Richard and Kathleen McCarty faced an especially overwhelming task when they eventually decided to downsize from their large home, but with the help of move management service Senior Transitions, Inc., their move to a retirement living option was completely stress-free.

When Kathleen and Richard McCarty retired, they took the path less travelled by choosing to upsize.  Therefore, when the time came to move to a retirement community years later, the process seemed especially daunting.  With the help of Charna Kinneberg and her team at Senior Transitions Inc., however, the couple was able to experience a seamless move from the large family home to their new apartment.

Kathleen and Richard met in Baltimore while he was a student at Johns Hopkins University and she was attending Mount St. Agnes, now a part of Loyola University.  Married a year later, the couple had two children as Richard pursued his Masters degree at Hopkins.

The family then moved to Ithaca, NY where Richard became part of the faculty at Cornell University and Kathleen helped with library and development work for the school.   With the birth of their third child, the couple remained in the area for 24 years before returning to Baltimore in 1990 where Richard served as Chair of the Department of Biology at Hopkins.

“We had moved to Timonium, but the suburbs just weren’t for me, so we downsized to a condo in the Tuscany-Canterbury neighborhood,” said Kathleen.  At the time, the McCartys had also bought a weekend place in the mountains of Virginia.

“Two years later, the house right up the street became available and the first time we looked at it, we were filling out a contract,” said Richard.  “It had five bedrooms, so we were upsizing again, which isn’t necessarily a good idea.”

Although the couple loved their home, they were there for a decade before the maintenance became too much to handle.   Additionally, they had sold their weekend home and were therefore combining the belongings of two households.

Despite the overwhelming aspects of downsizing, there was one base the McCartys fortunately had covered.  They had always known where they would spend their later years.

“Our lawyer looked at our housing agreement and said everything looked fine but asked if we had shopped around,” said Kathleen. “We said we have not shopped around, we don’t want to live in the county, we want to stay in our neighborhood, and we want to be a part of Roland Park Place.”

The continuing care retirement community was a mere two blocks from where the couple had already been living, and for them, Roland Park Place’s reputation set it apart from any other option.

“It was also the peace of mind we could give our children,” said Richard.  “This is a place you walk in at your own power and they carry you up and you don’t have to worry about a thing; it’s wonderful.”
Among these perks, however, the couple still knew they faced the hurdle of clearing out their large home and giving whatever items they could to their three children or Goodwill.

Fortunately, upon signing their agreement to be residents, the McCartys received a packet from the community that included a brochure for Charna Kinneberg and her professional senior move management service, Senior Transitions, Inc.

“I looked at it and immediately told Richard we were going with this organization,” said Kathleen.  “Charna seemed to do everything, and she certainly did.”

Senior Transitions, Inc. helps with various parts of the moving process including automated floor plan designs, packing, supervising movers, preparing for home sales and disposing of unneeded items.  Charna Kinneberg, RN, MBA, started the company in 2001 and is a founding member of the National Association of Senior Move Mangers (NASMM).  She also serves on the board of two geriatric care provider groups.

And with this expertise, the couple said she was fully prepared from the start.  “From the moment Charna walked in the door, it was peace, serenity, efficiency and organization,” said Kathleen.  “A lot of people have jobs that they’re really good at, and she is really good at senior transitions.”

With the help of the Senior Transitions staff, the McCartys were connected with reliable movers and were able to donate several items, including 17 boxes of books that went to a charitable organization.

“When we got here, it was shocking to discover how they could unpack and find places for everything, and exactly where I would’ve put them!” said Kathleen.  “They knew our house and they took the time to do all that.”

With the move behind them, the couple is enjoying life at their new home, Roland Park Place, where they take advantage of the retirement community's fitness center and further pursue their passion for gardening.

