Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQ's
How long will it take to get organized?
Each person and project are unique and there are many variables that come into play when tackling projects. For example, homes can vary significantly in the amount of "stuff" that needs to be sorted and downsized in order to reach the desired outcome. Likewise, clients can vary widely in their preferences in how we collaborate, how quickly we can work through decisions, and how much involvement there is with family members throughout the process. This is why we encourage anyone looking to downsize and/or move to get started as soon as possible. We want you to have ample time to work through the project at a pace that best suits your needs without the added stress of looming deadlines. We will work at your pace without judgement, while providing the focus and encouragement needed to complete the project according to your timeline.
How much do your services cost?
Each collaboration is different and the cost depends on a number of factors, such as the size of the space, what services are selected, how quickly clients are able to make decisions, how much progress clients opt to make between sessions, and more. We suggest getting started by scheduling a complimentary phone consultation to discuss your specific needs.
I want to save money and do part of the work myself. Is that okay?
Absolutely! We customize our support services to your unique situation to help as much or as little as you need. Ideally, clients start working with us long before they anticipate needing to make any major changes, which allows them to schedule regular sessions for planning, decluttering, and organizing over a longer period of time. Working in this way helps them stay on track in preparing and downsizing with support at a comfortable pace while also allowing them to continue working and making progress between sessions on their own.
Can family and friends be involved in the process?
We find that many clients have family members that would like to help but they may live far away or have other obligations they must work around, which can limit when and how much they can dedicate time to the transition process. We work with clients to determine who they may want to invite as key members of their transition team and how best to collaborate and communicate with each of them. We then coordinate with the team to best leverage the time and support each team member can offer while also ensuring that all the bases are covered for a smooth transition.
Team members can be involved from a distance. Whether collaborating for the downsizing process to determine the destination of items that cannot stay in the client’s home, coordinating for a move, or planning ahead for future transitions to higher levels of care, team members will have access to provide input and support throughout the project.
Downsizing and Moving
I’m overwhelmed by the thought of downsizing and moving. How do I get help?
We understand how complicated, challenging, and exhausting downsizing and preparing for a move can be. We specialize in taking the stress out of downsizing and moving. The first step is to reach out to schedule a complimentary phone consultation so we can discuss your specific needs.
When is the right time to get started in preparing for a move?
Our answer is.... as soon as you know that you are considering a move, particularly if you expect to need to downsize significantly before moving day. While some clients prefer to power through the process of downsizing in a short time period, we find that most clients find such an intensive approach to be extremely unsettling, physically unachievable, and emotionally painful. This is especially true for our senior clients. When sifting through a lifetime of treasured possessions and memories, slow and steady progress is much more manageable. Thus, we tend to recommend reaching out for a consultation somewhere between 6-12 months ahead of the moving date for larger downsizing/moving projects whenever possible. This allows us to make slow and steady progress through shorter weekly or bi-weekly sessions.
Do you provide moving services?
Yes and No. We can help you prepare for, schedule, and coordinate the move, but we are not a moving company. We let moving professionals do the heavy lifting and transporting on moving day so that we can focus on what we do best…taking the stress and overwhelm out of preparing for the move and getting you settled in to your new home.
Can’t the moving company manage my senior move? Why do I need you?
By downsizing and planning for your new space BEFORE you move, you can significantly reduce your moving costs.
Movers are experts at what they do, they handle the logistics of moving the contents of your home from point A to point B. We are happy to partner with moving companies and let them handle what they do best: safely deliver your possessions to their new destination. But moving doesn’t start and end on moving day. The process of moving starts the moment you decide that it’s time to make a move. For many seniors, moving can seem like a monumental task because moving also means downsizing to a smaller residence. That usually means decisions need to be made about what to do with all of the “stuff” that has accumulated over a lifetime that will not fit into your new home or desired lifestyle. The prospect of sorting through everything on your own can feel intimidating.
And don’t forget all of the other details that come with moving! Researching moving companies, scheduling any cleaning or home repair services that might be needed, changing your address with the post office, transferring utilities and other home services, packing, and more! And that doesn’t even take into account all the work involved after moving day to unpack and get everything settled into your new home.
That’s why we are here to help – to take the stress, worry, and overwhelm out of the process of right-sizing your life for your next chapter. Next Chapter Support can help you handle the details from start to finish, so you and your family can rest easy during the transition to your new home.
Have More Questions?
Send them to us so we can answer any questions you might have.