Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Caring Transitions, and what services do you offer?
Caring Transitions is a national company that specializes in senior relocation, downsizing, estate sales, and online auctions. We help individuals and families manage the often overwhelming process of transitioning from one living situation to another — especially in times of life change such as retirement, loss of a loved one, or moving to assisted living.

2. How much do Caring Transitions services cost?
Costs vary based on the type and scope of services you need. Some clients hire Caring Transitions for a full-service relocation, while others may only need help with an estate sale or decluttering. We offer a free in-home consultation to assess your needs and provide an estimate.

3. Do you handle everything from packing to moving?
Yes. We can handle everything from sorting, packing, and labeling items to arranging moving logistics, unpacking, and setting up the new home. We aim to reduce stress and provide a smooth, safe transition, particularly for seniors and their families.

4. What is CTBids, and how does it work?
CTBids is our proprietary online auction platform, where you can sell items from your estate or downsizing project. Items are listed online for bidding, which can often result in higher value than traditional garage or estate sales. Through CTBids, we allow a wider audience to shop and buy items remotely.

5. Can you help if I live in another state and can’t be there in person?
Yes. We often work with families who live out of town or out of state. We can manage the process remotely and provide regular updates, photos, and check-ins. Our goal is to make the process as hands-off and stress-free as possible for long-distance family members.

6. Are your services only for seniors?
No. While our services at Caring Transitions specializes in senior relocation and downsizing, we are available to anyone needing help with organizing, moving, estate clearing, or liquidating assets. This includes people going through divorce, bankruptcy, or the death of a loved one.

7. Are your team members trained or certified in any way?
Yes. Our Caring Transitions team members are trained and often certified in areas like senior move management, estate sales, and relocation assistance. Many franchise owners and staff also have backgrounds in caregiving or social work, and they understand the emotional complexities involved.

8. How long does the process typically take?
The timeline depends on the scope of the project. A simple downsizing or organizing project might take a few days, while an estate sale or full relocation could take several weeks. Our local team works with you to build a customized timeline.

9. Is my personal information and property safe with you?
Yes. We always place a strong emphasis on trust, security, and confidentiality. Our staff is bonded and insured, and they follow strict protocols for handling clients' belongings and sensitive information.

10. How do I get started with Caring Transitions?
Getting started is easy. You can contact your local Caring Transitions office via our website or phone to schedule a free consultation. During this visit, we will assess your needs, offer suggestions, and give you a no-obligation quote.

1. What types of relocation services does Caring Transitions provide?
Here at Caring Transitions, we specialize in senior relocation, but we also assist with relocations for busy professionals, families, and individuals downsizing or facing life transitions. Services include planning, sorting, packing, coordinating movers, unpacking, and setting up your new home.

2. Do you handle moves to assisted living or retirement communities?
Yes. We frequently help clients transition to assisted living, memory care, independent living, and retirement communities. We work closely with the facility and your family to ensure a safe, smooth, and respectful move.

3. How is Caring Transitions different from a regular moving company?
While traditional movers handle transportation, we provide full-service relocation support, including organizing, space planning, downsizing, packing, setting up your new home, and even selling or donating items left behind. We specialize in compassionate, personalized service, especially for older adults.

4. Can you help if I’m moving from a large home to a smaller apartment or senior community?
Absolutely. We are experienced in downsizing and rightsizing, helping you identify what to keep, donate, or sell. They can also create a custom floor plan for your new space to ensure everything fits comfortably and safely.

5. Do I need to be present during the relocation process?
No, not necessarily. Many clients (especially adult children coordinating a move for a parent) cannot be present. Our team can manage the entire move remotely, providing regular updates, photos, and check-ins throughout the process.

6. What if I have valuable or sentimental items that I don’t want to lose?
Your personal items are treated with respect and care. During sorting and packing, our team members help identify and protect sentimental or high-value items. Items not making the move can be stored, shipped, sold on CTBids, or passed on to your family.

