Yes, we have had national background checks performed by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors http://www.csa.us and by Senior Checked.
To verify go to www.seniorchecked.com or call 866-650-7226.  Learn more about Senior Checked http://www.seniorchecked.com/about.  Our Senior Checked ID information – Judy Rough – ID# 110KF  ~ Terry Antelman – ID# Pending

There are several ways to sell your belongings and we assist with each of the following: estate sales, consignment, auction, eBay and Craig’s List. We do not handle yard or garage sales.

We take pictures and send them to consignment shops to assess interest, call in an auction house or take items to be donated.

Yes, we can provide you with a checklist for you to follow or we are happy to make all the address changes and work with you to disconnect and connect utilities.

No, we do not pay or are not paid for any referrals.

Yes, we have great resources based on repeated use and success.

Yes, we can ensure your property is broom clean or spotless based on your instruction.

Yes, we are proud to say that we have a relationship with our movers that functions like a symphony. Everyone knows their part and together we make your move seamless and carefree. Together, over the years we have developed a system of packing, loading the truck, unloading the truck and working within the home that is customized and highly efficient. This saves you time and money while your belongings are handled with care and you are treated with respect and compassion.

You might have a referral from a friend who had a good experience, but used a mover once or twice, we have used our movers hundreds of times and they have a proven track record. We only refer moving companies we have trained in our customized system.

We recognize this can be the biggest hurdle to overcome in the moving process, but we will never tell you what to keep or let go of, we will assist you and navigate you through the process based on our extensive knowledge of the emotional issues, as well as, an understanding of space and safety.

Everyone has a different amount of “stuff” and require different services, which makes this an impossible question to answer and that is why we offer a free consultation. We recommend you “get started” and with a few hours each day.  We will get through your home rather quickly, you will be surprised!

A typical move will be two days. We pack on the first day and unpack and organize everything on the next day, including hanging all the artwork. So, by dinner time on move-in day, your new home is ready for you to enjoy with every box unpacked and everything in its place ready for you to relax and enjoy. Then you can tell everyone it truly was a carefree transition.

Unpacking is normally performed on the same day as the move and usually completed before the dinner hour, but if you have a large home it can take two days.

It can be a few days for some or planned ahead months in advance. There is no typical amount of time, but the usual order is consultation, project coordination, photos, dimensions, floor plan, sorting and downsizing, special needs, tagging, packing, moving, unpacking and organizing. 1.) Free consultation which lasts about 1 to 1 ½ hours. 2.) Sorting and downsizing: this process and number of hours or days varies depending on the amount of belongings you have and the rate at which you can make decisions about the items you will keep or let go of. 3.) Tagging identifies what will happen to your items such as pack, move, sell, ship or donate. This is a highly efficient way of communicating to all parties involved in your move such as the packers and mover. This process keeps items in their place thus making your house feel like home until packing day right before your move. This also maintains a safe environment at all times. 4.) Packing usually happens the day before the move, but can also happen on the same day as the move depending on the size of the job. 5.) Moving, unpacking, organizing, picture hanging, cable and phone hookup all usually happen on the same day.

We will refer you to our expert resources, but if you have a situation that we have not come across before, we will research it and try to find you the expert you need in order to sell your item(s).

Yes, we will purchase organizational supplies that will maximize the space, provide better accessibility and generally make form follow function in your new home.

Yes, we will obtain or create the floor plan, take actual detailed measurements of your new home, measure all the pieces of furniture you wish to move and help you design the space. We
will help you determine what will safely fit in your space as well.

We digitally photograph everything before we begin working on your sorting, downsizing, organizing, moving, etc. We set up your home the way you want and the way you like to live in the space. If your toothbrush is on the right side of the sink in your current home then it will be that way in your new home.

Yes and much more. See our list of services under “Services” and check Special Requests.

You can pack items yourself, but it is not recommended. We believe that allowing a professional packer to pack your belongings is advisable. Checking with the moving company about insurance coverage for self-packed boxes is an important part of the process.

You are always welcome to stay in your own home, but if you prefer and there is availability we will arrange for you to stay in a community guest suite, in a hotel or with a family member or friend. The choice is yours.

Yes, we will hang all wall art unless it is very delicate or heavy and then we would recommend someone with that expertise.

Since 2006 we have been relocating clients throughout the Phoenix metro area and moves nationwide and organizing Phoenix metro area homes, records and documents.

At Carefree Transitions we will work within your budget. We charge an hourly rate of $55.00 per hour for relocations and professional organizing offering expertise, efficiency and great value for your money. We can only give an estimate based on our free consultation where we are present in your home. The costs of the job will be outlined in a written estimate before you are required to submit payment. We require a $500 deposit once the contract is signed.  Once the job has started you will be informed if you are requesting additional or fewer services that would require a revision to the original estimate. Organizing workshops are offered at a flat fee.

