The reality of it all...

One of the best things about being a Senior Move Manager and helping older adults, is the opportunities to meet some amazing people!

One of the things I like least about being a move manager is having to tell older adults and their families that the things their loved ones have collected over the years have decreased in value and the market has become flooded with furniture, china, crystal, silverplate flatware, and collectible figurines.  

Yes, people are buying them, but they are not paying retail or even what the selling price was many moons ago.  You're lucky if you get flea-market prices!  Don't get me wrong, there are things have have retained or gone up in value, but those are few and far between.  (Like the Chinese bowl found at a garage sale that sold for $2.2 million.)

It really stinks having to tell clients that the furniture that looks so lovely in their home (that they paid good money to have reupholstered or refinished) really isn't worth it for someone to come pick up and try to resell.  And with today's fuel prices, the dealer can't make enough on the furniture to cover the fuel. Even the antique dealers are finicky about the things they want....is has to be over 100 years old to even peak their interest!

"But what about the china, crystal and silver plate displayed so nicely in my china hutch?  Certainly someone will want that!"  Unfortunately, not for the price you think they should pay.  

Today's generation doesn't want to hand wash china and crystal or polish silver.  In fact most "we buy gold" places don't want to deal with silver plate items because there isn't enough silver in it when melted down.

Many people invested in collectibles, anticipating they would sell them when they retired and contribute to their nest egg.  "I should be able to get a lot for my Hummels."  Again, someone will buy them but probably only for pennies on the dollar.  People who used to collect them are dying and there aren't too many people around who want them these days.  Here's an article about 9 Completely Worthless Collectibles.  

Every day, 10,000 people turn 65 and are retiring.  Plus, people are living longer.  If they can afford it, many are downsizing to smaller accommodations.  Here's an article that talks about Baby Boomers Downsizing and looking to sell their stuff.

The other reality older adults have to face is the fact that their kids will probably not want their stuff.  It's not their style.  They don't have room in their home. It's too costly to ship.

So, what is one to do when one is looking to get sell their things?  Be realistic! 

Estate liquidation companies can help with selling their things.  But it is the public that determines the selling price.  And they will have to pay (by way of commission) to sell their stuff.  Some people are able to make enough to cover their moving expenses, but for many, there is value in just emptying a house, ec.

Sorry to be Realistic Ruth (or Debbie Downer), but it is the reality of it all. 

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

The greatest gift

Gifts come in all shapes, sizes, colors and for any occasion you can think of!

Recently, I was helping a client prepare for her move into much smaller accommodations.  She was in a two-level town home with as much space downstairs as there was upstairs.  She had many lovely antique furniture pieces, collectibles and art work but also a lot of "stuff" that had accumulated over the years.  

We worked together - me pulling things off shelves, her making decisions about where things would go (move to the new place, give to friends or donate).

As the carport began to fill with boxes of things set aside for donation pick-up, she exclaimed, 

"I hope my kids realize what a gift I'm giving them!"

The gift she was referring to was all the work she had been doing to pare down and find homes for the things she didn't want/weren't going to fit in her new apartment.  The gift she was giving was not something tangible, but rather making decisions about her things and ultimately minimizing the time, angst and responsibility her sons would have with after she passed away (many, many years down the road).

Think about the things you can start doing to make it easier on yourself and your family when the time does come for you to transition out of your home.  What gift will you leave?


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

Feeling like Typhoid Mary

I am honored and humbled by the number of families that have put their trust and confidence in me to help with their loved ones' transition.  

For those whose move I've orchestrated, I follow-up with the families to see how they are doing.  

But, after several calls this week, I gotta tell you, I'm feeling like Typhoid Mary!  

Now, this was back in the 1900s, and the people Mary came in contact with, died!  

I'm pleased to say, I don't cook for my clients and no one has died.  However, 80% of the people I've moved in the past 8 months have had something happen after they've gotten settled in their new place.  For example: a fall (or two), a 5-week stay in the hospital due to flu, a hospital stay with pneumonia, a TIA, just to name a few.

What was the common denominator?  They had all moved into different communities, in different areas of town.  Some were women, some were men and the ages varied.  I guess it must have been me!  Ugh!  

In actuality, these were all "crisis moves" where the dementia or physical condition had progressed to the point where the older adult could not live independently any more.  And while the family may have taken the steps to find their loved one a new living arrangement, it was pretty late in the game.  

Making a later-in-life move is not easy, especially when the older adult is afflicted with dementia and has called the same place home for 30-50 years.  While I do everything in my power to reduce the stress associated with a move, I'm unable to influence the person's mental and physical health.  

