Michelle Messina, LMSW, Realtor®, SRES® Guiding Seniors and Families

Michelle Messina, LMSW, Realtor®, SRES®

Compassionate services Oak and Stone Real Estate

Compassionate Real Estate Guidance

Making a housing transition—whether downsizing, relocating to senior living, or selling a family home—can be overwhelming. As a Realtor® with a licensed social work background, I provide compassionate real estate services, offering expert guidance with a compassionate approach. I help seniors and families navigate these changes with confidence. My unique blend of real estate expertise and social work principles ensures that every step of move management for seniors and senior living relocation is handled with care, sensitivity, and professionalism.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

Finding the right home—or preparing to sell—requires thoughtful planning. As a downsizing expert and estate sales specialist, I offer compassionate real estate services to help seniors and their families explore options, make informed decisions, and create a seamless transition plan. With experience in move management for seniors and senior living relocation, I guide families every step of the way. Schedule a FREE consultation today to discuss your needs and take the next step with confidence.

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About Michelle Messina

With over a decade of experience as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), and dedicated Realtor®, I bring a unique blend of expertise to help seniors and families navigate major life changes.

I provide compassionate real estate services that combine emotional support, practical solutions, and expert guidance. Whether you’re moving to assisted living, downsizing, or managing a loved one’s estate, I specialize in senior move management and relocation, ensuring every detail is handled with care and professionalism.

From selling a home to coordinating the logistics of downsizing, I make the process simpler and less stressful. I understand that leaving a long-time home or moving into new living arrangements is more than a transaction—it’s a deeply personal transition. My client-centered approach ensures you feel supported, informed, and confident in every decision along the way.

Here to Guide You Home

Downsizing & Senior Relocation

Helping seniors transition to a smaller home or assisted living with logistical and emotional support.

Emotional & Logistical Support

Downsizing & Senior Relocation

Guiding families through the probate process, selling the family home, and managing estate sales after a loved one passes.

Home Preparation & Staging

Downsizing & Senior Relocation

Household Item Coordination

Arranging deep cleaning, repairs, and staging to enhance the home’s appeal and market value.

Household Item Coordination

Personalized Moving & Housing Solutions

Household Item Coordination

Assisting with selling, donating, or disposing of household items efficiently.

Legal & Financial Resource Connection

Personalized Moving & Housing Solutions

Referring trusted professionals for estate planning, elder law, and financial guidance.

Personalized Moving & Housing Solutions

Creating customized strategies to ensure a smooth and stress-free move, whether immediate or future

Making Moving Easier for Seniors-Packing and Moving Tips

Tip 1: Start Early and Create a Plan

Give yourself plenty of time to sort, pack, and organize. A well-thought-out plan will help reduce stress and keep the process manageable.

Create a Timeline: Set milestones for decluttering, packing, and moving day preparations. Break tasks into smaller, daily goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Make a Checklist: Write down everything you need to accomplish before the move, such as scheduling movers, gathering packing supplies, and notifying utilities.

Tip 2: Declutter with a Purpose

Before diving into the process, take some time to reflect on why you’re downsizing and what you hope to achieve. Ask yourself:

Are you looking to reduce maintenance and upkeep?
Do you want to save money or live in a more manageable space?
Are you preparing for a move to a senior-friendly community?

Having clear goals will help guide your decisions and keep you motivated when the process feels challenging.

Step 2: Start Small and Prioritize

Moving is the perfect opportunity to let go of items you no longer need. Focus on keeping what is essential and meaningful.

Start Small: Begin with one room or a small area, like a drawer or closet. This makes the task feel more manageable.
Sort Items into Categories: Use labeled boxes or bins for
- Keep
- Donate
- Sell
- Discard
Ask for Help: Enlist family or friends to help with decluttering, especially for heavy or sentimental items.

Tip 3: Pack Strategically

Smart packing can save time and prevent damage to your belongings.

Use the Right Supplies: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and labels. Consider color-coded labels or markers for different rooms.
Pack Essentials Separately: Create an "Essentials Box" with items you’ll need immediately after moving, such as medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents.
Don’t Overload Boxes: Keep boxes light enough to lift safely. Pack heavier items, like books, in smaller boxes and lighter items, like bedding, in larger boxes.
Protect Fragile Items: Wrap delicate items in bubble wrap or soft towels. Clearly label boxes with fragile items.