As avid gardeners, the McCartys were especially delighted to know their beloved flowers were also accommodated.  “Our sunroom was filled with at least 20 orchids and all kinds of paraphernalia, and we had no place for them here,” said Richard.  “Charna put them on Craigslist for us and got several phone calls.  A woman came and took everything in a half hour period and our worry was off the deck completely.”

The couple not only appreciated Charna’s dedication throughout the process, but that of each of her employees.  “They were the best we’ve encountered.  All wonderful, lovely, charming people who came prepared every day to calm me down,” Kathleen said with a smile.

While many of the McCartys’ peers have utilized Senior Transitions and were just as thrilled with their services, the couple still does not hesitate to spread the word about the move management company whenever possible. “I couldn’t recommend Charna and her employees more highly to anybody,” said Kathleen.

With the stress-free move behind them, the couple could not be happier with their new apartment and surroundings at Roland Park Place.  As they take advantage of the community’s fitness center and scheduled daytrips, the McCartys have enjoyed getting to know their neighbors and continuing their favorite pastime by reserving a plot in the gardening areas.

“I think it’s important to move when both of you are able to do so physically and mentally,” said Richard.  “We are younger than most people here, but we were actually able to make the right decisions and enjoy the move and get it done.  It made our adjustment to living here very easy.”

Over the years, the Wyatt-Browns traveled a great deal teaching at different institutions. After beginning their careers at Colorado State in Fort Collins, Colo., they later went to University of Colorado in Boulder and spent 17 years at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Oh. They eventually transferred to the University of Florida, where they taught for 21 years. In addition, the couple also spent part of their careers in Princeton, University of Wisconsin, University of Richmond and William & Mary. Anne and Bertram also had a daughter, who now lives in St. Paul, Minn., along with two grandchildren.

Despite their many moves, it was never a question for the couple as to where they would spend their future. They left Florida to return home to Baltimore, where they had their sights set on eventually moving to Roland Park Place based on its convenient location and the positive experiences of Anne’s parents there.

Although Anne was initially hesitant about the physical aspects of the move, health issues and the difficulty of navigating and maintaining their three-level house had prompted the couple to seriously think about the transition to maintain their busy lifestyle.

“Baltimore is home for me; my family is here,” said Anne. “The reason we ended up at Roland Park Place is my parents lived here and I had no intention of going to the county. As far as I was concerned it was the city or forget it, and it had to be the neighborhood.”

Having several friends and relatives needing care in a variety of elder care settings over the years had made the couple see the value of a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). They appreciated the fact that they would be able to remain connected to their friends on the campus even if their health needs were to change.

Anne also liked the improvements she had seen at Roland Park Place since her parents were living there. Among those big differences was a list of resources compiled by the staff to help ease the transition and a complimentary floor plan design consultation for future residents.

To further ensure a stress-free move, Anne and Bertram decided to hire a firm that could provide senior move management services. They selected Senior Transitions, Inc., an organization owned and operated by Charna Kinneberg. Senior Transitions, Inc. is a well established company. Charna is one of the founding members of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM).

With so many decisions to make about what to take, the couple really appreciated a software program that Senior Transitions, Inc. used that mapped out their new floor plan with their existing furniture and possessions. According to Charna, the program allows clients to immediately see their plans and what will or will not work in their new space.

“You could really see what it was going to look like,” said Anne.

Charna then provided her guidance to assist the couple in sorting through their belongings and getting rid of or donating different pieces of furniture.

“I coach my clients to focus on what we want to keep, not what they are getting rid of. It really helps with the decision making process,” she said.

Understanding just how important their tremendous book collection and academic libraries were to the Wyatt-Browns, Charna made certain to identify appropriate space for as many bookcases as possible. The couple was pleasantly surprised at how many bookcases could actually fit. Also realizing that Anne and Bertram needed space for their own computers, she incorporated a desk for each of them in the design.

“My goal is to keep as many of the most treasured items as possible while maintaining a safe environment,” said Charna.

