If you're trying to move a parent into assisted living and the word 'overwhelming' doesn't cover it, you're not alone. A senior move manager is a specialist who handles the entire transition: not just the boxes, but the sorting, the decisions, the emotions, and the setup on the other end. This article explains exactly what they do, what they cost, and when hiring one is worth it.
Quick answers
- A senior move manager (SMM) is a professional who helps older adults relocate, typically to assisted living, a smaller home, or a family member's house.
- They go beyond a standard moving company: they handle sorting, downsizing, packing, coordinating movers, and unpacking and setting up the new space.
- Most are certified through NASMM (National Association of Senior Move Managers) and specialize in working with older adults.
- Typical cost ranges from $1,500 to $5,000+ depending on the size of the home and scope of services.
- You need one when the logistics are too complex, the emotional weight is too heavy, or you live too far away to manage the move yourself.
What a Senior Move Manager Actually Does
A senior move manager does everything a regular mover doesn't. They start weeks before moving day.
Here's what a full-service engagement typically includes:
That last part matters more than people expect. Moving into memory care or assisted living is disorienting. Walking in to find your nightstand where it's always been, your books on the shelf, your photos on the wall. That's not a luxury. It reduces anxiety and speeds adjustment.
What They're NOT
Senior move managers aren't therapists. They're not estate attorneys. They're not real estate agents. And they don't do house cleanouts for homes that need to be listed and sold. That's a different job (an estate cleanout company handles that).
They also don't manage your parent's finances, coordinate the assisted living facility search, or handle legal paperwork. They are logistics specialists with emotional intelligence. That's the lane.
NASMM Certification: What It Means
NASMM certification means the manager completed training in senior psychology, ethics, and move coordination -- not just general moving experience. Members of the National Association of Senior Move Managers agree to a code of ethics, and many hold an SMM-C certification (Senior Move Manager Certified), which requires coursework, case experience, and continuing education. It's a reasonable filter: an SMM who's a NASMM member is accountable to a professional standard and has invested in this work as a career, not a side hustle.
Questions to Ask When Vetting
When vetting a senior move manager, ask:
- Are you a NASMM member?
- Are you insured (liability and workers' comp)?
- Can you provide references from similar moves: same type of facility or same home size?
- What's your process if something gets damaged?
When You Actually Need a Senior Move Manager
You don't always need one. Here's an honest breakdown:
Hire a senior move manager if:
- The home has 20+ years of accumulated belongings and the sorting alone would take weeks
- Your parent has dementia, mobility issues, or significant emotional difficulty with the move
- You live more than 2 hours away and can't be on the ground consistently
- You're managing this alongside a job, kids, and a life
- Your parent can't make quick decisions and needs a patient, experienced guide
- You want the new space to be fully set up and comfortable on day one
You can probably manage without one if:
- The home is small (one-bedroom apartment or similar) with minimal accumulation
- Your parent is cognitively sharp and emotionally resilient about the move
- You have multiple local family members who can divide and conquer
- The new space is nearby and the move is relatively simple
The honest test: imagine the move without outside help. If that image induces a stress response, you need one.
How Much Does a Senior Move Manager Cost?
Full Cost Breakdown
For a deep dive on pricing, what drives cost up or down, and how to compare quotes, see our full article: [How Much Does a Senior Move Manager Cost?](/articles/how-much-does-a-senior-move-manager-cost/)
If you're ready to find a senior move manager in your area, our directory lists verified NASMM members by state, with service areas, credentials, and direct contact info. You can filter by state and see who's active near your parent's home: Browse Senior Move Managers by State.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a senior move manager and a regular moving company?
A moving company moves boxes. A senior move manager manages the entire transition: sorting, deciding what to keep, packing, coordinating movers, and fully setting up the new space. They work with the older adult (and often adult children) through a process that takes weeks, not a day. For a complex move involving decades of belongings and an emotionally difficult transition, that difference is significant.
Is a senior move manager the same as a senior real estate specialist?
No. A Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) is a real estate agent with specialized training in working with older adults on home sales. A senior move manager handles the physical and logistical side of the move itself, after the sale decision is made. They serve different functions and you may need both.
How far in advance should I hire a senior move manager?
At least 4-6 weeks before the target move date, ideally 8-10 weeks for larger homes. Good senior move managers book up quickly, especially in spring and summer. The earlier you engage them, the more time they have for the sorting and downsizing work that takes the most time.
Does Medicare or insurance cover a senior move manager?
No. Senior move management is not a covered benefit under Medicare, Medicaid, or most private insurance policies. It's an out-of-pocket expense. Some long-term care insurance policies cover transition assistance. Check the policy language carefully if your parent has one.