Rio Communities

Moving is a daunting task for everybody. But for senior citizens it is especially difficult. There’s so much stuff, so many memories, and, often, the job is just too much to contemplate — physically and mentally.

So, Jo Sichler offers to help.

Her Rio Communities business, Moving Made EZ, will organize and move people to their new homes. She will help anybody, but she aims her service at seniors. She helps organize for a move, including appraising and doing an inventory of items. Then she calls a moving company to do the heavy work.

She also will advise seniors about where to live in Albuquerque — from apartments to assisted living arrangements and nursing homes.

“We can remove ourselves from the emotion of it,” she said.

And she’ll arrange to sell someone’s home, including holding an estate sale. She works with bankers, trust officers and conservators if they’re to be consulted about the move. People from out-of-state seek her help with their relatives who live in New Mexico.

“One of the things I’ve seen is a lot of elderly people lose their independence. A health situation emerges. Victimization takes place. They’re not coping; their strength goes. Most (elderly) people drive in a three-mile area, so it’s scary to look at places in Albuquerque. I’m not a social worker, but I’ve been around long enough to ask questions. There are alternatives out there.”

She finds out what type of situation the senior wants and then looks for it.

Many elderly people become isolated and should move to a retirement community where they have a network of friends, she said.

Doctors and agencies that work with senior citizens refer people to Sichler.

She will help clients purchase what they need for their new home, arrange cleaning services, yard maintenance and repairs.

Sichler had been working for an Albuquerque business that ran errands for seniors when she decided that helping people move was the most needed service.

She moved to Valencia County in 2001.

“I realized there were a lot of people in my own backyard who needed help,” she said.

In the process of moving people, she has discovered many treasures, from artwork to ancient artifacts and rare books to musical instruments. She continues to sell items from estates, including a collection of dolls.

She suggests that anyone wanting success in a business find a need and provide for it. She employs people part-time as they’re needed, and she’s licensed, bonded and insured. Moving Made EZ can be reached at 864-0404.

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Katherine Saltzstein