Although Anne is often questioned how she could give up so many pieces of furniture, she said, “A lot of our furniture was handed down to us, and to be able to give it to people who want it and who will someday give it to somebody else I think is wonderful.”

For the official moving day, Senior Transitions, Inc. brought in a crew to manage and facilitate the move. “They were very efficient and fun to be around,” said Bertram. “They made it a pleasure . . . they were just great.”

Anne continued, “They had terrific ideas for pictures, and once they put the pictures up, it made it ours and just transformed the place. They are really gifted in figuring out where to put things and I am in awe of their skill.”

With the move behind them, the Wyatt-Browns are eager to get involved with programs at their new home as they continue the activities they are most passionate about.

One of these lifelong pursuits for the couple is writing. While Anne is an author as well as the co-editor of a gerontological-style journal, Bertram has written twelve books and is a visiting scholar at Johns Hopkins. “I go to seminars sometimes and get revved up about that,” he said.

Music is another passion they have shared. Anne, who started in the Glee Club at Bryn Mawr when she was 14, had dreamed of attending Radcliffe College and joining its Chorale Society after hearing them in concert. Not only did she accomplish this goal, but she also became the group’s manager and has since continued to sing in different chorales and churches.

“Everywhere we have gone, I have sung in a group,” she said. “We had 10 moves, and every time, we would join a church and join the choir.” That carries through today as the couple sings in the choir at the Cathedral of the Incarnation which is right down the street from their home.

Most importantly, Anne and Bertram have enjoyed getting to know the individuals at the community. They have been very impressed with how outgoing the staff and residents are and are pleased that there are other “academics” living at Roland Park Place.

“The facilities are great and we plan to make good use of them, but it’s the kindness of people that really makes a difference,” said Anne.

As they meet new individuals, however, they will never forget the people who played a pivotal role in helping them get settled into their new home. No matter their daily pursuits, the Wyatt-Browns know they have beautiful and comfortable surroundings to return to thanks to Senior Transitions, Inc.

“They were terrific, we have nothing but praise for Charna and her group,” said Bertram.

Long before this move, however, the Resslers’ story begins when they met at a dance, which, according to Mrs. Ressler, has often led to the debate of who saw who first. Though no matter whom it was, the couple is happy to say they have celebrated 48 years of marriage. During this time, Mr. Ressler had worked for Amoco American Oil Company while Mrs. Ressler was a homemaker and bookkeeper who worked part time at the Catonsville Community College bookstore for several years.

It was Aug. 28, 2008 that the Resslers received the call for which they had been waiting. An apartment matching their request had become available. Though the couple sold their home in a matter of three weeks, they knew the actual moving process would not be so easy.

Mrs. Ressler said she and her husband knew they did not want to tackle this move on their own and at the time were given a list of vendors by the Charlestown sales staff. Instead of getting overwhelmed and bogged down with the details, they contacted Charna Kinneberg, owner of the company Senior Transitions, Inc. which provides move coordination services.

As a result, they had downsized, disposed of unnecessary items, had everything packed up, and were moved into their new place by October 10, less than two months after initially learning the apartment was available.

“We didn’t have to go through a book to try to find people to take away trash, donate things to, or even move our things since Charna and her staff took care of everything,” says Mrs. Ressler. “Everyone was wonderful including the other vendors they recommended. They showed up on time and if they were going to be late at all, they called. There was no waiting around wondering.”

Mr. Ressler adds that on the actual moving day, the vendors were taking care of unpacking all of the items and followed the couple’s wishes placing everything accordingly. “We walked into the bedroom and there they were making our bed – it was just like a hotel where everything we needed was in place and ready for us!” he says.

In other moves they made over the years, according to Mrs. Ressler, they had still had to contend with the packing supplies after everything was done. That was certainly not the case this time, however, thanks to their moving coordinator. The trash was removed with boxes taken away, thus the Resslers were free to quickly start their lives at Charlestown.

