As Twyla Tharp, the renowned choreographer and dancer put it when she was 78,

You still have plenty of wonderful exciting things to do but you’ll need to be smart about it.  This is a time to plan for a more comfortable lifestyle that’s easier to manage so you can experience joys life offers in later life.

You’re getting ready, but there is so much to be done. Your house is full of treasures that meant so much to you. There’s the china your mother left you and the sterling you were so proud of. You paid good money for that old Trinitron and all those books. They still work, but no one seems to want them.

Operation Relo’s people will get you through this transition so you can enjoy the unique joys of later life. We work with you, your family … even your lawyers, ministers, and doctors.

There’s just so much. You don’t have the same energy you did a few years ago. The kids have their own lives. Can you really get this all done?

How It Works

It starts with a phone call where we get a basic understanding of your situation. We like to know your situation and what plans you may already have. Are you planning to sell the house or stay there for as long as possible?

It’s important that we get your contact information up front.  We need basics: the home’s address, the names of those involved who you trust, mobile phone numbers, and emails with correct spellings.

If you don’t use email or text messages, it may be hard to help you. And many times, seniors don’t even like to answer the phone because they’ve been assaulted by scammers. In the past, we have programmed mobile phones to have a special ring when we call, so you know it’s us.

The next step is a walk-through. We come out to your house for a visit which usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. We note how much furniture there is as well as needed repair work. We take pictures of items you may want to sell so we can start the preliminary marketing process with our network of appraisers. In most cases, we can give you a ballpark estimate of what the contents of the home may yield at an estate sale.

We usually then talk through your situation at a high level with someone you trust. That often is a family member, a daughter, or a son. It also may be the family attorney, accountant, minister, or doctor. We want to get the best insights in developing your plan with involvement from those you trust.

You then will receive a proposal that lays out the proposed steps which may include

• Finding a new place
• Estate sale
• Moving to your new place
• Conducting repairs to optimize the market value of the home
• Selling the house with a licensed agent
• Cleaning out and donating what is left over
• A final cleaning crew, so that you pass the home on in good shape

One of the features that sets Operation Relo apart is our Elder Lifestyle Coaches (also called “Empaths”) to be with you personally during this emotional time. We recognize this is one of the most difficult periods you will ever  go through. You’re leaving their house where you raised the children, entertained over the holidays, experienced joy and heartache. Often some of your possessions remind you of those experiences, and parting with them can feel like you’re parting with the memory.

Our coaches have experience with others who have been through this. They have experience being caregivers, social workers, therapists, and nurses. They will be physically present during the most difficult times – usually the cleanout and the move – and they will be available on the phone to talk when you need it.

How Your Life Will Be Better

Our focus is to get you into a new stable, safe living situation, in good health, with good people around you.

This may include coming up with the financial plan that makes the most sense as well. That means

• Getting the best price for your home when it’s time to sell
• Selling possessions.
• Financing our services
• Possibly considering government programs designed to help seniors, such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

It’s never an easy process but Operation Relo has done this before, and we can guide you through it.