Moving Process
It is our goal to be the single solution for your downsizing move. By relying on our experienced management and personal attention, your downsizing move can be smooth and successful.

Preparation

Initial Consultation
The downsizing move process begins with an initial consultation.  In this visit we can assess your individual situation and reduce your anxiety regarding your move.  In most cases we are able to provide an estimate of the costs for your move at this meeting.

Downsizing
As your personal move coordinator we help you sort through closets and basements, determine what will fit in your new home, and make plans for items not going with you.  Sorting through a lifetime of possessions can be a daunting task; Total Transitions provides expertise, a caring attitude and a helping hand. 

You have many options for dispersing belongings which you no longer need—estate  sale, consignment shop, auction, donation.  After discussing your needs with you, we can recommend appropriate options and refer you to other service providers.

Planning your living space
Will my china hutch fit against that wall?  Can I fit my sectional sofa below the window, or do I need to buy a new love seat?  These questions can easily be answered with a scale drawing of your new home showing the furniture placement.  We will use a floor plan provided by your new living community or take measurements of your new home ourselves in order to show you options for placing your furniture in your new home.  You can then experiment with a number of possibilities on paper before making your decision concerning your new room design.  Now you can look forward with confidence to living in your new home, knowing that your treasured items will fit comfortably.

Additional resources for move preparation
Record Retention Schedule
People and Services to Notify of My Move
Changing My Address

Packing
We pack with the end goal in mind:  a smooth transition to your new life.  We label everything according to its location and purpose in your new home, not your old one.  In addition to the gentle care your valuables deserve, our experienced personnel pay particular attention to curios, knick knacks and books in order to return them to the same arrangement.  We often take pictures in your old residence so we may reproduce the familiar display of keepsakes in your new home.  We carefully mark all connections for computers and electronics to make reassembly easier.

We usually pack the day before moving day.  We will provide you with suggestions for items to set aside, so that you will have necessary items such as food and clothes during the moving process without worrying that these things will be packed away.

Tree-saver box program
We bring professional packing cartons and materials to your home.  When we leave we take all the cartons and materials with us and reuse as much as possible for another client.  If you wish to keep boxes for your use, they are available at attractive rates.  Participation in our tree-saver box program is free of charge.

Moving Day

Moving
Moving day begins with our packing up any last minute items which could not be packed ahead, such as bed linens, bedside lamp, wet towels, breakfast dishes, and refrigerator food.  We disassemble furniture which needs to be taken apart, such as beds, and reassemble it in your new home.  We wrap your furniture in shrink wrap and pads to avoid scratching and put protection on the floor.  You can relax and let us serve you.

Resettling
You want your new life to begin as smoothly as possible and don’t want to start with a mountain of packing boxes.  We unpack and organize your new home.  Everything—furniture, accessories, personal items, and food—is put in its place.  We even make your bed!  When we leave, we take all the packing supplies with us. You feel at home from the very start.

Finishing Well

Hanging Pictures
Nothing makes a home feel more “lived in” than your pictures or artwork on the walls.  You may want to live in your new surroundings for a few days before making these decorative choices.  We are happy to return at your convenience to hang your  pictures.  As appropriate, we will coordinate this final task with any maintenance personnel in your new residence.


Empty house
After you have removed all the belongings you wish for your new life, given other things to family and friends, and perhaps sold additional items, there still may be additional things in your old home.  We will disperse of any remaining items to charity or disposal, as appropriate, clearing your home for its new occupants.