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Thursday, May 8, 2008

Local spotlight

Mover helps seniors to sell surplus items

Firm that specializes in relocating downsizing senior citizens will open consignment shop.

Christine Snyder / Special to The Detroit News

Sharon Rees says she felt prepared psychologically and logistically for her move to an assisted living facility. She had made choices about her belongings and her daughter--an experienced mover from her life as the wife of a naval officer--came to help. Still, such a move is no easy task for a 75 year old, says Rees. She had lived in her home for 48 years.

What really made the difference was hiring Assisted Moving, LLC, a full-service moving company for seniors based in Plymouth.

Bryan Neal started Assisted Moving four years as an answer to seniors and their families facing the daunting task of downsizing from spacious family homes to much smaller digs.

Assisted Moving organizes the entire downsizing process; making lists; facilitating decisions; shipping; tossing; selling and packing items.

"He had been in my home ahead of time so he knew where I was and what was happening and he also understood where my priorities were," says Rees, who says she appreciated his efficiency and calmness. "He never blinked. If he were (panicky) I might have reacted to that."

Toward the end of the move, Neal offered Rees a hug.

"He's very caring and very understanding about what somebody might be going through," says Rees.

When he opened four years ago, Neal says he did three or four moves a week. Today he averages between eight and 12.

"Growth has been very steady and at my own pace. I've spent hardly any resources on marketing and advertising," says Neal. "Word of mouth and senior community referrals have been amazing."

Assisted Moving's gross annual revenues have doubled from $100,000 in 2004 to $200,000. He says revenues have leveled out some this year. "It's an exciting time to put innovation to the test," says Neal.

In June, Neal is opening Assisted Moving Consignment Store in Plymouth. Part of the service Assisted Moving provides is selling items on consignment, a service that about half of his clients use.

Assisted Moving Consignment Store will take 50 percent of every item that sells; a typical consignment rate. "While we will sell to everyone, we only will take items from seniors who are moving or downsizing," says Neal.

"The biggest challenge is the unknown," says Neal of this new venture. "No one has ever attempted this before, so it's uncharted territory. However, I truly believe that there is a real need for our service."

According to Anita Salustro, associate state director, AARP Michigan, the time is ripe for services geared to seniors. There is, and will be, a huge growth in senior population in southeastern Michigan. By 2035, the population of those older than 65 will have doubled, making up 24 percent of the entire population.

"There is an absolute dearth (in services)," says Salustro. "It's too early in the game for people to have realized what a boon to the economy seniors are because they have deep pockets and fat wallets. These services are just emerging...filling these niches."

For Rees, she is glad that the services Assisted Moving provided are available to her. A unit recently opened in an assisted community that was Rees's initial choice so she's moving again.

Says Rees: "The first thing my daughter asked me when I told her was, "are you going to call Bryan?" She did.

Christine Snyder is a Metro Detroit freelance writer