Nobody wants to have "the talk" with their loved ones, but trust me it is better to do it sooner rather than later.  If you are one of the 'kids' be sure to pick up the clues your loved ones leave - for example if mom has passed away and Dad says, "I'd like to give the china to my granddaughter", HELP HIM DO IT!  Don't force him to keep things they way they always have been because you're not ready for a change.

I guess I have to accept the facts of life in this industry I've become a part of.  Things are going to happen to the people I help but knowing I've been able to handled the details of a move on behalf of their families and recreate their new space with the furniture and belongings they are familiar with makes me feel good.  

Time to get ready for another move...

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

It's not easy being GREEN...

In the words (or in this case song) of Kermit the Frog,

"It's not easy being green!"

Many Senior Move Managers (and movers) tend to use lots of cardboard boxes, packing paper, bubble-wrap, packing tape and all sorts of other things, some of which are recyclable.  Some move managers pack, others have the moving company do it (and charge the client for supplies).  But boxes, even broken down, take up a lot of space.  And since I work out of my home, I don't have a lot of room to store them.

I have made the conscious decision to be GREEN - not only have the company colors been green from the beginning, but for any local transitions, (where I pack and unpack a client) I will move green!

Using tubs and other storage options eliminates the need for boxes!  Plus, tubs are a little easier to store and transport.  Newsprint (sans ink) is great packing material and can be reused several times before recycling. Bubble wrap can also be reused several times. 

I was thrilled to answer in the affirmative when asked by a green retirement community if I used tubs!  

Many times, the spaces people are moving into are much smaller and they are not taking a tremendous amount of belongings.   And if packed properly, you can fit quite a bit in a tub!  Since tubs have handles, they are easier to pick up and move around.  Plus, once at the destination and unpacking has begun, tubs stack nicely and can be left temporarily in the hallway.  And, there's little to no trash filling the community's dumpster.

It feels great knowing that I'm saving clients money, eliminating time and tape needed to make boxes and ultimately reducing my carbon footprint!  (Plus, when the tubs wear out, they too can be recycled!)

Miss Piggy has nothing to do with this post other than it's a violation of Muppet Code to mention Kermit and not her.  :)  

Using my best Miss Piggy voice, 

"Oh Kermie, it is easy being green!"

What are you doing to go green?

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.

Finding good homes for unwanted things

How to Toss Your Junk the Green Way

From The Nest.com (http://ideas.thenest.com/decor-tricks/cleaning-organizing/slideshows/toss-junk-green-way.aspx)

Doing a little spring cleaning? There are some things (cell phones, TVs, etc.) that you can't just toss in the trash. Even if you could...well, you shouldn't. Electronics, for example, create e-waste, aka toxic waste, when left to rot in a landfill. So consider these easy ways to recycle instead. You know what they say: One man's trash is another's treasure -- but all that trash will never be the Earth's treasure.

Gadgets

Listing an old VCR on eBay probably won't earn you enough dough to make it worth the hassle, but newer gadgets (like an iPod from circa 2008) can earn you a decent pile of dough that you can put toward an upgrade. Send the rest of your technotrash to Recycling for Charities (RecyclingforCharities.com); they'll resell your used gadgets and give at least half the money to a charity of your choice. Or go to RecycleforBreastCancer.org to donate your old gadgets to help fight breast cancer (they'll even send you prepaid shipping labels!).

Computers

Those computer parts are toxic to the Earth too. Make some money to put toward a new laptop by listing yours on eBay or Craigslist (just remember to erase your personal files, photos and music first). Or reduce your tax bill and boost your karma by donating your computer -- there are plenty of nonprofits, schools and charities that will put that PC to good use. You can also go to ComputerswithCauses.org, and they'll find a worthy recipient for you. Or just bring your old computer with you when you go to buy a new one. Many manufacturers and retailers -- including Dell, HP, Apple, Sony, Toshiba and Best Buy -- will recycle your old computer for free

Print Cartridges

Staples makes recycling these a no-brainer -- just bring in your old cartridge, and they'll give you $3 off your next one. PS: Many manufacturers, like HP, offer mail-in recycling programs too.

Cell Phones and PDAs

Finally ready to get rid of that Zack Morris-era relic taking up space in your junk drawer? Many cell phone companies -- including Verizon, Nokia and Motorola -- will recycle your old phone for you. Call them and ask about it, or just stop by a store if there's one near you. You can also go to GreenPhone.com to get cash for donating your cell. Or show a serviceman (or woman) your appreciation by sending yours to Cell Phones for Soldiers (CellPhonesforSoldiers.com).