The Resslers’ story is certainly not uncommon; however, theirs teaches others of the available resources that can be utilized when taking on this difficult task. Charna says the move coordinators take one of the major barriers of moving away. “We often hear ‘I don’t want to be a burden to my children,’ or ‘I don’t have time to help my parents,’” she says.

With a qualified, experienced move coordinator, these and other issues associated with a move are handled. According to Charna, the ultimate goal is to remove that stress from the experience, though the source differs from client to client. One may just need someone to help them figure out what will fit into the new unit while another client may want help disposing of things they do not need. Someone else will just want help packing or unpacking as others want to go on vacation and come back after the move is done.

No matter the scenario, this move manager is there to help. “We’ve done it all,” she says.

Senior Transitions, Inc., however, is not limited to coordinating local moves. Charna is President Elect and one of the founding members of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM), an organization of move managers located throughout the U.S. and Canada. The industry has grown significantly in the past six years from the initial 16 member companies in 2002 to now over 500 companies.

“When a client is moving to or from another location, we can easily find a member company to help on the other end,” says Charna. “Because of my longstanding involvement with the organization, I often personally know the other company.”

Also as a result of her commitment to the association, some of the communities she regularly works with even call her rather than just selecting from the NASMM web site.

Meanwhile, with what turned out to be a very stress-free move behind them, the Resslers have enjoyed life in their new home. As Resident Ambassadors at Charlestown, they talk to prospective residents, showing them the community and discussing the advantages of living at Charlestown. Mrs. Ressler is also in the process of starting a new dining companions program at the community with her friend.

Of course, they often discuss their experience with Senior Transitions, Inc. and would recommend seeking the assistance of a move manager to anyone in a similar situation.

“There is no way we could have made the move without them,” says Mrs. Ressler. “It’s the single biggest reason most people give for not making the move. With Charna and her staff’s help, that issue is gone.”

The first step is to figure out where you are going, since what you will be able to take with you depends, a lot, on that decision. Moving from a large family home to a townhouse means one level of downsizing, and moving from a townhouse to a small apartment means another.

If you know where you’re going, you’ll have a much easier time figuring out what is sensible to keep, and what you will need to get rid of. Having a floor plan of the place you’re moving to, and important measurements, will help a lot in figuring out which large items you will be able to bring with you.

The timetable is important as well. Professional organizers will tell you that it’s best to have at least six months for such a move, but whatever your timetable is, you should get a calendar for this use only, and then plan your strategy. You might mark off “D-Day” (for decision made), and “M-Day” (for moving), then mark (in pencil!) the day the necessary steps will be made, moving both backward and forward.

Assign various members of the family to whatever tasks they can be responsible for. Decide on tentative dates for any sales you might have, and make deadlines for the other tasks you will need to accomplish. If you have no experience estimating the time needed for big jobs, take a general tip from freelancers and independent contractors: figure out the time you realistically think you will need, and then multiply it by at least two!

If possible, the move to another location should be completed with plenty of time to spare before the belongings that remain behind in the house are divided among others and removed from the premises. As anyone who has ever moved knows, moving is an exhausting, confusing, and emotionally upsetting ordeal. For a person who is moving out of a beloved home they’ve lived in for many years, it is all the more so.

Ideally, the person making the move should be given the time to settle into their new surroundings, and make sure that they have taken with them all they want, before the contents of their previous home are taken away. You don’t want to regret having given away too much too soon, or to have important things lost in the shuffle.

Creating a Visual Record

Insurance companies recommend that homeowners keep an inventory of household goods, with photos of the items. Such a list can be helpful when it comes to dispersing the items in a home as well. Make a page for each room in the house, with numbered columns, listing the item (“bureau”), a description (“4-drawer oak chest, 30 inches long”), its history or provenance (“wedding gift” or “purchased when Susie was born” or “belonged to Great-aunt Madeleine”), and any additional comments (“For my granddaughter Isabel” or “Please have this appraised and sold, with the profits divided equally among my children” or “Ask cousin Josh if he would like this; his mother gave it to us.”). You may leave the spaces in the last column blank if you want your children and grandchildren to decide which pieces interest them the most.

