What is a full-service move?

A full-service move means you won’t have to lift a finger. The movers take care of everything from the planning to the packing, and the loading and unloading. In some cases, full-service moves also include unpacking, cleaning, and trash removal. Every company is different, so make sure you talk to your moving specialist to understand what is included in your quote.

How much does a full-service move cost?

Because it is a premium service, a full-service move is pricier than if you choose to pack yourself. The amount you pay depends on the number of items transported, the distance traveled, the stairs and elevators negotiated, and any discounts or deals you are able to secure. To get the best price, make sure you get multiple estimates from multiple companies assessing the same number of items and services, and then ask your favorite one to price-match your best offer.

When should I book a senior moving service?

As with any moving service, the sooner the better. Depending on the size of your move and how many additional services you require (decluttering, downsizing, estate sale, etc.) you may have to book the service two or three months in advance. Remember, summer is the busiest season for moving companies, so if you’re planning to move during this time, you should book as soon as possible.

What does a senior move manager do?

Senior move managers are responsible for making sure your move goes off without a hitch. He or she will work with you during an in-home or virtual assessment of your belongings to give you the most accurate quote. A move manager will also help you schedule a pickup, as well as a drop-off at the new location, and anything else that pops up in between.

What types of discounts do seniors get when moving?

Every company is different, and some specialized senior moving firms already work the discounts into their pricing and don’t offer additional reductions. Moving companies are generally very cagey about discounts and don’t list this information on the website. However, when you call to get an estimate, companies will usually work with you. Generally, senior citizens can expect anywhere between a 10% and a 15% discount on services, but you may encounter companies that offer more or less.

How do I prepare my house for the packers?

Make sure you have disposed of (or made other arrangements for) items that packers won’t take, like plants, perishables, and hazardous items. If you have pets, place them in their carriers so that they’re in a safe location when the movers get to work. Inventory your belongings, and take photos of everything, so you have a record of your items’ pre-move condition, should you need to refer to it later.

At what age should seniors downsize?

You are in control of when you want to downsize your home and your belongings. That said, some people start the process once their children are out of the house. There isn’t an exact age to do so, however, and some people are well into their 70s when they finally decide to downsize. Others leave it up to their children to do after they pass.

Best Senior Moving Services of 2023

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Packing and organizing a lifetime’s worth of treasures and memories can be overwhelming, to say the least. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone if you don’t want to. A senior moving service will walk you through the entire process and help you or your loved one transition smoothly into a new home. If you’re moving someone into an assisted living facility, it’s very likely a senior moving service will already know the ins and outs, which can save you lots of headaches.

Most moving services are equipped to deal with the complexities inherent in this type of transition, including packing and moving labor, estate cleanouts, and decluttering services. The companies also provide top-notch customer service via a support line or, more commonly, a senior move coordinator. Best of all, many companies offer great rates and additional discounts for seniors, though the definition of "senior" differs between moving services, so make sure you're eligible before you book (some movers will provide a discount to anyone over the age of 50).

Best Senior Moving Services of 2023

Best Overall: Caring Transitions
Best Customer Service: JK Moving Services
Best Full-Service Mover: Allied Van Lines
Best Discounts: Wheaton World Wide Moving
Best Move Coordinators: Moves for Seniors
Best for Storage: 1-800-Pack-Rat
Best for Self Service: U-Pack

Best Overall: Caring Transitions

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 42 states
Full-Service Packing? Yes
Initial Deposit Required? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Coordinates all aspects of relocation
Offers decluttering and downsizing help
Organizes estate auctions and cleanouts

Cons

Auction contracts can be confusing
Each franchise offers different discounts

Why It Made the List

Caring Transitions can handle all of the planning and organizing for a successful senior move. Its services include not just packing and loading, and unpacking and unloading, but also decluttering, estate sales, and estate cleanouts. The company will also help you downsize to fit into your new space, while lending design advice as to where your furniture should go.

Caring Transitions’ team of specialists can help you sort through everything you own to figure out what to bring, what to throw out or donate, and what to sell. Then, the company will help you set up an online auction so you can focus on your new life.

The services of Caring Transitions are not available nationwide, but the company still boasts 250 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Each franchise offers its own set of discounts, so keep that in mind if there are multiple locations in your area. As with other moving companies, you need to request a quote first, and then pay a deposit to secure your moving date.

Best Customer Service: JK Moving Services

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Full-Service Packing? Yes
Initial Deposit Required? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Virtual consultations
24/7 customer service
Experienced with senior living communities

Cons

Does not offer an immediate online quote
Local moves only available in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C.

