Organize Senior Moves is an independently owned, locally-run business that focuses on helping senior citizens who are planning to move out of their home. Whether they are moving to a senior living community, a smaller home or out of the area, Organize Senior Moves is prepared to help make the transition as stress-free as possible.
Organize Senior Moves was established in 2010 by local resident Michelle Kavanaugh-Anastasi. After having worked with seniors with her business M&T Helping Hands, she saw an increasing need for them to have help when getting ready to move. Kavanaugh-Anastasi did some research, and with the help of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM), Organize Senior Moves was born.
“When I opened up M&T Helping Hands and went on consultations, I would notice that they weren’t unpacked and I would notice their demeanor wasn’t happy,” said Kavanaugh-Anastasi. “Some of them were just very overwhelmed, and they would still have boxes from when they last moved. I felt there was a need, so I found NASMM and opened up Organize Senior Moves.”
Among the services that Organizes Senior Moves is able to offer its clients: downsizing, packing, unpacking and setting up the client’s new home. Of course there are many “side jobs” that happen in between, including dispersal of donations, putting the client in touch with an auctioneer, arranging for items to be sold.
Organize Senior Moves’ employees work closely with each client to ensure that this often-emotional journey is handled with care and compassion.
“We tell our clients to go find something fun to do for the day because we will oversee the move,” said Kavanaugh-Anastasi. “They will get a call around 4 or 5 p.m. that afternoon so they can step in to the new space and see the finished project. We will put all the clothes away and set everything up so when they get there, they’re already home.”
The successful business encouraged Kavanaugh-Anastasi to seek further growth. Franchise opportunities became available in early 2015. The first franchise was sold during the summer, and is operating out of Saratoga Springs.
The anticipated opening of senior living community The Grove at Neumann in mid-October was another reason that the timing and location of the Saratoga franchise appeared to make sense. Organize Senior Moves is proud to be working with some of the first “Grove” residents, moving them on Oct. 15.