Yes, an estimate will be provided, in writing, after a free consultation in your home.

Yes, you will be provided with identification information, a contract, services checklist, rate sheet, list of references, a change of address checklist and a US Postal Service mail forwarding card. Certificate of insurance or insurance declaration page and code of ethics will be provided upon request.

As a Senior Move Manager, Carefree Transitions, LLC specializes in assisting older adults and their families with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation and/or “aging in place” while delivering these services with compassion and integrity. We are committed to connecting with older adults and a desire to perform meaningful work. Carefree Transitions, is a member in good standing, since 2006 of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM).  Go to the NASMM website to learn more www.nasmm.com .
*NASMM/Senior Move Manager FAQs are reprinted with the permission of the National Association of Senior Move Managers

• Develope an overall move or “age in place” plan
• Organizing, sorting and downsizing
• Customize floor plans
• Arrange for the profitable disposal of unwanted items through auction, estate sale, buy-out, consignment, donation, or a combination of the above
• Interview, schedule and oversee movers
• Assist with address changes and cancel, establish or transfer utilities, cable, phone, internet
• Arrange shipments and storage
• Supervise and oversee professional packing
• Unpack, organize and set up the new home
• Related services include cleaning, waste removal, shredding, shopping, senior escort, assisting with selection of a realtor and helping prepare the home to be sold.

Some services are provided directly; others provided through oversight or management. Carefree Transitions has extensive, practical knowledge about the costs, quality and availability of various local community resources. Additionally, we frequently assist individuals who choose to stay in their own homes, but simply require expert organizational skills and solid knowledge of “aging in place” concepts to help them achieve their goal of . . . not moving anywhere, but improving quality of life!

One call to a senior move manager at Carefree Transitions can connect you with services older adults and families need for seamless, successful transitions of all kinds.
*NASMM/Senior Move Manager FAQs are reprinted with the permission of the National Association of Senior Move Managers

Senior move managers are contacted by various sources:

• Older adults
• Family members
• Moving companies
• Bank and trust officers
• Geriatric Care Managers
• Attorneys
• Social service providers/social workers
• Senior living communities
• Physicians and allied health providers
• Realtors
• Staging professionals

*NASMM/Senior Move Manager FAQs are reprinted with the permission of the National Association of Senior Move Managers

• Senior move managers have significant expertise in resources and approaches that save money, reduce stress and produce quality results.
• Services are client-centered and personalized to meet the client’s needs and preferences. Families, particularly, should never doubt the power of an outside expert!
• National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) members are reviewed for insurance and experience requirements prior to acceptance.
• Ongoing educational programs reflect the NASMM commitment to professionalism and to working with older adults.
• NASMM has developed a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for all members.

*NASMM/Senior Move Manager FAQs are reprinted with the permission of the National Association of Senior Move Managers

• Senior move managers provide a multi-faceted approach to the move process: from space planning in the beginning to post-move support and advocacy.
• Senior move managers minimize the chaos and stress associated with moving by addressing all aspects of the move process. They are responsible to for creating and executing a seamless action plan, customized to the client’s wishes.
• Carefree Transitions’ senior move managers are not movers, however, we will work closely with reputable local moving companies to complete that aspect of the job.
• With the gentle and expert guidance of an experienced senior move manager, older adults and families make the key decisions without the emotional and physical distress that can follow. As a result, they avoid the costly mistakes and remorse that often accompany such major lifestyle transitions.
• Senior move managers do so much more than simply sort, settle and move boxes; with loads of energy, enthusiasm and experience, senior move managers take the worry (and work!) out of the move process. The client’s job is to simply enjoy his or her new living arrangement.

*NASMM/Senior Move Manager FAQs are reprinted with the permission of the National Association of Senior Move Managers

• The numbers tell the story. The U.S. population aged 65 and over will jump nearly 80 percent when the Baby Boom generation retires (from 2010 to 2030). By 2030, the elderly will account for one-fifth of the total U.S. population. Also, Americans age 85 and above comprise the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population.
• Today, many families are geographically dispersed and adult children are often not able to help with the moving process due to distance, career and family obligations. For family members living far away, the barriers may be geographic.
• Many seniors have no surviving children, or increasingly, their children are older adults themselves. If illness or death precipitates the move, the family is likely already drained both emotionally and physically. They need help. Senior move management has emerged to fill these gaps and to facilitate the transition for everyone involved.
• Older adults making a transition have usually not moved in 30, 40 or 50 years and need to downsize considerably. The organizational and physical tasks associated with planning and implementing such a complex move can be overwhelming for the entire family. Seek the help of experienced, insured professionals and call a senior move manager at Carefree Transitions.