Clothes

Goodwill, The Salvation Army and many shelters accept all types of gently used clothing. Donate formalwear (like that bridesmaid dress you'll never wear again or that old sport coat) to OperationFairyDust.org or CatherinesCloset.org. Traded in your corporate job (and cube) for the freelance life? Ladies, give those pencil skirts and suits to Dress for Success (DressforSuccess.org). And guys, pool your friends or coworkers to collect old suits and dress clothes for Career Gear (CareerGear.org). Want dough for your duds? New (or barely used) name-brand clothing and accessories are always popular on eBay, and consignment stores often take high-end designer garb. For a more social way to recycle your closet, throw a swap party. Think of it as a grown-up version of trading baseball cards. Plus, swap parties are a great way to clean out your closet and update your wardrobe (for free!).

Furniture

Furniture waste has more than quadrupled since 1960. Help reverse that trend with these alternatives: Listing unwanted furniture on Craigslist is a great way to make money for home improvements without much effort. Even if you can't get someone to buy that orange corduroy couch, list it for "free" on Craigslist or Freecycle.org, and save yourself the cost of having it hauled away. Goodwill or The Salvation Army may also come collect your old furniture -- free of charge -- and in return, you can get a tax break (just remember to ask for a receipt!).

Shoes

Designer shoes are always popular on eBay (and at consignment stores), but the condition and brand really matter. Another option: Donate your old kicks to someone in need through Soles4Souls (Soles4Souls.org), which takes just about any brand and kind as long as they're in fairly good condition. As for those old sneaks? Nike will recycle them (nope, they don't have to be Nikes) for you through its Reuse-A-Shoe program (NikeReuseAShoe.com).

Sports Equipment

Play It Again Sports will buy your used sports equipment (depending on the condition). Go to PlayItAgainSports.com for locations. Or donate your old gear to SportsGift.org, and they'll give your used equipment to a needy kid somewhere around the world.

Books

Old coffee-table books and special editions can be sold to specialty bookstores or on Amazon.com. Old paperbacks can be donated to your local library, or send them to soldiers stationed across the globe through the Books For Soldiers program (BooksForSoldiers.com). And if you're interested in swapping your old paperback for a new read, head to PaperBackSwap.com, an online book club that lets you trade and exchange books with other readers all over the country.

CDs and DVDs

Still have old CDs in their plastic jewel cases, even though you've gone totally digital? GreenDisk (GreenDisk.com) will safely dispose of your technotrash -- including CDs, video games, VHS tapes and DVDs

Eyeglasses

Donate your old glasses to New Eyes for the Needy (NewEyesfortheNeedy.com), or drop them off at LensCrafters, Target Optical or other participating doctor's offices and stores, and they'll send them to OneSight (OneSight.org). Both organizations recycle your old glasses to help needy children and adults worldwide see clearly.

Tools

Got some old tools lying around? Donate old hammers, power saws and screwdrivers to Habitat for Humanity's ReStore outlets (Habitat.org/restores) -- they'll sell them and use the profits to fund new projects.

Use the good stuff!

As promised, here's an update from a recent experience and an admonition to USE THE GOOD STUFF!

A client was leaving her home of 40+ years and going to live in a  community close to family.  Not only had she lived in this home, but so did her mother (and all of her belongings).

Mother and daughter were collectors of fine European china, crystal, linens and silver and once combined, had enough place settings for a full-blown army.  Beautiful pieces - but pieces that required handwashing, polishing and ironing.  "Life happened" and mom passed away about 15 years ago.  But daughter kept all her lovelies.  A china cabinet and a buffet in the dining room, a hutch in the kitchen (along with several cupboards), a closet in the hallway and a walk-in pantry held these treasures but none had been used in many years.

Unfortunately, many of the people who valued and collected porcelain, china, crystal and silver are downsizing, moving to retirement communities or passing away.  Family doesn't want them - "If it can't go in the dishwasher, I don't want it!"  As such, the market has become flooded with these pieces and people are paying very little for them, if they are even interested in buying them.

I'm encouraging everyone to START USING THE GOOD STUFF (more frequently than just the holidays).  So what if the gold wears off when you put it in the dishwasher.  If you feel compelled to replace it, most likely you'll be able to find it pretty inexpensively.  If you're not a fan of polishing silver, sell it.  It's not doing anyone any good sitting in the drawer or cabinet collecting dust.  Plus, silver prices are pretty good these days.

Guess I should start following my own advice - I bet iced tea would taste just as nice (or better) in a Waterford glass!  

Happy New Year all!

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