Texas is a big state with a fast-growing senior population and a wide range of needs. Whether your parent is leaving a large suburban home in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, downsizing in San Antonio near family, or transitioning into one of Houston's many assisted living communities, finding a senior move manager who knows the local market makes a real difference. Here's what to know before you hire.
What a Senior Move Manager Does
A senior move manager is not a mover. They're a specialist in the transition process itself. They work alongside your parent to make decisions about belongings: what moves, what gets donated, what goes to specific family members, what's sold through an estate sale. For many seniors, this process has been delayed for years. A skilled manager brings structure and patience to what can be an emotionally loaded process.
The practical scope includes sorting and inventorying belongings, coordinating with moving companies and estate sale operators, overseeing packing, supervising move day, and setting up the destination so your parent can function comfortably from day one.
In Texas, where homes are often large and families have spread across the state, senior move managers frequently serve as the local boots-on-the-ground resource when adult children are managing the process from a distance.
Cost of Senior Move Managers in Texas
Texas senior move managers are generally mid-range in national terms. Full-service engagements (sort, coordinate, move, set up) typically run $2,000–$4,500. Houston and Dallas are on the higher end; smaller markets like Amarillo, Lubbock, or the Rio Grande Valley are lower.
Hourly rates range from $50 to $100/hr. Some managers offer flat-fee packages for standard-size moves, which can be easier to budget. Ask upfront whether the estimate is flat or hourly, and what specifically is included.
Cost drivers: size of the origin home (Texas homes are often larger than the national average), complexity of estate coordination, distance to destination, and whether out-of-state relocation is involved.
How to Find and Vet a Senior Move Manager in Texas
1. Start with NASMM
Texas has approximately 75 NASMM-certified senior move managers. Use NASMM.org's member directory or our directory below to find members in your parent's area.
2. Ask about experience in your specific transition type
A move from a 4-bedroom suburban home to a memory care unit is very different from a move to an independent living apartment. Ask the manager how many transitions similar to yours they've handled and what the main challenges were.
3. Confirm insurance
Always ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage. In a state where homes and estates can be large, this matters.
4. Get references, and call them
References are standard, but most people don't call them. Do it. Ask past clients specifically: Did the manager work well with your parent? Were there surprise costs? Would you hire them again? Our directory makes it easy to find and compare vetted professionals. [Browse Texas senior move managers →](/directory/texas/)
Texas Senior Move Manager Directory
Our directory lists NASMM-certified senior move managers across Texas. Profiles include service area, credentials, and direct contact, free for families. Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin: all covered. [Browse the Texas directory →](/directory/texas/)
Key Cities in Texas
Dallas / Fort Worth
The DFW metroplex has a large and growing senior population, with major retirement corridors in Plano, Richardson, Allen, and Southlake. Senior move managers here handle a high volume of moves from large suburban homes into active adult communities and assisted living facilities.
Houston
Houston's sprawl and diversity create unique demands. The city has a large number of active CCRCs and assisted living communities, particularly in the Memorial, Katy, and Sugar Land areas. Many moves involve large homes with significant belongings accumulated over decades.
San Antonio
San Antonio has one of the highest concentrations of military retirees in the country, along with a significant and growing civilian senior population. The city's relatively lower cost of living makes it a destination for seniors moving from higher-cost Texas cities or from other states.
Austin
Austin's explosive growth has pushed many long-time residents, including seniors, to evaluate their housing options. Senior move managers in Austin frequently handle transitions for parents of the city's large professional class, often including estate coordination for significant properties.
Browse by City in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
How many senior move managers are in Texas?
Texas has approximately 75 NASMM-certified senior move managers. They're concentrated in the four major metros: Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, with some coverage in smaller cities.
Do Texas senior move managers help with long-distance moves?
Yes, particularly cross-state moves to Florida, Arizona, and Colorado, common destinations for Texas retirees. They coordinate with long-distance moving companies and often work with a receiving manager at the destination end.
Can a senior move manager help if my parent is moving into memory care?
Yes, and this is one of the most common and sensitive transitions they handle. A good manager will work to make the move as calm as possible for a parent with dementia or cognitive decline, coordinating closely with the facility and family.
My parent has a very large home in Texas. Will that significantly affect cost?
Yes. A 4,000+ square foot home with 30+ years of belongings is a significantly larger engagement than a standard downsize. Some managers will do an in-home assessment before quoting, which is the most accurate way to get a realistic number.