When a parent needs to move (whether to a smaller home, an independent living community, or assisted living), the obvious instinct is to hire a moving company. But for many senior moves, a regular moving company isn't enough. This article explains the real difference between a senior move manager and a moving company, what each costs, and how to decide which one your family needs.
Quick answers
- A moving company moves boxes. A senior move manager manages the entire transition: downsizing, packing, moving, unpacking, and setting up the new space.
- Senior move managers (SMMs) are trained to work with older adults and their families, including handling the emotional complexity of letting go of a lifetime of belongings.
- Moving companies typically cost $1,000-$2,000 for a local senior move. Senior move managers typically cost $2,500-$5,000+ depending on scope.
- If your parent is downsizing significantly, has cognitive decline, or needs someone to coordinate the whole process, a senior move manager is worth the extra cost.
- If your parent is moving to a similarly-sized home and just needs boxes transported, a quality local mover may be all you need.
What a Moving Company Does (And Doesn't Do)
A standard moving company does one thing well: they move your belongings from Point A to Point B. They show up, load the truck, drive, and unload. Some offer packing services for an additional fee.
What they don't do:
- Help decide what to keep, donate, or sell
- Assist with downsizing from a 2,500 sq ft house to a 500 sq ft apartment
- Coordinate with assisted living facilities about what's allowed
- Provide emotional support when your parent struggles with leaving the family home
- Ensure the new space is set up so it actually feels like home
- Manage timelines across multiple family members, facilities, and vendors
When a moving company is the right call:
If your parent is moving to a similarly-sized home, is mentally sharp, has already sorted through belongings, and just needs the physical move handled, a good local mover is fine. Get three quotes, check reviews on Google and the FMCSA database, and make sure they have experience with senior moves.
Senior Move Manager vs. Moving Company: What You Actually Get
Senior Move Manager
Full transition coordination from start to finish
- Handles sorting, downsizing, packing, and full setup
- Trained to work with dementia and cognitive decline
- Coordinates all vendors: movers, estate sale, donations
- Sets up the new space so it feels like home immediately
- Reduces burden on family members significantly
- Significantly higher cost than a moving company alone
- Requires more lead time to engage properly
- Not necessary for simple, low-complexity moves
Best for: Significant downsizing, dementia, long-distance families, or any move where the parent needs the whole process managed
Moving Company
Transport belongings from A to B
- Lower cost for the physical move itself
- Fast -- move day is done in a day
- Right-sized for simple relocations
- Does not help with sorting, decisions, or downsizing
- No emotional support or family coordination
- New space may not be properly set up on arrival
- Family carries all the logistical burden
Best for: Parents moving to a similar-sized home with belongings already sorted and decisions already made
The Real Cost Comparison
The Emotional Piece
SMMs work with families where the parent is resistant to moving, grieving the loss of independence, or struggling with dementia. They know how to work through those conversations without triggering conflict. A neutral professional can sometimes have conversations that family members can't without causing defensiveness. For families stretched across multiple cities dealing with a difficult parent, this alone can be worth the cost.
When to Choose Each
Choose a senior move manager when:
- Significant downsizing is involved. Moving from 2,000+ sq ft to a small apartment means hard decisions about a lifetime of belongings.
- Your parent has cognitive decline or dementia. SMMs know how to work with memory-impaired adults.
- Family is long-distance or fractured. SMMs serve as the on-the-ground coordinator.
- Your parent is resistant. A neutral third party can sometimes have conversations family members can't.
- You need everything handled: downsizing, packing, moving, setting up, donating.
Choose a moving company when:
- The move is relatively simple (similar-sized home, no major downsizing).
- Your parent has already sorted through belongings and the decisions are made.
- You or another family member can coordinate the logistics yourself.
- Budget is a real constraint and the simplified version will work.
If you're looking for a senior move manager in your area, our directory lists verified NASMM members by state. Each profile includes their service area, credentials, specialty (some focus on dementia care, others on specific facility types), and direct contact information. Find a senior move manager near you at /directory/senior-move-managers/.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do senior move managers hire the moving company, or do I?
Most senior move managers work with trusted moving crews they've vetted over time. Often they'll coordinate and hire the movers as part of their project management. Some work with you to hire a mover separately. Ask upfront whether moving labor is included in their quote or if it's an additional cost.
Can a senior move manager help if my parent is moving to memory care?
Yes, and this is one of the situations where they're most valuable. SMMs with dementia experience know how to work sensitively with memory-impaired adults, involve family appropriately, and set up the new space in a way that supports orientation and comfort. NASMM members who specialize in this are worth specifically seeking out.
What if my parent refuses to let anyone help?
This is common. A good SMM has navigated this many times. Often, having a neutral professional (someone who isn't family) makes the conversation easier. SMMs don't push; they listen, build trust, and work at the parent's pace as much as the timeline allows. Ask any SMM you're interviewing how they handle resistant clients.
How do I find a reputable senior move manager?
Look for NASMM (National Association of Senior Move Managers) members. They follow a code of ethics and carry appropriate insurance. Ask for references from recent clients. A good SMM will do an initial consultation (often free) and give you a written scope and estimate before asking for any commitment.