Deborah: As the holiday season has begun, I have been very reflective on how grateful I am this year. As many of us have experienced, this has been a season of life with joyous times and shared sadness. Cherished time has been spent with friends, coworkers, and family, with new and old traditions. Like our Portland weather, we have had both sunny days mixed with the stormy ones.

The Move Makers team members help our clients in both exciting new futures and sudden losses. I am so grateful to work with team members with endless compassion and grace. They go the extra mile needed to make our clients’ lives a little easier. We get to share in the transitions that help our clients and families enter into a new, safe, and thrilling next chapter of life. As I look back on the year with thankfulness for the trust our clients and communities place in us with a hopeful future, I wish all an amazing close to this year and an excited heart for the next.

Linda: This year, I’ve found myself grateful for the steady, everyday things that make life feel meaningful: good health, work I genuinely enjoy, and my family.  I also experienced some opportunities to grow in new ways.

Michael: I mentioned last year I was anticipating being an ‘empty-nester’ and that indeed has come to pass, with our youngest son heading to college in Colorado, and our middle son moving to New York City to pursue his acting dreams. (The oldest is still around here in Portland, with his wife, and always game to keep Mom and Dad company if needed.)

Empty nesting meant my wife and I could travel to Japan, where we first met 38 years ago, and to Australia to see my brother and his family. A fabulous month of reconnecting with many old friends.

In the work world, I am always grateful for my co-workers at The Move Makers, who are always kind, energetic, and fun. (One of our clients even commented that we all worked as if we owned the company–which I took as high praise indeed.) I appreciate all of our clients, who trust us with their most precious things during a stressful life event–moving. And I am grateful to be able to use my writing talent to create monthly blog posts. Here’s to more great things in 2026!

Michele: I am thankful to all who serve people: everyone from our primary care providers, professors, and postal workers to pilots, pastors, and patrol officers.  I am grateful for everyone who gives of their time, talent, and treasure.  I wish everyone many blessings and much joy in the coming New Year 2026.

Rachael: As I look ahead to 2026, I’m excited about the opportunity to continue strengthening and growing our team within the move management field. This coming year represents a chance to expand our collective expertise, enhance collaboration, and deliver quality and consistent services. I’m committed to fostering a culture of support and continuous improvement- ensuring our team is equipped to deliver seamless, client-focused relocations. In 2026, our focus will continue to be on efficiency, empathy, and innovation- ensuring every client feels supported, informed, and confident from the consultation to the final day of settling in. 

Sandra: The thankful year, with an unthankful breakage (my wrist). Sigh. 

I was very thankful my dishwasher powered through Thanksgiving- it started acting like the rebellious child the week of Thanksgiving. 

Thankful for being surrounded by family and a surrogate son who’s come into our lives and is best buds with our son. 

I’m thankful for technology- my husband, Ray, is getting his second hip replacement tomorrow & we’re looking forward to doing some of the things we used to: biking, walking, and hiking (but climbing mountains, scuba diving, and other more strenuous things are pushed out. 

There are so many simple pleasures of life that go unappreciated. 

I’m looking forward to joining back in with the Move Maker family in the upcoming 2026.

Zachary: There is something I use that I call the “Chernow Chant”. I say it throughout the day, to remind me of the beauty and miracle of life. “I can’t believe this is what I’m doing right now! Like, I am so lucky. How did I get here?” And then, I just put my arms up and say, “Oh my God, thank you, thank you! I’m alive…not only am I alive, but I’m living!” 

I’m just very grateful to be a part of such a fantastic team. I’ve never experienced anything quite like it before. Thank you!

Carolyn:

As we celebrate the completion of our 12th year at The Move Makers, I am deeply grateful that we can continue living out our mission—to bring peace of mind to our clients throughout the moving process while operating with integrity and a commitment to sustainability. It takes many dedicated people to keep a small business thriving for more than a decade, and I am thankful for each and every one of you.

To The Move Makers team:

I am continually humbled by your talent, good humor, and grace. Your hard work and dedication truly make a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients and their families. The positive feedback and heartfelt gratitude we receive speak volumes about the quality of your efforts. Thank you for being such an essential part of The Move Makers!

To the professionals who refer us—Real Estate professionals, Adult Living Communities, Professional Organizers, Movers, Trust Officers, Senior Advisors, and many others:

Thank you for your ongoing trust in our team and for confidently referring your clients to us year after year. We are honored by your loyalty and partnership.

To our clients:

Thank you for welcoming us into your homes and your lives, for allowing us to support you through your relocations, for sharing feedback that helps us continually improve, and for recommending us to family and friends. Your trust is sincerely appreciated and helps our team end each day with a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment.