How Sue Supports Big Moves
If you’ve ever moved, you know it’s not as simple as just packing up boxes. It’s saying goodbye to one chapter while getting ready for the next.
For many future RiverWoods residents, that’s where Sue Fitzgerald comes in.
As RiverWoods Exeter’s Move-In Specialist, Sue helps guide new residents through one of the biggest transitions of their lives, replacing uncertainty with reassurance and turning what could feel overwhelming into something a little more manageable. “The time we spend together is short,” Sue says, “But it’s pretty intense.”
Sue steps in once someone has accepted an apartment or cottage and made the decision to move to RiverWoods Exeter. Suddenly, there are appointments to schedule, finishes to choose, movers to coordinate, paperwork to complete, and a seemingly endless list of details to manage. Sue is there to help guide people through every step of the way.
“It’s such a vulnerable time,” Sue says. “Moving is one of the most stressful things we do in life. I like being the person they can call when they have questions or when they feel like they’re about to tear their hair out.”
Sue began her career as a clinical social worker before taking time away to raise her two sons. Later, she became a real estate agent, but quickly realized selling houses wasn’t what energized her. Instead, she found her calling helping older adults downsize and organize their homes before moving into retirement communities.
Through that work, she met future RiverWoods residents, got to know the community, and discovered just how much she loved helping people navigate big life changes. Three and a half years later, she says she’s never enjoyed a job more. “My favorite part is getting to know people’s stories,” she says. “People share so much during this process because it’s such a nostalgic time. I love hearing about their lives, their memories, and what matters most to them.”
Every move-in begins with a personalization meeting, where Sue walks residents through ways new residents can make their new home feel like their own. Behind the scenes, she’s coordinating refurbishments, ordering welcome items, communicating with movers, and working with the Welcoming Committees to make sure no one arrives feeling like a stranger.
Then, on moving day, she’s there again to welcome residents, check in throughout the day, and make sure everyone has what they need.
Her advice for anyone preparing to move?
“Downsize, downsize, downsize,” she says. “Almost everyone tells me they brought too much.”
About a year and a half ago, Sue helped welcome two very special residents into the community: her own parents.
“My mom tells me all the time how lucky we are to be so close.”
Today, Sue’s role is growing beyond move-in day. In addition to serving as RiverWoods Exeter’s Move-In Specialist, she has recently taken on the new responsibility of working with some future residents on the waitlist, providing support in a new way.
For Sue, it’s simply another opportunity to do what she enjoys most: helping people feel supported and building connections long before moving day ever arrives.
About Humans of RiverWoods
Humans of RiverWoods is an ongoing storytelling series that celebrates the vibrant, diverse, and inspiring individuals who make up our RiverWoods communities. Through candid interviews and personal snapshots, we share the everyday moments, meaningful experiences, and unique journeys of our residents and team members.
Learn more about RiverWoods’ career opportunities here: https://riverwoodsnh.org/our-story/careers/