Moving to a new home is so much more than just moving. It’s emotional. It’s physically challenging. It can even be strategic, because you have to coordinate so many things—getting rid of years’ worth of belongings, getting into the new place at the right time. It’s especially difficult if you’re moving from a house to a smaller place.

Some people rely on family members for help, but that’s not always possible. Maybe there are no family members living, or maybe they live too far away to help with all the planning and sorting and carrying.

If you’re facing a challenging move, consider calling in a senior move manager. According to the National Association of Senior Move Managers, these are some of the jobs a senior move manager can help with:

• Developing a plan for your move
• Organizing, sorting and downsizing
• Customizing your new floor plan
• Helping you sort through your belongings and coordinating their disbursal through auction, estate sale, donation
• Arranging shipments and storage
• Being there on moving day to supervise the unpacking, picture hanging, etc.

When you call a senior move manager, ask the following questions:

• How long have you been providing these services?
• What are your credentials?
• Are you fully insured for liability and workers’ compensation?
• How do you charge—hourly, by the job, etc.
• Will you provide a written contract?
• Do you have references?

Fees for a professional senior mover average about $1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment to an average of $5,000 for a sizable home.

To find a senior move manager in your area, visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers http://www.nasmm.com/ and click on the link on the left side of the page that says, “Find a Senior Move Manager.”