7. Can you help with cleaning and preparing the old home for sale?
Yes. After the relocation is complete, our team can assist with clearing the remaining items, coordinating cleaning services, and preparing the property for real estate showings or sales.

8. How long does a typical relocation take?
It depends on the size of the home and the complexity of the move, but most senior relocations are completed in 1 to 3 weeks, from initial planning to unpacking and setup. Emergency or expedited moves can often be accommodated.

9. Is your relocation team trained to work with seniors?
Yes. Our team members often receive specialized training in senior move management and understand the emotional and physical needs of older adults. We provide patient, respectful support throughout the process.

1. What does downsizing with Caring Transitions involve?
Downsizing with us at Caring Transitions means more than just getting rid of stuff. Our team helps you sort, organize, and make thoughtful decisions about what to keep, donate, sell, or discard — all while respecting your emotional and practical needs.

2. What is the difference between downsizing and decluttering?
Downsizing usually involves preparing for a move to a smaller space and deciding what will fit or be useful there. Decluttering is often done in place — to reduce clutter, create more livable space, or prepare a home for sale. Our team at Caring Transitions can help with both.

3. How do you decide what I should keep or let go of?
We don't make decisions for you — we will guide you through a supportive process, helping you assess space constraints, emotional attachments, and future needs. We use compassionate, practical strategies to make letting go easier.

4. Can you help sell or donate the items I no longer need?
Yes! Items you no longer need can be sold through CTBids (our online auction platform), donated to local charities, recycled, or disposed of responsibly. Our team handles all logistics to reduce your workload and stress.

5. I’ve lived in my home for decades, will you be patient with me during the process?
Absolutely. Our Caring Transitions team members are trained to work with people going through emotional transitions. Our team takes a patient, respectful, and non-judgmental approach to every project, especially with long-term homeowners or seniors.

6. Do I need to be there while you work?
That’s up to you. Some clients want to be closely involved in sorting and decision-making, while others prefer a more hands-off approach. We can accommodate either and will check in regularly to keep you informed.

7. Can you help me if I’m not planning to move but just want to reduce clutter?
Yes. Many clients use our services for decluttering and home organization, even if they’re not moving. Services can help you reclaim space, improve safety, and simplify your daily life — especially as you age in place.

8. What happens to important documents, photos, and keepsakes?
Items like legal documents, photos, and family heirlooms are treated with special care. Our team helps you organize, preserve, and store important items, and may offer options for digitizing photos or records if desired. Our staff knows how to properly handle PII (personally identifiable information) and always shreds documents with PII on it, ensuring safety and protection from identity theft.

9. How long does the downsizing or decluttering process take?
The timeline depends on the size of your home and how much work needs to be done. A small project might take a day or two, while a larger whole-home downsizing can take several days to a few weeks. A custom plan and schedule is created just for you.

10. How do I get started with Caring Transitions for downsizing or decluttering?
Start by scheduling a free in-home consultation with your local Caring Transitions team. We walk through your space, listen to your goals, and provide a customized plan and estimate — with no obligation.

1. What does a home clean-out service from Caring Transitions include?
Caring Transitions' home clean-out service includes sorting, organizing, removing, and responsibly disposing of all household items from a property. This may involve donating, recycling, selling, or discarding belongings, as well as coordinating deep cleaning and preparing the home for sale or rental.

2. When would I need a home clean-out service?
Home clean-out services are often used when:

• A loved one has passed away
• You're preparing a home for sale
• You're helping a parent move to assisted living
• You're handling an estate from out of town
• You're overwhelmed with a cluttered or abandoned property

We specialize in sensitive and complex situations, including estate settlements and transitions.

3. Do I have to be present during the clean-out?
No. Many clients, especially adult children or estate executors, live out of town. Our team can handle everything remotely, keeping you updated with photos, check-ins, and progress reports throughout the process.

