Plan Ahead for a Future Move with a Trusted Expert

When you're planning for a move, having a wealth of expert support at your fingertips can make all the difference. 

That's why Erickson Senior Living connects future residents with experienced planning and moving professionals who are dedicated to creating a streamlined, stress-free experience. 

Recently, the Tribune sat down with Brandon Postlewaite, planning and moving consultant at Cedar Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J., to discuss how incoming residents benefit from hands-on guidance and support.

Q: Many people moving to an Erickson Senior Living community have not heard of the 'planning and moving consultant' title. Could you describe your role and the help you provide? 

A: Each planning and moving consultant's priority is to help future residents move to their chosen community as seamlessly as possible. To start that process, we typically schedule a visit to their current house to answer questions and create a comprehensive selling and moving plan based on their individual needs. 

We then provide information on the wide variety of resources available through the Erickson Realty and Moving Services program, including trusted real estate agents, downsizing experts, senior move management companies, and movers. 

All of our preferred vendors have been vetted for quality service and have years of experience helping retirees move to Erickson Senior Living communities. 

Another important aspect of the first home visit is space planning. Together, we walk through your house, measure furniture that you wish to bring with you, and lay everything out on a virtual floor plan of the residence you chose. 

Q: Many future residents fear the downsizing that comes with moving. How do planning and moving consultants help with this step? 

A: Many retirees considering a move to a senior living community delay taking the first step because they fear having too much "stuff."

I've met many people at Priority List events who know they're making the right decision by moving to an Erickson Senior Living community. But when they get home and open the garage door or visit their attic, the amount of belongings that need to be moved, sold, or donated can feel overwhelming. 

The good news is that there's a long list of resources to help tackle this task! From setting up an online auction to organizing a donation pickup, there are plenty of experts available to make the downsizing process less daunting. And everything is done at the pace you decide on. 

Q: Once space planning and downsizing are complete, how do you help future residents sell their house and move to an Erickson Senior Living community? 

A: This is where our strong partnerships with local real estate agents, senior move managers, and moving companies really come into play. Because everyone we work with has experience helping future Erickson Senior Living residents, they understand the unique aspects of the move. They take the time to explain each step and answer questions thoroughly. Oftentimes, they've helped several people moving from the same neighborhood! 

Our preferred real estate agents are very knowledgeable about the areas they focus on, helping people receive top dollar for their house. And our senior move managers and moving companies safely pack and move all belongings with care--and even unpack them in their new home. 

Best of all, your planning and moving consultant will coordinate all of these efforts to ensure everything goes smoothly. Our goal is that when you're planning a move to an Erickson Senior Living community, you can focus solely on your new vibrant lifestyle ahead!

Find an Erickson Senior Living community near you to learn more about the planning and moving resources available.