Nobody's buying. Can't donate it. Now what?

One of the most difficult parts of being a Senior Move Manager is telling a client (or their family) that their isn't much interest in their old furniture and heirlooms. 

A dining room set may have been the first pieces of 'good' furniture a couple purchased when they got married.  And they paid a lot of money for it.  

In today's world, big box furniture stores offer whole houses of furniture for mere pennies.  And people don't want to pay a lot of money for second hand furniture.

Current generations are more casual and people don't want to handwash china or polish silver.  Smaller homes don't accommodate china hutches, pianos or grandfather clocks.

Trying to sell items on consignment is challenging.  Many shops only want newer items.  Charitable organizations have become very selective about the items they will take.  

A recent article about the market for used furniture and collectibles offers some additional insight.    

For more information on how A Stress-Less Transition, LLC can help you or an older adult, please visit our website.

It's all in the details

A recent client needed to move rather quickly from his 2500 sq ft home of 50 years into an ALF.  His wife passed away about a year ago after suffering several years with Alzheimer's Disease.  Needless to say, his time as devoted husband and caregiver had taken its toll and his memory was not as sharp as it had been in the past.

I was so fortunate to have been asked to help with his transition to a lovely ALF apartment.  (Believe me, I was ready to sign up the day I visited there!)  It was less than a week from first meeting Mr. B to Move Day.  While getting to know Mr. B (and trying to figure out what furniture, furnishings and belongings to take), I learned he was an avid photographer, computer geek, stereo-turntable-record-spinner, WWII Veteran, father and grandfather.

This is one of the many things about my business that I love and why I am so passionate about helping older adults!  I want to find good homes for their things!  Several people who had been in his house were ready to get rid of all the "crap".  (Yes, there were things that should make their way to the big green bin, but there were many things that someone (or several someones) would buy or a charitable organization that would accept the donations.)

But the first order of business was getting Mr. B ready to move.  My goal was to use existing furniture and only buy new if absolutely needed.  His 60" TV was NOT going to fit in his new apartment, but a relatively new 27" from a bedroom would be perfect on a stand formerly holding the microwave, flanked by similarly colored shelves from two different rooms.

Selecting one of several desks that would hold his computer but fit in his bedroom was another challenge.

Only a few days to get ready, but all the i's were dotted, t's were crossed,  and everything was double-checked. Tubs were packed, the HUNKS arrived, locks changed and off we went!   After a 30 minute drive, furniture unloaded and placed, tubs unpacked, pictures hung and Mr. B's new home was ready for his arrival!

Mr. B was thrilled to see his camera collection on display in the living room along with this Army memorabilia - all of which had been scattered about various rooms and the garage.  Now he will have props to go along with his stories. :o)

It was so rewarding to see him happy in his new space, with familiar belongings and no worries of a big ol' house.

For more information on how A Stress-Less Transition, LLC can help you or an older adult, please visit our website.

A Doctor, Move Manager and Auctioneer

"A doctor, move manager and auctioneer walk into a bar..."

Ok, not really, but this is a true story about a gal named Sara, a doctor (Doc), A Stress-Less Transition and an auctioneer (Art).

Sara goes to see Doc and laments she is struggling with the death of her mother two months ago, no help from her brothers and is stressed out trying to figure out what to do with all the belongings on her mother's condo.

Doc says, "Sara, you need to call A Stress-Less Transition.  She will be able to help you."

Sara calls A Stress-Less Transition and schedules an appointment for a free consultation.  Since her mother's death, Sara had already made a huge dent in what needed to be done, making many trips to a local "big box donation center", food pantry and the dumpster.

But Sara was becoming very weary, overwhelmed with everything that still needed to get done, stressed about some of the expenses that hadn't been planned for, and at a loss for the best way to dispose of all the beautiful treasures profitably all the while keeping the condo in order for realtor showings.

One thing A Stress-Less Transition prides itself on is being able to find a good home for things.  Sara's mother was a sharp dresser with many lovely suits, dresses, and shoes. A Stress-Less Transition's knowledge of an organization that helps disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, made it an easy decision where Sara wanted the remaining clothes to go.

Sara wanted to clear out her mother's condo quickly (and profitably if possible).  A Stress-Less Transition explained the options.   A call was placed to Art the Auctioneer and he conducted a thorough review of the contents of the apartment.  At the end of the meeting, Sara was feeling very good about the plan that was put in place and that she would meet her goal of getting the place empty quickly and could make a few pennies to help cover some of the expenses.

Moral of the story:  Working with a senior move manager like A Stress-Less Transition EARLY on can help alleviate the worry, stress and overwhelming responsibility of figuring out what to do with a houseful of furniture, belongings but can also save lots of time and money.  The relationships a senior move manager has with people who can help get things done is so important for families in their time of need and crisis.

For more information on how A Stress-Less Transition, LLC can help you or an older adult, please visit our website.