Decluttering Before a Move: One Client’s Story

A prospective client, moving to Florida this spring, followed up on a referral to A Bridge Forward. Her anxiety about the move was high. The realtor was eager to put the house on the market quickly, but there was so much to be done first. The realtor wanted the house to be clutter free, but the job seemed so big that the client didn’t know where to start.

I met with the client and we put a plan together. A three-person team from A Bridge Forward would work at her house for one full day so that it would be ready for the real estate photos the following week. The Bridge Forward team bagged up and delivered four loads to a nearby donation site. The team also bagged up and hauled household items to the curb for a special pickup. Many Milwaukee area communities offer “bulky item” pickups for a reasonable charge.

The client had planned to take some of her belongings to a nearby storage facility to declutter the house before showings. Once her house was cleared out, there was no longer a need for a storage unit, saving her time and cost.

The client’s reaction to the quick clear out: “Thanks again for today. I can’t believe how great everything looks!”

Getting a home ready to put on the market can be a stressful job, and both physically and emotionally draining. To learn more about how A Bridge Forward helps clients declutter, pack and unpack, click on the website link: https://www.bridgeforwardmoving.com/

Ease Move-Day Stress with These Tips

Move day are words that cause anxiety for even the most experienced movers. For many of our senior clients, who have not moved in decades, this day is accompanied by many emotions including sadness about leaving a loved home, apprehension about the new living space and worry about the moving process.

At A Bridge Forward we work closely with our clients to help minimize the move-day stress. Because we have been with many seniors on the day of their move, we know the best practices that help seniors and their families have a smooth experience. Here are our top move-day tips:

1. Have two small boxes ready for packing last minute kitchen and personal care items that you need on the morning of the move. Label these boxes “Unpack First” and let your movers know that you will need access to them when you get to your new home.

2. Pack a tote bag for the day. Include any important paperwork, prescriptions and checkbooks. Include some high protein snacks and a couple bottles of water.

3. Be 100% packed and ready when the movers arrive. Once they are at your home, they will want to start loading the truck quickly. Make sure all items are cleared off of furniture, including books out of bookcases, dishes out of china cabinets, beds stripped.

4. Clearly mark any items that are NOT being moved.

5. Make sure that all cash, jewelry and other valuables have been stored ahead of time in a safety deposit box or are with a close friend or relative.

6. Know where items placed will be placed in the new home. If you have a floor plan, provide that to your movers.

7. Make sure driveways and walkways are cleared of snow or trash.

8. Have any pets boarded or contained. Pets could be injured by a mover carrying heavy furniture or lost if they wander through open doors or gates.

9. Have a space blocked off for the moving truck itself to park at both locations, especially if there is no driveway.

10. Make sure to have information on any moving rules, at either location, including reserving elevators if necessary. Provide that information to your mover ahead of time. Of

We often find that an extra set of hands on move day is helpful for the client and the moving company. There typically is more last-minute packing than most people anticipate and any delays may increase the cost of the move. It also is a physically demanding day, so clients – especially seniors – should ask for help.

Good planning and family or senior manager support on move day is important in easing the stress that goes along with the move. If you would like to learn more about how a senior move manager can help, click on the link to our website: https://www.bridgeforwardmoving.com/

FREE Virtual Seminar: Tips for Making a Move to Senior Living February 3, 2 p.m.

With the start of a new year, many people are thinking about whether a move to a senior community for themselves or their parents is the right thing to do. As a company that specializes in senior move management, we understand the immensity of this decision.

Because a move is stressful and complex, A Bridge Forward is teaming up with two other professional move partners to host a virtual seminar for those considering a move to senior living. The seminar will feature:

• Lisa Haynes, owner of A Bridge Forward and member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers

• Annie Jurczyk, a realtor from Keller Williams who is certified in working with seniors

• Luke Kazmierczak, general manager of Mr. Mover, a premier Milwaukee area moving company that is a preferred mover for many greater Milwaukee area senior communities.

In the one-hour seminar, we will provide insider information and tips on the entire move process – from getting ready to put a house on the market to unpacking and settling in. We will share real world experiences that help make a move less overwhelming and hopefully save participants money along the way too. Moving is a physical and emotional challenge, so every best practice that you can incorporate will make it easier for you and your family.

To sign up for this free seminar, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/134571694561

We hope to see you virtually on February 3.