For a senior who's lived in the same home for years and years, just thinking about a move can be overwhelming. There are so many emotions tied to a home: family history, old friends, the neighborhood that may be as comfortable as an old shoe. Add apprehension and uncertainty about moving to a new and unfamiliar place, and the need to make hundreds of quick decisions about what to take, and is it any wonder many seniors reach the point of complete paralysis?

On the other hand, we adult children often can't quite grasp what the dithering and delay is all about. We tend to want to swoop in and start sorting. Unless there's an illness or an injury that makes the move an immediate emergency, this usually just makes our seniors dig their heels in all the deeper.

Some seniors, of course, have no children or other family members available to help for more than a weekend or so. Family members under pressure to "make things happen" quickly may be tempted to take over the job completely in the interest of saving time. Taking over may speed the process, but it leaves the senior no time to absorb what is happening or to grieve her losses. Many a treasured possession that meant nothing to the packers has ended up in a dumpster or donation center because everyone was simply moving too quickly.

Because making a permanent move is such an overwhelming task, many seniors and their families are turning to relocation specialists to help with the process. For a fee, a relocation specialist will spend the time necessary to help a senior make decisions about whether to take, discard or donate individual items; arrange and schedule the actual move; assist with packing at the old location and unpacking at the new; and even help set up furniture and accessories at the new location.

Some moving specialists are also able to provide or refer their clients to estate sale services, help selling the old residence, and counseling through the move for seniors and their families.

A family that chooses to use a move specialist can put their efforts into giving their loved one support and comfort through the tribulations of moving instead of having to be concerned about what goes into which box.

How Do You Find A Senior Moving Specialist?

Ask For Referrals. Most of the independent living and assisted living residences in your area will have observed the local relocation experts first hand. They will be able to give you the names of the ones they thought did a first class job.

Local Moving Companies. Many moving companies that specialize in local moves will have unique services for seniors in their area. They frequently work jointly with relocation specialists. If they don't provide pre-move services themselves, they will often be able to recommend specialists who do.

Senior Move Managers. Members of The National Association of Senior Move Managers specialize in working with seniors and their special move-related needs. They will have contacts in the community for any special needs a senior might have.

Professional Organizers. While they are not move managers, professional organizers can be especially helpful in helping a senior sort through and organize prior to downsizing. Professional organizers also have their own professional organization where you can locate experienced people in your area.