Looking back on the beginnings of Transitions Liquidation Services, it is very difficult to believe that we are in our 2oth year of business!
I’ve learned a lot and our business has certainly grown over the past two decades. One thing I learned even before starting the business, is that moving is never easy. Especially when moving from a treasured family home of 40-plus years to a senior living community.
My own revelation came when I experienced the stress of spending nights and weekends sorting, packing, selling, and disposing of personal property following the death of a loved one. I realized then that my mission was to lift the same burden from others facing this difficult task. That, in fact, is the reason I started Transition Liquidation Services.
Since that time, I’ve had similar revelations about the stresses of moving, the aging process, and how even the smallest gestures can make it all easier for my clients. I have truly learned a lot. Here’s “what I know for sure:”
- Project management skills come into play in a big way when planning a move.
- Getting to know my clients and listening to their concerns is the only way to get started.
- Transitions are often emotionally charged, especially when difficult decisions need to be made in a timely manner about furnishings, décor, and a lifetime of treasured memories.
- Using a move manager gives families permission to ask for help.
- As third-party professionals, we remove the family dynamic that often creates indecision and additional stress.
- A scaled floor plan for the new space is essential in getting the ball rolling.
- Furnishings for sale are not always as valued by purchasers as they are by sellers. Some cherished antiques suffer from the current “curse of the brown furniture”
- Working with movers who understand the special circumstances of the transitions we handle and are familiar with the communities is key.
- Unpacking and setting up the new space with furniture, wall décor, bookshelves, and mementos positioned in a familiar way is not only comforting to our clients but also vital to completing a stress-free move.
- This past year has brought changes having to comply with COVID-19 cleanliness and safety regulations and ongoing impact to furniture supply chains and available human resources.
Moreover, I’ve learned that it is important to be a highly involved member of organizations that focus on assisting in the care of family members who are faced with life care decisions. These organizations, such as the Aging Life Care Association and the National Association of Senior Move Managers, not only provide assistance and information to family members but offer educational resources to help service providers better understand the clinical and social implications of physical and mental issues many of our clients are experiencing.
It’s been an exciting time for me and Transitions Liquidation Services. I’ve had the privilege of working with the professionals at wonderful senior living communities and colleagues who have helped us provide the services our clients need. We recognize that this is a team effort, and a lot of time and energy are invested to transition our clients efficiently and with compassion.
We’ve worked and partnered with realtors, vendors, and suppliers and have gained insight that has helped us to do an even better job. Thank you all for your valued relationships!
We are humbled … and thankful to those who have entrusted us with their clients and with their families. We are poised to continue what we believe to be a virtuous calling and look forward to helping many more families in the years to come.
Thank you for 20 great years! Marie LeBlanc