Quick answer
Senior move managers charge either by the hour or a flat price for the whole job, and the total depends on the size of the home, how much needs sorting, and which services you choose. The national association, NASMM, says a specific move is "virtually impossible to calculate" in advance and that members provide a written estimate before you pay. We don't publish a typical price because no reliable published figure exists. (800) 614-8388 and we'll connect you with move managers who'll give you a written estimate.
How move managers charge
- Hourly, billed for the time the team spends sorting, packing, coordinating and unpacking.
- By the job, one package price for the whole move.
- Separately for movers. The truck and moving crew are often a separate bill, though some move managers coordinate or include it.
NASMM members outline the cost in a written estimate before you're asked to pay.
What drives the price
- Size of the home and how full it is. A three-bedroom house with a full basement and garage takes far longer than a two-bedroom apartment.
- How much sorting is needed. Decades of belongings take time to sort with care.
- Services you choose: floor plans, packing, the move itself, unpacking, setting up the new apartment, selling or donating what's left, cleaning out the house.
- Timeline. A rushed move needs a bigger crew.
- Distance, if the move is out of the area.
What you can do to lower the cost
- Decide early which things go to family, and have them picked up.
- Clear out obvious trash and duplicates before the team starts.
- Get the floor plan of the new place so only what fits gets packed.
- Combine the move with an estate sale or cleanout, so leftover items are handled in one plan. See estate cleanout.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Do you charge by the hour or by the job? What exactly is included?
- Are movers included, or a separate bill?
- Are you insured? Can I see proof?
- Will you give me a written estimate and a written contract?
- Who will actually be in my parent's home?
More in what a senior move manager does.
Planning a move from a long-time home?
We'll connect you with move managers in the Kansas City area who'll walk through the house and give you a written estimate. Free.
Questions families ask
How much does a senior move manager cost?
It varies by home size, services and timeline. Move managers charge hourly or by the job and should give you a written estimate first.
Is a senior move manager worth it?
For many families, yes, especially when family lives far away or the house holds decades of belongings. They handle the sorting, planning and setup in one plan.
Does Medicare or insurance pay for a move manager?
No. Move management is a private-pay service.
Are movers included in the price?
Sometimes. Ask whether the moving crew and truck are included or billed separately.