Why It Made the List

Senior moves often come with a degree of complexity that requires constant communication with your moving team. Thanks to its 24/7 customer service, JK Moving Services is always available to answer your questions. The company offers full-service moves, meaning all you need to do is open your door and let its team pack your belongings, load them into the truck, and transport them to their final destination. As part of the company’s white-glove service, staff will also unload and unpack your belongings in your new home. JK Moving Services also provides storage should you need it.

To get things moving, you first have to speak to a representative to get a quote. Make sure to mention that it’s a senior move so the agent can apply a preferred rate to your estimate. You will then pay a deposit to secure the moving date (the remainder will be paid before delivery). Unfortunately, the company only offers local moves in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The good news is that JK Moving Services has plenty of experience with senior living communities and will be able expertly assist in the transition. Your only concern will be meeting your new neighbors.

Best Full-Service Mover: Allied Van Lines

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Full-Service Packing? Yes
Initial Deposit Required? No

Pros & Cons

Pros

Instant quote online
Shipment tracking
Services local, long-distance, and international moves

Cons

Interstate moves require payment before the driver can begin delivery
No estate cleaning or decluttering services

Why It Made the List

Allied Van Lines has been offering full-service moves for local, long-distance, and international locations for nearly a century. The company’s staff is courteous and professional and can help you every step of the way. The company’s reputable team will create an inventory of your belongings, pack everything securely, transport your belongings safely, and unpack your items once you get there. It also provides flexible storage solutions should you need them.

All you have to do is call to request a binding quote. There are discounts available for senior citizens, so let the representative know that you qualify when you first connect with them. You will be assigned a move coordinator to guide you through the process and answer any questions. You can always renegotiate and ask for price matching if you have a competing offer. The company does not require a deposit to secure your moving date; instead, you pay when your items are delivered—except in the case of interstate moves, which require payment prior to the driver starting their trip.

Best Discounts: Wheaton World Wide Moving

Wheaton World Wide

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Full-Service Packing? Yes
Initial Deposit Required? Yes (for long-distance moves)

Pros & Cons

Pros

Expedited relocation services for those who need to move ASAP
Shipment tracking
Broad discount program

Cons

Senior discount depends on the season and scope of the move
Any damaged or missing items must be noted in delivery paperwork

Why It Made the List

Most moving companies choose to keep their discounts under wraps, but that’s not the case with Wheaton World Wide Moving. The company has an extensive discount program that includes deals for RE/MAX customers, members of the National and Retired Federal Employees organization members, and a dozen others. Although not advertised, the company will also offer you a preferred rate if you let them know you’re a senior citizen, or that you’re organizing a move for a senior citizen.

Wheaton World Wide Moving offers packing and unpacking services as well as shipment tracking, so you can keep an eye on your belongings as they make their way to your new location. You do not need to pay a deposit to book its services for local moves. However, that is not the case when moving across states

Best Move Coordinators: Moves for Seniors

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 49 states
Full-Service Packing? Yes
Initial Deposit Required? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Experienced move coordinators
Offers estate cleanout services
Downsizing help and new floor plan creation
Labor-only services

Cons

Subcontracts services
Initial deposit required

Why It Made the List

When you want some help in the planning, organizing, and execution of a senior move, you can count on the specialists at Moves for Seniors. The company hires trained professionals equipped to handle the logistics surrounding a senior move, as well as the mental and emotional toll that it takes on you and your family. Part of its mission is to serve customers with the “highest level of care and commitment to excellent service.”

Because Moves for Seniors is a broker, the company does not ship your belongings itself. Instead, it contracts the services of pre-vetted third-party providers that can offer full-service moves. It also facilitates labor-only services, meaning you can use Moves for Seniors to hire a team of laborers, and then arrange for a separate moving company to handle the transportation. Since it’s a broker service, this company excels at coordinating all of the different aspects of a move, from planning, downsizing, and decluttering services to packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading. Moves for Seniors can even help you craft a floor plan for your belongings in your new home. Be advised: You're required to put down a deposit when booking the company’s services.

Best for Storage: 1-800-Pack-Rat

1-800-Pack-Rat

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 30 states and Washington, D.C.
Full-Service Packing? No
Initial Deposit Required? Yes, for long-distance moves

Pros & Cons

Pros

Monthly fee per container
Container serves as storage when needed
10% discount for seniors

Cons

Not available nationwide
Moving labor not included

Why It Made the List

When downsizing, you may not be ready to let go of the things you treasure, but you just won’t have room for them in your new location. That’s where services like 1-800-Pack-Rat come to the rescue. The company offers containers in three sizes: eight-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot, the largest of which can hold up to three or four bedrooms’ worth of furniture. Book as many containers as you need, and then have the company place them in long-term or temporary storage, or have them transported to your new home.

