11. Do you handle out-of-state moves?

Yes! Definitely. OHCIH is a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers. We can partner with other out of state members to coordinate your move. OHCIH has moved several clients across the United States. When doing so it is extremely helpful to use the computer-assisted design (CAD) computer program. It provides a template for all to follow and helps in the downsizing if need be. Between the two of us – both with Senior Move Management Companies – we can coordinate your entire move. When you arrive at your new destination, you will entire into a totally organized home the way you envisioned.
Welcome Home!

12. Do you help family members?

Many of our clients are the adult children or loved ones of seniors. However, as much as the family members want to help, it becomes geographically impossible due to distance and/or careers.  Family obligations and physical limitations could also add to an already stressful situation. And frankly, because of my own experience with my parents, I know that you become emotionally attached to things, which may lead to making a bad decision. We have the experience and know how to get the job done. Let us give you the peace of mind knowing your loved one’s affairs are being handled with the same care and attention to detail as you would give.  Please refer to Peggy’s Testimonial.

13. What about hoarding?

We understand. Paper is the #1 hoarded item and we’ve seen our fair share. Let us determine if it’s something we can handle. We offer an in-home consultation at no charge. If it’s something not in our scope of work, we would definitely refer you to someone who could help. We care.

14. Do you handle small moves?

Of course. Moves into spaces less than 1000 sq. ft. Moving into or from Assisted Living into Memory Care or are you coming home from the hospital/rehab and need some help creating a first floor living space? We’re here to help.

15. How long does the move process take?

Each situation is unique. Usually we will work with the client 3 to 4 weeks prior to the move. We handle as much or as little as the client wants within their time frame. The move itself one day. Please refer to Question #10 – What happens on move-in day?

16. What Transition Services do you offer with a move?

• Plan and organizing your move
• Downsize and de-clutter
• Provide customized floor-planning
• Arrange for Estate sale, donations and/or sale of unneeded items
• Packing your items for your move
• Schedule vendors of your choice
• Be the point person for questions
• Completely unpack your belongings
• Re-settle you into your new home
• Clean out your former home

17. Can you take care of the entire content liquidation of a home?

From the cleanout to the sale of your home, we are your full-service partner for an estate settlement.

18. How much do you charge?

Every situation is different, every person is different, and every family is different. We assess your situation during our initial in-home consultation at no charge. Then we’ll develop a plan at that time. Fees are based on the scope of work to take place.

19. What are the real benefits of using a certified Senior Move Manager?

• Senior Move Managers® have significant expertise in resources and approaches that save money, reduce stress and produce quality results.
• Services are client-centered and personalized to meet the client’s needs and preferences.
• Members of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) are reviewed for insurance and experience requirements prior to acceptance.
• Ongoing educational programs reflect the NASMM commitment to professionalism and to working with aging population. NASMM has developed a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for all members.

 

Haven’t found the answer to your question?

Please contact us at (703) 508-3056 or via the Contact Us page.