DELMAR — “Regardless of their age, the number one thing we hear when we meet a client for the first time is that they are overwhelmed and do not know where to begin,” said Michelle Kavanaugh-Anastasi, CEO and founder of Organize Senior Moves, LLC.
Organize Senior Moves (OSM) is an independently-owned moving management company trained and certified to work with clients during what can often be a stressful and emotional time, particularly for those going through the process of downsizing their possessions late in life. A member of the National Association of Senior Moving Managers, OSM also offers organization services and can help you stage your home for sale at any time of life.
Working with the client and, often, their family, OSM facilitates the move, while the client makes all the choices and directs the process. “Oftentimes, our clients are not only anxious about the move, but are also reluctant to say goodbye to some of their possessions,” said Kavanagh. “Many of which they’ve had for many years.”
Eric Johnson and his brother found themselves in need of help when it was time for their mother to downsize to a smaller, more manageable living situation. They both live out of the state and neither was able to handle the daunting process alone. So Johnson found OSM and spoke with Kavanaugh.
“After our free, one-hour assessment, we develop a plan of attack,” explained Kavanaugh. “If you allow somebody to help you with the process, moving can be done very quickly and efficiently.
“They were able to talk with my mom about what it means to get moving and what options they have,” said Johnson. “And not just about the logistics, but also about the change aspect—and to make it feel more positive.”
The process is simple. First, the new space is measured and a layout is chosen. Then, OSM works with the client to decide which items they will keep, and which they will sell, donate, give to family members or simply toss. The client is then packed up, moved and finally unpacked in their new space — including placement of furniture, hanging pictures, unpacking personal items, putting away dishes and making beds.
“At the time she was in a nursing home recovering from surgery and they would FaceTime with her and walk her through her place so she could pick out the things she wanted to bring with her and make decisions about the rest,” he said. “They also took pictures and created a shared library.” The team was good about guiding his mother through the process of downsizing things as simple as silverware, he noted, so she wouldn’t be bringing more than she really needed. “From 12 forks to four.”
“They were super trustworthy too,” he continued, explaining that OSM staff found an envelope filled with cash that his mom had “squirreled away” and contacted them right away.
On the day of the move, OSM had everything ready and Johnson said the new place was ready for his mother to move into within 24 hours. They also organized and tagged the remaining items heading to different locations.
“The most exciting part of our job is the day we move clients,” said Kavanaugh, who is clearly passionate about the work she does. “When our clients walk in to view their new home, the expressions on their faces are priceless.”
“Michelle [Kavanaugh] is awesome to work with,” said Johnson. “She’s totally on her game.”
“Whatever the client needs to make the move easier and less stressful,” said Kavanaugh. “Our team is dedicated to creating the confidence that a client needs to make the necessary decisions during a difficult transition. We will work closely with them to ensure their comfort, happiness and peace of mind.”
Visit their Delmar location at 125 Adams Street between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., or call (518) 621-6568 to schedule a free, one-hour consultation.
