Columbus is one of the most affordable senior move management markets among major US cities. Rates run $40-$75/hr, making professional help accessible to more families than in coastal markets. The Ohio State University medical and academic retiree community shapes much of the demand, and approximately 12 NASMM-certified specialists serve the Columbus metro including Dublin, Westerville, Grove City, and Newark.
What Senior Move Managers Do in Columbus
Senior move managers handle every phase of a senior relocation: sorting and downsizing decisions, estate sale coordination, packing, move logistics, and new home setup. In Columbus, many clients are longtime homeowners — Ohio State faculty, university hospital staff, or professionals who've lived in the same home for 20-30 years — with significant belongings to sort before anything can move.
Columbus has a well-developed senior living infrastructure: Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber, Blendon Woods, Wexner Heritage Village, Friendship Village of Dublin, and numerous assisted living communities across the suburbs. Senior move managers with Columbus experience know the move-in procedures at these communities and can coordinate logistics efficiently.
What It Costs in Columbus
Columbus senior move managers charge $40-$75/hr — among the lowest rates of any major US city. Full-service engagements typically run $1,500-$4,000, making Columbus an unusually accessible market for families who want professional help without breaking the budget.
That said, home size and complexity still matter. A large older home in Bexley or Upper Arlington with 30 years of contents will take more hours than a smaller condo move, even at Columbus rates. An estate sale component adds coordination time but typically more than offsets its cost through proceeds. Get a written estimate that breaks down expected hours and scope.
The Ohio State University Retiree Community
Columbus has a large retiree population connected to Ohio State — faculty, administrators, researchers, and medical professionals from the Wexner Medical Center who've settled in the surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs. This community tends to be highly organized and detail-oriented when hiring service providers: they research credentials carefully, ask pointed questions, and appreciate transparency in pricing.
Some Columbus SMMs have specific experience with academic estates — large book collections, professional archives, specialized equipment from research careers. If this describes your parent's situation, ask candidates upfront about their experience with professional or academic households.
How to Find a Columbus Senior Move Manager
About 12 NASMM-certified senior move managers serve the Columbus metro. Search the NASMM directory filtered to Columbus and surrounding areas. When interviewing, ask about their experience with the specific neighborhoods or communities your parent is moving to or from, their estate sale referral network, and their process for professional or academic households.
Columbus is a market where multiple providers are often available on relatively short notice — but during the spring and fall busy seasons, booking 3-4 weeks ahead is wise. Summer moves are common but heat (Ohio summers can be humid and warm) is worth accounting for in scheduling.
Ready to find a senior move manager in Columbus? Search the NASMM directory for certified professionals serving Columbus and surrounding areas.
Search NASMM Directory →Frequently Asked Questions
How much do senior move managers charge in Columbus?
Columbus rates run $40-$75/hr, with full-service moves typically costing $1,500-$4,000. This is among the most affordable pricing of any major US city — professional senior move management is accessible to more families here than in coastal markets.
Do Columbus senior move managers serve Dublin and Westerville?
Yes — Dublin, Westerville, Grove City, Newark, Gahanna, and other Columbus suburbs are within standard service range for most Columbus-based specialists. Confirm when you contact providers.
Can a Columbus senior move manager handle a large book collection or professional library?
Several local specialists have experience with Ohio State retirees who have substantial professional libraries or academic archives. Mention this when contacting candidates — it significantly affects time estimates.
How many senior move managers serve the Columbus area?
Approximately 12 NASMM-certified senior move managers serve the Columbus metro. The market is well-served for a city its size, and most families can find an available specialist with reasonable notice.