*NASMM/Senior Move Manager FAQs are reprinted with the permission of the National Association of Senior Move Managers

NAPO is the National Association of Professional Organizers and the following list are characteristics of a Professional Organizer:

• Asks the right questions to understand client’s wants and needs
• Customizes organizational systems to meet clients needs and budget
• Teaches and transfers basic organizational skills
• Visualizes spatially and sees big picture
• Breaks down project into manageable steps
• Categorizes and plans ahead

Carefree Transitions, LLC is a member in good standing since 2006 of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO).   Go to the NAPO website to learn more www.napo.net .

Home / residential organizing of a particular room or the entire house including closets, cabinets, drawers, pantry, home office, files with a specialty in personal record and document organizing using the Papervana system.

This is a special training in the Papervana system of record and document organizing. This system was actually created by Judy Rough and originally used with our Carefree Transitions’ clients who were downsizing and giving up home offices, desks and file cabinets. A binder system allowed clients to have a home for all records, documents, life plans and memorabilia, which turned out to be favorable over their old files and scrapbooks. Clients feel the system is more user friendly, manageable and easy to maintain and communicate with their trusted representative.

We facilitate through one-on-one sessions, small or large group workshops and scheduled maintenance programs.

This is a highly avoided and overwhelming part of many of our lives, yet without having our papers in order and our plans in place we are causing a heavy burden added to our day to day lives and leaving a negative legacy behind for the people we love. Getting things in order, defining a roadmap, storing properly and communicating to a trusted representative will put your life at ease and give you and the one’s you love peace of mind.

Yes. If you prefer, we can assist you with a portion of the process. Pick one, several or all of our services and don’t hesitate to ask if you have a special request which is not on our list of services. If it is not in our area of expertise we will help locate the appropriate resource.

Yes, we take this area of ethics and social responsibility very seriously. This is not something we put here to look good. At Carefree Transitions we actually follow four codes of ethics and apply it to our daily work as well as our lives. For example, we only do work we are qualified for, we treat clients with respect and compassion, we do not accept gifts of any kind from our clients, we do not accept referral fees from vendors, we keep all information confidential and we
are always furthering our knowledge through continuing education. You can click on the following links to read more.

http://www.nasmm.org/codeofethics.pdf
http://www.napo.net/our_profession/ethics.aspx
http://www.society-csa.com/docs/csa_code.pdf
http://www.seniorchecked.com/about/code-of-ethics

We are proud to hold the CSA certification which is a program of study that includes areas in social, health and financial areas and how these factors and more effect seniors today. Through this certification program we understand age-related circumstances and we feel better qualified to assist our clients in achieving their goals. We are background checked, follow a strict Code of Responsibility and our education is ongoing.  Go to the Society of Certified Senior Advisors to learn more. www.csa.us

Senior Checked is dedicated to ensuring on an annual basis that companies working with boomer and senior clients are properly insured and are nationally background checked. Carefree Transitions, LLC has passed and been verified every year since we started with Senior Checked in 2009.
To verify go to www.seniorchecked.com or call 866-650-7226 Learn more about Senior Checked http://www.seniorchecked.com/about.  Senior Checked ID infromation – Judy Rough – ID# 110KF  ~ Terry Antelman – ID# Pending

Senior Sleuths is a volunteer project of the Attorney General’s office to help Arizona seniors protect themselves, and to prevent others from becoming victims of fraud and abuse.

Attorney General Tom Horne says, “Predators are always looking for new and inventive ways to steal. Whether it’s a fraudulent loan scheme, a dishonest repair shop, or the newest threats found on the Internet, you need to know how to protect yourself.”

The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting senior volunteers and will train them to identify and report scams and fraud, including Medicare fraud, and to use their knowledge to educate other seniors. There are several ways someone can be a Senior Sleuth: by collecting suspicious “junk” mail; by keeping a log of telemarketing phone calls received; and by attending free presentations and making reports to the Attorney General. With additional training they can answer calls on the AG Help phone lines, work in the Attorney General’s satellite offices, staff AG booths at community events, or make presentations to community groups, Horne says, “Senior Sleuths is a great opportunity for seniors to educate their peers. The best defense is a good offense, and someone who is trying to perpetrate a scam will not get far when a consumer – you – is well informed.”

The Attorney General Senior Sleuths project partners with AARP, the Arizona Area Agencies on Aging, DES Division of Aging & Adult Services, SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) program, APS (Adult Protective Services), DUET Partners in Health & Aging, and other retiree and senior organizations.

For more information email SeniorSleuths@azag.gov or call the Attorney General’s Elder Issues Coordinator at 602-542-7578.

Follow this link to learn how you can make a difference. http://www.azag.gov/seniors/elder_abuse.html