Tip 4: Plan for Accessibility and Safety

Seniors should prioritize ease of movement and safety during the packing and moving process.

Leave Walkways Clear: Avoid cluttering hallways and doorways with boxes or furniture to prevent trips and falls.
Hire Professionals for Heavy Lifting: If possible, hire movers to handle large furniture or heavy boxes.
Use Mobility Aids if Needed: For seniors who use canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, ensure that pathways remain wide and unobstructed throughout the move.

Tip 5: Stay Organized

Keeping your belongings organized during the move will make unpacking easier.

Label Everything: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. Use large, legible handwriting or printed labels.
Create an Inventory: Write down a list of all packed boxes and their contents. This will help you keep track of your items and locate specific belongings after the move.
Pack Room by Room: Focus on one area at a time to stay organized and prevent mixing items from different rooms.

Tip 6: Enlist Help and Support

Moving can be physically and emotionally taxing. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.

Family and Friends: Loved ones can provide both emotional support and physical help with sorting and packing.
Professional Movers: Consider hiring movers experienced in senior relocations. Many companies offer specialized services, such as packing, unpacking, and setting up your new home.
Move Managers: Senior move managers can handle the entire moving process, from planning to unpacking, with sensitivity to your specific needs.

Tip 7: Prepare Emotionally

Moving often involves saying goodbye to a home full of memories. Allow yourself time to reflect and process the emotions that come with this transition.

Preserve Memories: Take photos of your home or create a scrapbook to capture cherished memories.
Focus on the Positive: Remind yourself of the benefits of the move, such as less maintenance, a more convenient location, or a supportive community.
Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a counselor if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the emotional aspects of the move.

Tip 8: Settle Into Your New Space

Once you’ve moved, focus on making your new home comfortable and familiar.

Unpack Essentials First: Start with the essentials box and items for daily use.
Arrange Furniture Thoughtfully: Set up your furniture to create a functional and safe living environment.
Add Personal Touches: Decorate with familiar items, such as favorite photos, artwork, or mementos, to make your new space feel like home.

Making Moving Easier for Seniors-Downsizing

Steps to Downsizing

Downsizing is a major life transition that can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve spent years building a home full of cherished memories. Whether you’re moving to a smaller house, a senior living community, or simply decluttering to simplify your life, the process can be smoother with the right approach. Here are the first steps to start your downsizing journey with confidence and care.

Step 1: Define Your Goals

Before diving into the process, take some time to reflect on why you’re downsizing and what you hope to achieve. Ask yourself:

Are you looking to reduce maintenance and upkeep?
Do you want to save money or live in a more manageable space?
Are you preparing for a move to a senior-friendly community?

Having clear goals will help guide your decisions and keep you motivated when the process feels challenging.

Step 2: Start Small and Prioritize

Downsizing can feel daunting when you look at your entire home. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, start with one small area, such as a closet, a single drawer, or a bookshelf. Small wins will build your confidence and momentum.

As you sort through your belongings, prioritize items based on their usefulness and sentimental value. Ask yourself:

Have I used this item in the past year?
Does this item bring me joy or hold meaningful memories?
Will this fit into my new space and lifestyle?

Step 3: Create Categories: Keep, Donate, Sell, or Discard

Organizing your belongings into categories can make the process more manageable. Use labeled boxes or bins for each category:

Keep: Items you can’t imagine living without and will fit in your new space.
Donate: Items in good condition that can benefit others, such as clothing, furniture, or kitchenware.
Sell: Valuable items that could bring in extra money, like antiques or collectibles.
Discard: Broken or unusable items that can’t be donated or sold.

Consider reaching out to local charities or secondhand stores to schedule donation pickups for larger items.

Step 4: Involve Family and Friends

Downsizing can stir up emotions, especially when dealing with sentimental belongings. Invite trusted family members or friends to help you sort through items and make decisions. They can provide support, share memories, or even take home items they cherish.

This is also a great opportunity to pass down family heirlooms or meaningful keepsakes to loved ones. Sharing these items can help preserve your family’s history while lightening your load.

