Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Gentle Steps Concierge
This FAQ addresses the most common questions Minnesota families ask when navigating a senior's move to a downsized home or an assisted living community.
Our Transition Services
Q: What exactly does Gentle Steps Concierge do? A: We are a specialized Senior Move Management service that manages the entire relocation process for older adults and their families. Our compassionate, full-service approach handles all the logistics, emotional support, and physical labor involved in the move. This includes everything from planning and decluttering to packing, moving, and completely setting up the new residence.
Q: Where in Minnesota do you provide services? A: We primarily serve the Twin Cities metro area, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs. Please call us to confirm service availability for your specific location.
Q: We have a move in our future. When should we contact you to start the process? A: We recommend reaching out as early as possible—ideally at least 2 to 6 months before a target move date. Starting early allows us to manage the emotional process of downsizing at a comfortable pace and ensures a stress-free transition without rushing.
Real Estate & Financial Services: Our Unique Advantage
Q: Do you help us sell the senior's current home? A: Yes, absolutely! This is one of the unique benefits of choosing Gentle Steps Concierge. We are not just Move Managers; we also provide full real estate services.
Q: What is your unique advantage for selling the home? A: Our combination of move management and real estate services is highly effective. As we declutter and prepare the home for downsizing, we simultaneously prepare it for sale. This often results in:
Faster Preparation: We immediately begin the decluttering and staging process needed for a quick sale.
Better Pricing and Exposure: Our team's knowledge of the downsizing process allows us to price the home strategically, knowing exactly how to present it to potential buyers for maximum exposure and a better final sale price.
We put your property on the market with 2 brokerages who are co-listing it. That means you get double the exposure and resources for no additional cost.
Q: Do you help with financial planning and legal needs? A: While we do not provide legal or financial advice directly, we work closely with a trusted network of local Minnesota financial planners and elder law attorneys who specialize in senior-related issues. We are happy to provide referrals to professionals who can help with estate planning, trusts, and long-term care financing.
Downsizing, Possessions, and Cost
Q: The home is full of decades of memories. How do you handle the emotional process of downsizing? A: We approach this with the utmost patience and respect. We work with the senior and family to sort through belongings, typically categorizing items as Keep, Donate, Sell, or Discard. We move at a pace that is comfortable for everyone, ensuring that important decisions are made without stress or pressure.
Q: What happens to the items we don't take to the new residence? A: We manage the disposal and rehoming of all unwanted items. This can include:
Coordinating with local charities for donations.
Arranging for estate sale professionals, consignment, or buy-out services.
Managing junk removal and recycling.
Packaging and shipping select items to family members.
Q: How much do your services cost? A: Because every family and home is different, the cost varies based on the scope of the project, but we have a base package that covers a lot already and starts at $1,499. We always start with a free, no-obligation initial consultation to review your needs.
Q: What is the "Unpack and Setup" service? A: This is our signature service! We not only unpack all boxes but also fully set up the new home. This means the beds are made, clothes are put away, the kitchen is functional, and pictures are hung. The senior walks into their new home space that feels immediately familiar, comfortable, and livable.