Oak Crest Moving Program Gives Homeowners Head Start

Parkville, Maryland--For most people, the thought of moving ranks with going to the dentist or getting a driver's license renewed.  But moving doesn't have to be a stressful event.  It can be a liberating experience—an opportunity to make a fresh, new start.  The secret: it's all in how you move.

If you are planning a move to Oak Crest, an Erickson Living community in Parkville, Maryland, priority list members gain exclusive access to Erickson Realty and Moving Services, a personalized program that combines a variety of selling and moving resources. 

"Our goal is to simplify every aspect of the moving process," says Ashley Ruth, Personal Moving Consultant.  She provides complimentary in-home consultations to assess downsizing needs and navigate the moving process.  "We'll introduce you to our network of over 50 local Erickson Living-preferred realtors, movers and downsizing experts who have helped hundreds of retirees relocate to Oak Crest."

For Lee and Bob Crush, who moved to Oak Crest this August from a three-bedroom home in Joppa, Maryland, Erickson Realty and Moving Services provided peace of mind in knowing they had a directory of vetted moving professionals at the ready.  

"The resources Oak Crest provided us were very helpful," says Lee.  "We selected a mover and a realtor from the list." 

The Crushes also called Sell it Baltimore, a Baltimore-based company located on Philadelphia Road in White Marsh, for help with downsizing.  Sell it Baltimore buys and sells estates including a range of items from antiques and collectibles to vintage toys and clothing.  Their eBay store currently features over 12,000 items.  Owner Mike Bendler has helped dozens of Oak Crest residents, including the Crushes, take the guesswork out of what their valuables are worth. 

"Typically, I will go to the property and assess items room by room to help people understand what exactly they have and what the best option is for them.  We may buy specific items outright like a toy collection or the entire contents of the room for one price," says Bendler.  "In some scenarios, people have stuff that we can't do anything with.  If that's the case, I'll usually take it to auction for them, and we just split the proceeds." 

The Crushes had a variety of items they inherited such as ceramic cups, saucers and figurines, as well as some jewelry and furniture items they weren't sure what to do with. 

"Mike came to our house and took some smaller things and a few larger things like a coffee table and side table," says Lee.  "It was a win-win situation.  He was able to get some things that he could sell, and we were able to get rid of some of the things we needed to.  We were more than thrilled with the outcome." 

Bendler opened Sell it Baltimore in its current location in 2012, just a few years after his parents passed away. 

"My siblings and I had to go through the process of trying to figure out what to do with everything in my parent's house," says Bendler.  "I thought, 'this is something that I could help other people with.'  As soon as we opened, things got busy, and it hasn't slowed down yet.  I enjoy going out and meeting and talking to people."

As for the Crushes, they can't say enough about their experience with Bendler. 

"Mike went above and beyond the call of duty," says Lee.  "He put us at ease, and we trust him.  I have already referred other people to him who are looking to downsize or just get rid of some things." 

About Oak Crest: Oak Crest, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 87-acre campus in Parkville, Maryland.  The not-for-profit community of more than 2,100 residents and 1,250 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of Oak Crest.  Additional information can be found at OakCrestCommunity.com.