Step 5: Set a Realistic Timeline

Downsizing is not a process to rush. Create a timeline that gives you plenty of time to sort through your belongings without feeling pressured. For example:

8 weeks out: Start decluttering small spaces and scheduling donation pickups.
6 weeks out: Focus on larger areas, like the kitchen or garage.
4 weeks out: Begin packing items you’re keeping and finalize decisions about furniture.

Having a timeline will keep you on track and reduce last-minute stress.

Step 6: Seek Professional Help if Needed

If the process feels too overwhelming, consider enlisting the help of a professional organizer or downsizing specialist. These experts can provide guidance, resources, and hands-on assistance to make the process more efficient and less stressful.

Deciding Where to Go Next-Finding the Right Housing Option

Step 1: Assess Your Needs

Health and Mobility: Do you need a home with fewer stairs, wider hallways, or accessibility features? Are there current or anticipated health conditions that may require special accommodations?
Lifestyle Preferences: What daily activities are most important to you? Do you enjoy gardening, socializing, or being close to family?
Finances: What is your budget for housing, including potential costs for maintenance, utilities, or community fees?
Proximity to Resources: How close do you want to be to healthcare providers, grocery stores, or public transportation?

Step 2: Explore Housing Options

Aging in Place

What It Is: Staying in your current home with or without modifications to accommodate changing needs.
Who It’s For: Those who value familiarity, independence, and have a strong support network nearby.
Considerations: You may need to make modifications, such as adding grab bars, stairlifts, or ramps. Factor in the cost and logistics of these changes.

Smaller Home or Condo

What It Is: Downsizing to a smaller, more manageable property that may require less maintenance.
Who It’s For: Those who prefer independence but want to reduce upkeep and expenses.
Considerations: Look for properties with low-maintenance features, such as single-level layouts or HOA services for exterior upkeep.

Independent Living Communities

What It Is: Communities designed for active seniors, offering amenities such as social activities, dining options, and maintenance services.
Who It’s For: Those who want a sense of community and convenience without the need for personal care services.
Considerations: Compare amenities, costs, and locations to find a community that fits your lifestyle.

Assisted Living Facilities

What It Is: Housing that combines independent living with support for daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, or medication management.
Who It’s For: Seniors who need some assistance but don’t require full-time medical care.
Considerations: Research staff-to-resident ratios, available services, and costs. Visit facilities to get a feel for the environment.

Living with Family

What It Is: Moving in with family members who can provide support and companionship.
Who It’s For: Seniors with strong family connections and mutual agreement on shared living arrangements.
Considerations: Discuss expectations, privacy, and responsibilities with family members to ensure the arrangement works for everyone.

Step 3: Visit and Research Potential Options

Once you’ve identified your preferences, take the time to visit potential housing options. Here’s what to do:

Tour Communities: Schedule visits to independent living or assisted living facilities. Ask about amenities, safety features, and social activities.
Talk to Residents: Get insights from current residents about their experiences.
Evaluate Accessibility: Look for features that match your mobility needs, such as ramps, elevators, or grab bars.
Review Contracts and Fees: Understand what’s included in costs, such as utilities, meals, and care services.

Step 4: Plan for the Future

Your needs may evolve over time, so choose an option that can adapt as circumstances change. For example:

If aging in place, consider how you’ll access help if needed.
If moving to a community, explore options that offer additional care levels if required.

Step 5: Seek Advice

Making a housing decision is easier with the right support. Consider consulting:

Family Members: They can offer input and assistance in your search.
Real Estate Agents: Professionals with experience in downsizing can help you find properties that match your needs.
Senior Living Advisors: Specialists who can guide you through available options and facilities.

Helping Families Navigate Moves After Loss

Managing a Move After a Loved One Passes

Selling a loved one’s home can be an emotional and overwhelming process. I’m here to provide guidance and support every step of the way, ensuring the transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible. My comprehensive services include:

Verifying the property title: Ensuring the title is accurate and ready for sale. If the title remains in your loved one’s name, I’ll connect you with Probate resources and guide you through the process.
Coordinating estate sales: Managing personal belongings to help preserve cherished memories while preparing for the sale.
Organizing and overseeing home cleanouts: Taking the burden of decluttering and cleanup off your shoulders.
Preparing the property for the market: Ensuring the home is fully ready for sale, from minor repairs to staging.