Take photographs of the items, and number the photographs to correspond with the list. If you are using a digital camera, you will be able to create an electronic record with photos and descriptions, and then send it to members of your family via e-mail.

The visual record can be used to help sort through and assign belongings to various members of the family in advance. Each child and/or grandchild in the family can be given a copy and asked to mark those items they would like to have.

The record will also come in handy when siblings are actually dividing up the estate. Each person can record which items they are taking, helping to ensure the items are being divided up fairly. It may seem that one person is getting more than the others because she’s been more vocal, but a look at the list will help assure each person that he or she is getting a fair share.

First Things First
The best way to begin the process of moving on, before any items are removed or even spoken for, is to talk with everyone in the family about what is happening. Here are some questions to ask:

–Has everyone in the family been informed that we are about to start emptying the house?

–Have we made a family plan for how to go about this process? Has everyone agreed to it?

–Have we set a date when the process will begin? Is it clear to everyone who will be involved?

–Have we talked about how to handle any disagreements or disputes that may arise in the process?

–Have we dealt with any disagreements about any of the above as well as we can? If we are not all in agreement, do we at least have a consensus that the process should begin?

Additional Resources:

American Moving and Storage Association
Association offers helpful consumer tips and information.
703-683-7410
www.moving.org

Appraisers Association of America, Inc. (AAA)
The oldest professional association of appraisers of personal property and the recognized authority for setting appraisal standards.
212-889-5503
www.appraiserassoc.org

American Society of Appraisers (ASA)
Organization founded the Appraisal Foundation, which issued the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
703-478-2228
www.appraisers.org

National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM)
Non-profit, professional association of organizations dedicated to helping older adults and their families with the physical and emotional aspects of the moving process.
www.nasmm.com

Excerpted from Moving On: A Practical Guide to Downsizing the Family Home by Linda Hetzer and Janet Hulstrand (Stewart, Tabori & Chang). To learn more about the book, visit their website: www.movingonthebook.com

Her children live all across the country now, and although Mrs. Barrett moved to a smaller home, she recently decided that it was time to get rid of her house and start a new life. While looking for an independent living community, she considered communities that were further out because her friends had moved there. She ultimately decided that she wanted to remain close to the city and avoid long commutes back and forth to her doctor’s offices. Classic Residence by Hyatt, an independent living community in Chevy Chase, MD, has proven to be a great choice for Mrs. Barrett.

While touring a model apartment at Classic Residence, Mrs. Barrett commented on the resident’s attractive d�cor. The resident responded, “I owe it all to Susie; don’t move without her.” Mrs. Barrett found out that “Susie” was Susie Danick, the owner of Transitional Assistance & Design. Transitional Assistance & Design is a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM). She took the resident’s advice and would now make the same suggestion to anyone facing the challenge of downsizing and moving to a retirement community.

Before the move, Transitional Assistance & Design came in and took pictures of Mrs. Barrett’s belongings in order to duplicate the set-up of her house in her new apartment. Next, Susie helped Mrs. Barrett prepare lists of things to take with her to the new apartment, to give away, to sell, and to throw away. These steps prepared Mrs. Barrett for moving day, which, for her, was effortless.

“I never even saw a box,” she exclaims. “I left my house at 8:30 AM, and when I came to the new apartment the next day at 3:30 PM, everything was finished. All my furniture was in its place; the kitchen utensils were in the drawers; the pictures were on the walls; the plants were placed all around. It was really incredible to walk in and see all that she had accomplished so quickly.” Mrs. Barrett goes on to say that she never saw or dealt with the movers. Susie handled all the details for her, allowing her to spend time with her children and enjoy going out to dinner on her first night in her new apartment.