Because it’s a moving container company, 1-800-Pack-Rat’s services are more affordable than those of traditional moving companies. It even offers a 10% discount for senior moves. However, you’ll need to hire a third-party provider for assistance in loading, unloading, packing, and unpacking your belongings. Also, the company’s services are unavailable in 20 states, so first check to see if it operates in your area. Get a quote by speaking to a representative, but keep in mind that long-distance moves require an initial deposit.

Best for Self Service: U-Pack

U-Pack

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Full-Service Packing? No
Initial Deposit Required? No

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers local, long-distance, and international moves to Puerto Rico and Canada
Instant quote online
Economical; only pay for the space you use

Cons

Services force you to downsize belongings
Only grants three free days for loading and unloading

Why It Made the List

U-Pack offers an economical option for folks who need to keep moving costs down and don’t mind doing things themselves. If you require assistance with packing, loading, and unloading, you will need to hire a third-party provider. The company can point you in the right direction for pre-vetted services, you can hire someone on your own, or you can recruit the help of friends and family. U-Pack doesn’t require you to put down a deposit to secure your moving date, and you can use its services for international moves to Puerto Rico and Canada.

The company has a ton of experience navigating properties with limited parking space, like condo complexes and senior living communities, which makes it an ideal firm to manage a self-service senior move. However, you won’t get the same type of door-to-door service as a full-service move. Additionally, you only get three days to complete the loading and unloading, so make sure you have all the help you’ll need within the given time frame.

Final Verdict

We selected Caring Transitions as the best senior moving company for its full-service offerings. A senior move is a complex event that usually involves both physical and emotional challenges, but this company’s specialists will help you with everything from decluttering and downsizing to estate auctions and cleanouts. This helps you focus on what is actually important—you and your family.

Company	Nationwide Availability	Full-Service Packing?	Moving Options	Senior Discount	Initial Deposit Required?
Caring Transitions Best Overall	42 states	Yes	Local, long distance, and Canada	Varies per franchise	Yes
JK Moving Services Best Customer Service	50 states	Yes	Local, long distance, and international	Yes, varies per agent	Yes
Allied Van Lines Best Full-Service Mover	50 states	Yes	Local, long distance, and international	Yes, varies per agent	No
Wheaton World Wide Moving Best Discounts	50 states	Yes	Local, long distance, and some international locations	Yes, varies per agent	Yes, for long-distance moves
Moves for Seniors Best Move Coordinators	49 states	Yes	Local and long distance	No	Yes
1-800-Pack-Rat Best for Storage	30 states and Washington, D.C.	No	Local and long distance	10%	Yes, for long-distance moves
U-Pack Best for Self Service	50 states	No	Local, long distance, and some international locations	No	No

Benefits of Using a Senior Moving Service

Using a moving service that specializes in senior moves gives you peace of mind throughout the whole process. The experience, support, and attention to detail these companies provide is paramount importance for a smooth and successful move. Some companies can take on the entire process: organizing everything you own, packing it, and loading and unloading items at your new destination.

Certain companies will also help you declutter and get rid of items you no longer need by selling, donating, or throwing them away. Senior moving services are also well acquainted with senior living communities and their protocols. This means you’ll save yourself the headache by working with individuals who are knowledgeable and respectful of the rules of your new community. No matter where you are moving, you can rely on a senior moving coordinator to assist you every step of the way, answering questions and helping resolve issues that may arise.

Factors Seniors Should Consider When Deciding to Move

Letting go of your lifelong home is never an easy task, but sometimes the circumstances require it. Consider these factors before making this decision:

Proximity to family and friends

Will you be moving closer to your loved ones? As you age, you want to make sure you have a strong support network around you to help you navigate the events life throws your way.

Safety and health

If you live in a two-story home with stairs, it’s important you consider the likelihood of a fall. As you get older, the body does not have the same muscle strength and coordination, and a misstep could land you in a hospital bed. That said, you may want to avoid having to use stairs altogether in your new home. Additionally, if your health is delicate, you may want to select a new living location close to a hospital so that medical staff can quickly come to your aid in case of an emergency.

Home maintenance

Being a homeowner requires a lot of maintenance tasks. At some point, you may need to fix the roof, tackle a plumbing leak, or cut the grass in the yard. When you’re older, these tasks can be costly, especially if your only source of income is your retirement fund or your savings. Home maintenance tasks may also involve physical labor that your body cannot sustain anymore. For this reason, it might be best to live in a place where maintenance is handled by someone else.

