Our Stories
Only you know what's right for you and what downsizing means. That's why we build client trust and advocacy into the essence of our downsizing and moving services.
What makes my services different is that I’ve developed a system that takes the guesswork out of downsizing. I understand that each move is unique, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way, whether it’s organizing, packing, or selling your home. I see my role not just as a service provider but as a partner in making your transition as smooth and worry-free as possible.
Inforum
Fargo Realtors offer decluttering, organizing, selling, moving services all under one roof
"Think of us as your general contractor to your next step," says Therese Johnson, Fargo Realtor and owner of abiRiver Consulting. She doesn't just sell your homes, but will take care of all the packing, organizing, and moving steps in between.
NDT Dakota Plains Realty Valley Living
September 12, 2024
NDT Dakota Plains Realty Valley Living
March 27, 2024
Home Goods Management
Otto's Story
Junk removal | Estate Sales | Clearing Storage Units | Relocation | Decision Making | Trust
Otto called us when unexpectedly his beloved wife, Eleanor, was moved to a high level of care. The responsibility of managing their home and being close to Eleanor at the same time became an overwhelming challenge for Otto.
Surrounded by memories, furniture, and a lifetime of possessions, he felt trapped in a maze of decisions that needed to be made. Otto estimated it would take at least two years to downsize and move into a unit closer to his wife.
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To help, Otto reached out to us. From the start we listened to Otto's concerns, understanding the urgency and emotional toll he was under. We then carefully talked him through various options and timelines, ultimately presenting a plan that would expedite the process and alleviate the burden on his shoulders.
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But, life doesn't always go to plan. Just two days after that initial call, Otto signed a lease for a unit close to Eleanor's care facility. So we changed our plans and worked diligently to clear out his home, organizing an estate sale that not only covered all moving expenses but also provided Otto with some extra funds. Within a week, his home was under contract, and the pieces were falling into place faster than Otto had ever imagined.
Our reward was when we were told that Otto found himself transitioning from a state of constant stress to a place of newfound peace. With the logistical aspects of his life sorted out, he was finally able to focus on what mattered most – spending quality time with his wife. The burden of overwhelming responsibilities lifted, and Otto could once again enjoy life and appreciate the moments he shared with Eleanor.
Downsizing
The Smiths' Story
Sort | Organize | Declutter | Design Spaces | Coordinate Contractors | Estate Sales | Donate Items
Whether a call from you or your kids, our first goal is to meet with you. In the Smith's case, their kids were the first to reach out to me expressing concerns for safety issues and potential hoarding.
Step 1: Meeting to know your goals
I know how personal and emotional our homes and memories are. So I knew the key to understanding was to meet at a neutral location. I met with the full Smith family at a comfortable place for them all.
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Step 2: Finding Our Course
Lead by the Smith parents, we worked to develop a timeline that made them comfortable. The Smiths are the ones leading this process, abiRiver was just a guide. Over the months that followed, the abiRiver staff became not just consultants but invested members of the Smith family's journey. The slow and thoughtful approach allowed the parents to take charge of the next steps, building a sense of trust and cooperation.
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Step 3: Care of Items
Then during the sorting and packing stages, abiRiver helped the family preserve their most cherished items, eliminating the rush to pack everything hastily. The thoughtful approach ensured that the parents were not overwhelmed, and they could transition into their new living arrangement with a sense of comfort and control.
Our Promise:
We come in with compassion and understanding that sometimes life gets overwhelming, and our homes are no longer a representation of who we are or who we want to be. We are here to help!
Downsizing & Upgrading
Judi's Story
Packing | Moving Logistics | Sale of Items | Realty Expertise | Financial Insight
Judi found herself standing at the crossroads of life, grappling with the recent loss of her husband. The home where they had raised their family had become a place too filled with memories, too heavy with the absence of a loved one. In an effort to move forward, Judi had lined up an apartment to begin a new chapter.
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As she navigated the complexities of this transition, investors began reaching out to Judi, offering to buy her home for cash. Uncertain about her financial situation after her husband's passing, Judi was at a loss on the best course of action. That's where we came in to help. Our goal was to advocate for Judi and ensure she had all the necessary information to make informed decisions. We presented Judi with options, one of which included listing her home on the market. The unique aspect of their proposal was that all moving expenses would be covered at the closing. This provided Judi not only with a comprehensive solution but also with the time and support she needed to navigate the emotional journey of packing and moving.
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Despite the assistance with packing, moving logistics, and the sale of items in her home, Judi discovered that the market listing offered her the opportunity to make thousands more than if she had accepted a cash offer from the investors. This financial insight allowed her to prioritize her needs, giving her space and resources to process her grief and reminisce about the love story she and her husband had shared.