Let me handle the details so you can focus on what truly matters during this difficult time.

Where to Start

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences, and navigating a move after their passing can feel overwhelming. Sorting through their belongings, deciding what to keep, and managing the logistics of a move all add to the emotional weight of the situation. Taking a thoughtful and compassionate approach can make the process more manageable. Here are some practical steps and tips to guide families through this sensitive transition.

Step 1: Take Time to Grieve Before Taking Action

Moving after a loss is an emotional process, and it’s important to give yourself and your family time to grieve before diving into decisions.

Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid rushing into packing or making big decisions too quickly. Allow space for emotions to settle.
Lean on Support: Seek comfort from friends, family, or a grief counselor to help process your feelings during this time.
Start Small: Begin with simple tasks, such as gathering important documents or sorting through one room.

Step 2: Assemble a Support Team

You don’t have to navigate this process alone. Enlist trusted individuals to help you through each step.

Family Members and Friends: Involve close family members in decision-making, especially when sorting sentimental items.
Professionals: Consider hiring a senior move manager or estate cleanout service to assist with organizing, packing, and moving.
Emotional Support: Lean on your support system for comfort and encouragement throughout the process.

Step 3: Sort Through Belongings with Care

Deciding what to keep, donate, or discard is one of the most emotional aspects of this process. Approach it with patience and care.

Start with Non-Sentimental Items: Begin with practical or everyday items, such as kitchenware or clothing, before moving on to keepsakes.
Use the Three-Pile System: Create piles or use labeled boxes for:
- Keep
- Donate or Sell
- Discard
Focus on Meaningful Items: Preserve a few key items that hold the most sentimental value, such as photos, letters, or heirlooms.
Ask for Input: Check with family members to see if there are specific items they would like to keep.
Take Breaks: Sorting through belongings can be emotionally exhausting. Allow yourself time to step away and recharge.

Step 4: Manage the Logistics of the Move

Once you’ve sorted through belongings, it’s time to tackle the logistical aspects of the move.

Create a Timeline: Develop a realistic timeline for packing, donating, and moving. Build in extra time to accommodate emotional moments.
Hire Movers: Consider hiring professionals to assist with heavy lifting and transportation. Look for companies experienced in helping families during transitions.
Coordinate Donations: Arrange pickups for items you’re donating. Many charities offer free pickup services for furniture or large donations.
Organize Important Documents: Ensure you’ve collected and secured any vital paperwork, such as wills, deeds, or insurance policies.

Step 5: Preserve and Honor Memories

Moving doesn’t mean letting go of your loved one’s memory. Find ways to honor and celebrate their life while creating space for new beginnings.

Create a Memory Box: Save small, meaningful items in a dedicated box to revisit when you’re ready.
Digitize Photos and Letters: Scan and save digital copies of photos, letters, and documents to preserve them without taking up physical space.
Donate in Their Honor: Consider donating items to a cause or organization that was meaningful to your loved one.
Share Stories: Gather family members to share memories and stories about your loved one as you go through their belongings.

Step 6: Take Care of Yourself

Managing a move after loss is physically and emotionally taxing. Prioritize your well-being throughout the process.

Practice Self-Care: Ensure you’re eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest.
Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no to tasks or requests that feel overwhelming.
Seek Professional Help: If the process feels too difficult, consider working with a grief counselor or therapist.

Compassionate Real Estate Services

Explore our collection of helpful, downloadable resources designed to assist seniors and families in navigating life transitions, including selling a deceased loved one’s home. Whether moving into assisted living, independent living, or adapting to age-in-place solutions, these guides, checklists, and planning tools offer valuable information to make the process easier and more manageable. From managing the sale of a family home to understanding legal and emotional considerations, these resources are crafted to provide support every step of the way.

Lets Connect

Have questions or need support?

Call or email me for expert guidance

248-229-8909

Michellemessina111@gmail.com

Oak and Stone Real Estate

Michelle Messina, LMSW, Realtor®, SRES®

408 East Street, Rochester, MI, USA

248-229-8909 Michellemessina111@gmail.com

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Michelle Messina, LMSW, Realtor®, SRES® Guiding Seniors and Families