Moving out of a family home is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding things a senior or their family will do. The right help matters — and there's more than one type of help available. This page outlines the main categories of moving support and what to expect.

Senior Move Managers

Professional senior move managers specialize in managing the logistics of a senior move from start to finish. They handle:

  • Sorting and decluttering the home
  • Deciding what goes, what sells, and what donates
  • Coordinating with estate liquidators if needed
  • Arranging and overseeing the moving company
  • Setting up and organizing the new home
  • Managing the emotional side of letting go

The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) maintains a Calgary member directory at nasmm.org. Members are trained, insured, and follow professional standards.

Professional Organizers

Often hired before or alongside a move manager, professional organizers specialize in sorting, decluttering, and decision-making. They help you determine what you actually need and want, and what can go. Many specialize in senior transitions and understand the emotional weight of these decisions.

This is often the first step — before you know whether you're moving, before you know what the new space looks like. A good organizer can make the sorting process manageable instead of overwhelming.

Estate Liquidators and Sale Companies

For items that won't move to the new home, estate liquidators and online sale companies can help convert belongings to cash. Options include:

  • Estate sales: Full liquidation managed on-site over a few days
  • Online auctions: Companies like MaxSold or local Calgary alternatives list items online
  • Bulk purchase: Some companies bid on entire contents and manage removal

These services are faster than individual sales but typically return less money per item. They're useful for converting volume quickly.

Junk Removal

For items that cannot be sold or donated — broken furniture, worn-out appliances, construction debris — specialized junk removal companies in Calgary handle respectful, efficient removal. Several focus specifically on senior moves and understand the need for sensitivity.

Standard Moving Companies

For the physical move itself, look for movers with:

  • Experience with senior moves (they understand the pace and care involved)
  • Proper insurance and bonding
  • References you can check
  • Clear, transparent pricing

Get quotes from at least three companies. Ask specifically about their experience with downsizing moves and whether they've worked with move managers before.

Charitable Donations

Many organizations will pick up furniture and household items. Calgary options include:

  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore
  • Inn from the Cold
  • Calgary Drop-In Centre
  • Salvation Army
  • Goodwill

Different organizations accept different items. Call ahead to confirm what they accept, whether they pick up, and any documentation you'll receive for tax purposes.

Kenton's Role

Kenton doesn't do moves — but as your REALTOR®, he maintains a referral network of senior move managers, organizers, and estate service providers. If you need a referral to someone he's worked with and trusts, ask. He's seen enough moves to know who does good work.

Timeline Tip

Start earlier than you think. Most senior moves take 3–6 months from first sort to final move — especially if there's 30+ years of accumulated belongings. You can't rush this without creating stress and poor decisions.

A realistic timeline:

  • Months 1–2: Sorting, organizing, decisions about what goes
  • Month 2–3: Estate sales or donation coordination
  • Month 3–4: Preparing the current home to sell, if that's part of the plan
  • Month 4–6: Coordinating sale closing and move execution

This isn't a rigid timeline — some moves take longer, some are faster. The point is: don't underestimate how long this takes.