4. What happens to items in the home that I don't want to keep?
Our team can help:

• Sell valuable items via CTBids, their online auction platform
• Donate items to local charities
• Recycle or responsibly dispose of unusable items

Our team works to minimize waste and maximize value where possible.

5. Do you also clean the home after the contents are removed?
Yes. Our services include an empty, vacuumed, broom swept home. If further cleaning services are needed, our team can coordinate or provide professional cleaning services to get the property ready for sale, rental, or final walk-throughs. Services may include basic cleaning, carpet cleaning, and minor repairs (depending on location).

6. Can you help if the home is extremely cluttered or hoarded?
Yes. Our team has experience working with hoarded or highly cluttered homes. We approach these situations with sensitivity and discretion, ensuring that the process is safe, respectful, and effective.

7. Are you insured?
Yes. Most Caring Transitions teams are fully insured, providing peace of mind when handling your property and belongings. Local franchise details can confirm specific coverage.

8. How long does a clean-out take?
The duration depends on the size and condition of the property. A small project or home may take as little as one to a few days, while a larger or more cluttered property may take a week or more. After the initial consultation, you’ll receive a customized timeline.

9. What if I want to save or ship certain items to family members?
No problem. A Caring Transitions team member can help identify and set aside keepsakes, then arrange to ship or deliver them to family members, whether they’re across town or across the country.

10. How do I get started with a home clean-out?
Start by scheduling a free consultation with your local Caring Transitions office. One of our specialists will visit the property (or conduct a virtual walk-through), assess the situation, and provide a no-obligation estimate and plan of action.

1. What is the difference between an estate sale and an online auction with Caring Transitions?
An estate sale is a traditional, in-person event where items are sold onsite. An online auction (via CTBids) allows buyers to bid on items remotely. Many clients choose online auctions because online auctions offer a wider buyer reach, added privacy, and less disruption to the home.

2. What is CTBids and how does it work?
CTBids is our proprietary online auction platform. Items from your estate are professionally photographed, cataloged, and listed for bidding online. Buyers place bids over several days, and winning bidders pick up their items after the auction ends.

3. What kinds of items can be sold through your estate sales or auctions?
Most household contents can be sold, including:

• Furniture & home décor
• Collectibles & antiques
• Jewelry & clothing
• Tools & appliances
• Vehicles, boats, and RVs
• Art & memorabilia
• Everyday household goods
• Rare or high-value items may receive extra marketing to attract collectors.

4. How do I know if I have enough items for an estate sale or auction?
You don’t need a full house of antiques or valuables. Even a modest household can generate interest. A free consultation with one of our specialists will help you determine whether a full estate sale, downsizing sale, or online auction is the best fit.

5. Do I need to prepare or organize the items myself?
No. We handle everything from sorting and staging to pricing and promotion. We do the heavy lifting — you don’t need to clean, catalog, or display anything yourself.

6. How are items priced or valued before the sale?
We use experienced team members who understand fair market value for a wide range of items. Bidding starts at $1 to encourage movement and maximize value, while offering transparency and fair pricing to buyers.

7. What happens to items that don’t sell?
CTBids sells 98% of items listed, so very few items are typically left after an auction. If there are items remaining, we will donate, dispose of, or recycle unsold items, depending on your preferences. Some items may be relisted or bundled for future sales.

8. How long does the estate sale or auction process take?
The entire process — from consultation to final clean-up — typically takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the size of the estate and scheduling needs. Auctions generally run for 5–7 days online, with pick-up scheduled shortly after.

9. How do I get paid from the sale or auction?
After the sale or auction is complete and items are picked up, you’ll receive a settlement statement and payment. Timing depends on local office processing times, but our agreement allows for a 30-day reconciliation.

10. How do I get started with Caring Transitions for an estate sale or online auction?
Contact your local Caring Transitions office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. One of our transition specialists will assess the estate, recommend the best sales strategy, and explain the timeline, process, and estimated outcomes.