Families, Seniors, and the Next Chapter: An Interview With Haley Zamora of Next Phase
As a certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), I help many older clients with their next chapter in home ownership. Recently one of my clients hired a local company Next Phase to help them with downsizing and settling into a new home. I was extremely impressed with Next Phase’s work and also how compassionate and kind they were throughout the process. Here is an interview I did with the co-owner of Next Phase, Haley Zamora.
Tell me about you, your business, and the role you and your mom each play in helping seniors downsize.
I’m Haley Zamora, Director of Operations for Next Phase, a Senior Move Management company I co-founded with my mom, Margaret Zamora. We founded Next Phase Move in 2011, the same year we joined NASMM - the National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers. Along with our dedicated team, we specialize in helping seniors and their families with downsizing, space planning, packing, unpacking, and setting up their new home. We also provide organizing services for those aging in place and estate clearing when a person sells their home or passes away.
Many seniors want to downsize but don’t know where to start. What are three small things they could do this week that would make a big difference later?
1. Start with a single space — a drawer, a closet, or even a bookshelf. Completing one small area builds momentum.
2. Label with intention — use sticky notes or colored painter’s tape to mark what’s a “must keep,” “maybe,” or “donate.” This visual system helps simplify decisions.
3. Start conversations early — talk to family about heirlooms or items they might want and set a plan or deadline for the pickup or shipment of these items.
When you walk into a home where someone has lived for decades, what are the first steps Next Phase takes to make the process feel manageable instead of overwhelming?
During our in-home consultation, we listen carefully to the client - their goals, timeline, and any outside factors that might impact their move.Then, we take a walk-through of the home together, creating what we call a “Wish List” of the pieces and belongings they’re considering bringing to their new space. From there, we break down the work into clear, manageable steps so nothing feels rushed or overwhelming. Our goal is always to replace uncertainty with a thoughtful plan - and to help each client feel confident, supported, and in control of their next phase.
Where do families often lose time or money when they try to handle downsizing on their own?
Families often underestimate the time, physical work, and emotional energy involved. Family dynamics, sorting decades of belongings, packing and unpacking, arranging movers and other vendors, and setting up the new home can quickly become overwhelming. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to spend more than necessary on moving costs, or last-minute decisions. Next Phase streamlines the entire process - saving families stress, time, and unexpected expenses by coordinating every detail.
For someone who is just starting to consider downsizing, what is the best first step? And how can they reach you?
The best first step is simply to start the conversation. Whether that’s with a trusted family member or a company like Next Phase, discussing your goals and timeline brings clarity. You don’t have to have all the answers - that’s what we’re here for. You can reach us at Next Phase through our website www.NextPhaseSD.com or by calling (619)993-3107 or emailing Haley@NextPhaseSD.com. We’re always happy to offer guidance, even if you’re just beginning to think about downsizing.
