Pennsylvania has one of the oldest populations of any state, with a strong professional infrastructure to support it. Senior move managers in Pennsylvania serve families from Philadelphia's dense row-house neighborhoods to Pittsburgh's hillside communities, from the retirement towns of the Poconos to the Dutch Country of Lancaster County. If you're helping a parent through a major life transition, here's how to find the right professional.
What a Senior Move Manager Does
Senior move managers coordinate the full arc of a senior's relocation: from the first conversation about what to do with 40 years of belongings to the final picture hung on the wall of the new home. They're not movers, though they work closely with moving companies. Their core work is helping an older adult make decisions about possessions, then managing all the logistics that follow.
Specifically: they do room-by-room sorts, arrange estate sales or charitable donations, coordinate packing and moving, oversee the physical move, and unpack and set up the destination so it functions as a real home immediately. Many also help with transition coordination: communicating with assisted living facilities, arranging floor plan layouts in advance, and ensuring a smooth handoff.
In Pennsylvania, where many seniors live in older homes with multiple floors and full basements, the sorting process is often the most labor-intensive part of the engagement.
Cost of Senior Move Managers in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania senior move managers typically charge $2,500–$5,500 for a full engagement. Philadelphia and its suburbs (especially the Main Line) run on the higher end; Pittsburgh, the Lehigh Valley, and rural Central Pennsylvania are generally lower.
Hourly rates range from $55 to $100/hr. Some managers offer package pricing for standard moves; others bill hourly for everything. Ask upfront so there are no surprises.
Major cost drivers: homes with full basements and attics (very common in Pennsylvania), homes with large volumes of collectibles or antiques (which may require appraisal), distance between origin and destination, and whether estate sale coordination is needed.
How to Find and Vet a Senior Move Manager in Pennsylvania
1. Use NASMM as your baseline
Pennsylvania has approximately 85 NASMM members, a robust professional community. NASMM membership signals training and ethical commitment. Search NASMM.org or use our directory.
2. Understand what the estimate covers
Pennsylvania homes, especially older row houses, twin homes, and farmhouses, can have decades of accumulated belongings in cellars and attics. Make sure the estimate accounts for all areas of the home, not just the main living spaces.
3. Ask about estate sale experience
Many Pennsylvania moves involve significant personal property that needs to be sold. Ask whether the manager handles estate sale coordination directly or refers out, and whether they have established relationships with estate sale companies.
4. Check references from comparable moves
A move from a large Lancaster County farmhouse is different from a Philadelphia condo transition. Ask for references from moves similar to yours. [Browse Pennsylvania senior move managers →](/directory/pennsylvania/)
Pennsylvania Senior Move Manager Directory
Our directory lists NASMM-certified senior move managers across Pennsylvania. Profiles include service area, credentials, and direct contact, free for families. Whether your parent is in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or the rural counties in between, find a vetted local professional here. [Browse the Pennsylvania directory →](/directory/pennsylvania/)
Key Cities in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs (Main Line, Bucks County, Delaware County) have a dense senior population and a well-developed network of senior move managers. The prevalence of row houses and twin homes means moves often involve creative solutions for furniture that's difficult to maneuver.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh's hillside neighborhoods and steep streets present unique moving logistics. Senior move managers here are accustomed to older homes with full basements and multi-level layouts, and many have relationships with specialized local movers who know the terrain.
Lehigh Valley
The Allentown–Bethlehem–Easton corridor has a growing retiree population and a number of continuing care communities. The area's lower cost of living compared to Philadelphia makes it a common destination for seniors moving from New Jersey or the Philadelphia suburbs.
Lancaster County
Lancaster County has a significant and stable senior population, with a mix of long-time residents in rural homes and a growing number of retirement communities. Moves here often involve estates with substantial personal property requiring careful sorting and disposition.
Browse by City in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
How many senior move managers are in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has approximately 85 NASMM-certified senior move managers, with the highest concentrations in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metro areas. The Lehigh Valley and Lancaster County also have good coverage.
How do Pennsylvania senior move managers handle homes with large basements or attics?
This is one of the most common challenges they face in the state. A good manager will walk through the entire home (basement, attic, garage) during their initial assessment and factor all areas into the estimate. Don't assume the basement is included; ask explicitly.
Can a senior move manager help if my parent is reluctant to move?
Yes, and they're often better at this than family members. They work with seniors regularly and have experience with both the emotional and practical dimensions of reluctance. Their role is to serve the senior, which often means moving at a slower, more supportive pace.
Do senior move managers in Pennsylvania handle moves to other states?
Many do, especially moves to Florida, the Carolinas, and Delaware, popular destinations for Pennsylvania retirees. Look for managers with experience coordinating long-distance moves and established relationships with out-of-state receiving counterparts.