Social life

It’s important to maintain an active social life to stay healthy and keep your mind nimble. Living in a senior community, for example, not only brings you closer to your peers but also means your social calendar is always busy. If you live near friends and family, you’ll likely have more things to do than if you lived by yourself far away.

How to Prepare for a Move If You’re a Senior Citizen

Maybe you’ve moved once or twice in your life and know the basics of preparing for a move. However, you may not be prepared for the emotional reaction that may come with sorting through your belongings and saying goodbye to your longtime home. Below are some tips to aid in the transition:

Downsize and declutter first: The size of the move determines its price, so the less you bring with you, the cheaper it will be. Take inventory and choose what you want to keep, donate, and trash. Some companies can do this work for you, as well.
Get multiple estimates and ask for a senior discount: The moving business is very competitive, so most companies only give you an estimate after doing an in-home or virtual assessment of your belongings. This takes a lot of time; however, getting multiple estimates will ensure you find the best deal for your situation. You can also request that your preferred company price-match other offers. Always remember to ask for a senior discount, and inquire about any other discounts, as well.
Choose between a full- or partial-service move: Full-service moves take care of the packing and unpacking, as well as the loading and unloading, but they come at a premium cost. If you want to save money, ask for partial service, where the movers only pack the fragile or specialty items for you, and you take care of the rest with the help of friends and family.
Be specific about the home conditions: Movers charge extra fees for stairs and loading distance, so you want to make sure to explain the conditions they’ll encounter when moving your belongings. This way, you won’t have any surprise fees in your final bill. Plus, if you’re moving into a senior living community, the company may already have a protocol in place to meet the property’s standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a full-service move?

A full-service move means you won’t have to lift a finger. The movers take care of everything from the planning to the packing, and the loading and unloading. In some cases, full-service moves also include unpacking, cleaning, and trash removal. Every company is different, so make sure you talk to your moving specialist to understand what is included in your quote.
How much does a full-service move cost?

Because it is a premium service, a full-service move is pricier than if you choose to pack yourself. The amount you pay depends on the number of items transported, the distance traveled, the stairs and elevators negotiated, and any discounts or deals you are able to secure. To get the best price, make sure you get multiple estimates from multiple companies assessing the same number of items and services, and then ask your favorite one to price-match your best offer.
When should I book a senior moving service?

As with any moving service, the sooner the better. Depending on the size of your move and how many additional services you require (decluttering, downsizing, estate sale, etc.) you may have to book the service two or three months in advance. Remember, summer is the busiest season for moving companies, so if you’re planning to move during this time, you should book as soon as possible.
What does a senior move manager do?

Senior move managers are responsible for making sure your move goes off without a hitch. He or she will work with you during an in-home or virtual assessment of your belongings to give you the most accurate quote. A move manager will also help you schedule a pickup, as well as a drop-off at the new location, and anything else that pops up in between.
What types of discounts do seniors get when moving?

Every company is different, and some specialized senior moving firms already work the discounts into their pricing and don’t offer additional reductions. Moving companies are generally very cagey about discounts and don’t list this information on the website. However, when you call to get an estimate, companies will usually work with you. Generally, senior citizens can expect anywhere between a 10% and a 15% discount on services, but you may encounter companies that offer more or less.
How do I prepare my house for the packers?

Make sure you have disposed of (or made other arrangements for) items that packers won’t take, like plants, perishables, and hazardous items. If you have pets, place them in their carriers so that they’re in a safe location when the movers get to work. Inventory your belongings, and take photos of everything, so you have a record of your items’ pre-move condition, should you need to refer to it later.
At what age should seniors downsize?

You are in control of when you want to downsize your home and your belongings. That said, some people start the process once their children are out of the house. There isn’t an exact age to do so, however, and some people are well into their 70s when they finally decide to downsize. Others leave it up to their children to do after they pass.

Methodology

This list of the best senior moving services was compiled using more than 500 data points collected over a two-month span. Our research team reviewed more than 20 companies, looking at services provided, customer support channels, quote processes, online tools, and more.

Weights were assigned to each piece of criteria evaluated, then used to calculate an overall score. In order to receive a high rating, companies had to perform well in a handful of categories, including but not limited to:

Types of services offered (10%)
Nationwide availability (10%)
Company reputation (6%)
Online quote system (5%)
Additional costs and fees (5%)

The information presented here was accurate at the time of publication and confirmed by at least two data collectors. Verification was completed through customer service calls and live chat or email exchanges.

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