With all of her belongings in their proper place, Mrs. Barrett was able to transition smoothly to her new community. She laughs as she says, “My apartment really looks today just like it did the day I walked in. Susie’s taste is so exquisite, and she had such wonderful decorating suggestions that I haven’t changed a thing.” Mrs. Barrett concludes, “I really couldn’t have done it without her.”

Downsizing Tips

After deciding that a move is desirable or necessary, the next step in the moving process is downsizing. You or your loved will likely be moving from a family home to a smaller apartment; therefore, there are a lot of decisions to be made in order to make the new space comfortable and functional. According to Nancy Loyd and Mary Ann Brewer, owners of Busy Buddies, Inc. Moving Services and founding members of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM), “The first and most important thing to do when you know where you’re moving is to make a floor plan showing each room and the placement of each piece of furniture. Try to take actual measurements of the rooms, and include locations of doors, windows, heaters, outlets, etc.” Next, you have to decide what to take to the new home. Never get rid of an item you really want to keep. However, keep in mind that there might not be room for everything. Try to make decisions that take space limitations into consideration. You should let family members know what you plan to take. Then, schedule specific times for the pick up of items you are giving to family and items you are donating to charity. Finally, make sure all items are prominently labeled. “Use colored stickers to mark what goes to the new place and what doesn’t. This will allow you to keep the home livable through the process and help you remember what goes where when the time comes,” advises Greg Gunderson of Gentle Transitions, a CA senior relocation company.

Packing

If you sort and mark everything appropriately beforehand, then you and your family or moving professionals should be able to easily pack your belongings. It is a good idea to allow the movers to pack most of your belongings. This will make the move much easier on you and will also guarantee that the moving company insures the contents of the boxes in case of damage. Also, if the move takes longer than anticipated because you are disorganized, the movers will charge more. Be sure that each box is labeled with the room it came from and a few of the contents. You may want to photograph your valuables, so that you have a record of their condition before the move. Pack smaller valuables with your personal items, carry them on your person, or place them in a safe deposit box during the move.

Hiring a Moving Company

Identifying all of the articles to be moved with stickers will help to ensure that you receive consistent bids from potential movers. Consult two or three moving companies and be sure to get written estimates. Once you have decided on a mover, you should sign a contract, which should include a specific price. While discussing your contract, be sure you understand the amount of insurance that is provided on your possessions before you make a decision. “The standard coverage, which comes at no cost, is 60 cents per pound per item. That means if a 10-pound crystal bowl costing $500 shattered, a consumer would get only $6,” warns Hope Yen in “How to Find a Reputable Moving Company.” Also, you should be aware that, by law, movers can collect only 10% above the price quoted in a non-binding estimate as long as no additional services were provided.

Using a Senior Move Manager/ Moving Coordinator

One way to guarantee that your move goes well is to enlist the help of professionals. Moving professionals go by a variety of different titles, including Senior Move Managers and Moving Coordinators. The newly formed National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) provides guidelines for many of these professionals. Moving professionals can provide support and assistance with both the physical and emotional aspects of the moving process. They can assess, coordinate, monitor, and perform the steps in the moving process, including: planning; customizing floor plans; referring realtors, movers, shippers, liquidators, charities, and haulers; sorting; contacting utilities; packing; unpacking; organizing; settling; and decorating. Utilizing the help of a professional move manager or moving coordinator can help to alleviate the stress and aggravation of moving, making their fees money well spent.

Special thanks to Sarah Morse and Donna Quinn Robbins, co-authors of Moving Mom and Dad, for material included in this article. You can order a complete copy of the book by calling (570)-703-7476 or by going to www.amazon.com.

Thanks are also due to Nancy Loyd and Marry Ann Brewer of Busy Buddies, Inc. Moving Services for their suggestions and materials. For more information, visit NASMM’s website at www.nasmm.com.