When Kathy Benoit bought Generations on the Move almost three years ago, a company that had been in existence for 15 years, she did not realize the impact the business would have on her outlook on life. “It’s an amazing service,” explains Benoit. “It’s so gratifying to see how we assist people at a potentially difficult time in their lives. I feel like I’m going to a volunteer situation to help people every day.”

Generations on the Move serves clients primarily in Worcester County. While she and her team will help declutter your home – even if you’re not planning on moving – the bulk of their work is helping people, most of whom are seniors, prepare to move from their home to another location, whether a downsized apartment or condo, or a retirement community. 

Benoit offers an initial free consultation where she meets with the family to walk through their home to get to know them and discuss what the objective is: Is it a move from a four-bedroom home to a one-bedroom? How much has been accumulated and stored over 20, 30, or even 50 years? How soon is the move? What are the priority items that need to be included? “Don’t be embarrassed if your cellar and attic are packed,” says Benoit. “Items add up over the years.”

Once the goal is identified, she will send a cost estimate within 24 to 48 hours, which can vary widely depending on the time it takes to pack, move, unpack, and then return to the house to take care of remaining items for sale and donation.

Benoit has a team of 10 employees, some of whom have been with the company for years, and who can handle multiple client moves at a time. She will visit the new location to take additional measurements to ensure everything will fit comfortably. “If you have 15 feet of hanging clothes but your new space has six feet – well, that needs to be resolved,” she explains.

 Photographs are taken of the current home so items can be placed accordingly in the new location. For instance, how are items displayed in the curio cabinet? 

Benoit describes how her team tackles an average move each day: 

• Days one and two: Pack and label everything that has been identified to be moved. 

• Day three: Meet the moving company and unpack and organize everything, make the beds, set up the kitchen and bathrooms and arrange furniture. 

• Day four: Return to the original home where items are placed in three categories: sell, donate, rubbish. Depending on what is left she can arrange to have antique dealers, estate buyers and consignment shop owners purchase anything of value that remains. 

• Day 5: Any items not sold are picked up for donations and rubbish, leaving the house ready for new owners.

If you anticipate your move might be sometime in the future and your physically able, Benoit recommends decluttering in place now. “If you have 12 bath towels, but you only use two a week, keep four and donate the rest. If you have 10 coffee mugs, keep four,” she suggests. Animal rescues can often use towels, sheets, and blankets (but call first). If you need assistance with this process, Benoit offers one-on-one sessions to help downsize in place.

Benoit also suggests having what she calls a reverse housewarming party. Arrange jewelry, china, mementos, artwork that you think family members would like to have. Host a potluck and talk about where the item came from and what it means to you. “One client loved to see her granddaughter wear her special ring,” says Benoit, “so do it now when you can see them enjoying your treasures.”

Benoit stresses the importance of ethics, honesty and compassion to be involved in this work. She realizes that some clients have lived in their house for almost half a century – and items carry emotions and important memories. She also sees people when they walk into their new homes with furniture in place, kitchen, bath and bedrooms arranged – and packing boxes gone. “It’s like an HGTV reveal,” Benoit laughs. “Everything is perfect – that’s the best part.” And folks are ready to start the next phase of their lives.

For more information about Benoit’s company, contact her at 508-210-0345, email at [email protected], or visit GenerationsOnTheMove.com.

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