Dear Valued Client; Changes Are Inevitable

After almost 18 years in business, the time has come to make an exciting change. As of September 10, 2026, Designing Moves LLC will be under new ownership: Adamantine Spine Moving.

Before I share the details, I hope you'll indulge me in a bit of a look back, because this business has never just been a business to me.

I started Designing Moves LLC on October 1, 2008, right as Cedar Rapids was recovering from the devastating floods that summer. I was ready for a change, and after helping my own in-laws and grandparents downsize and move, I could see how great the need was in our community. Designing Moves became the first Senior Move Management company in Cedar Rapids and Marion, and we remain the only NASMM A+ Accredited company in the state of Iowa. It took a full year before I landed my first official job.

I was extremely blessed by my first clients, retired business owners in the area who took an interest in this new venture and offered me their advice and encouragement. Several other clients became wonderful advisors over the years, cheering me on when things were tough and lending a listening ear when I didn't know what would happen next. To everyone who believed in me and took a chance on me with something as personal as their own move, thank you. Many of you dear clients have trusted us with more than one move over the years, and every one of you has left a lasting mark on my life and on this team.

Thank you as well to everyone who has worked alongside me over the years and stood by me through times of uncertainty. It has been such an adventure training team members and helping young women launch their careers as interior design interns from UNI and Kirkwood. Every single past and present employee has left their mark on Designing Moves. I will always be grateful to Deb Paulsen-Hoge for her help building so many of our processes and procedures over the years, and to business coaches Lisa Van Allen and Jennifer Zach for pushing me over hurdles that seemed insurmountable. A huge thank you as well to my NASMM colleagues and friends, whose guidance and camaraderie have meant so much along the way. And I am especially thankful for my family, who supported this business in more ways than I can count.

Now it's time for Designing Moves to spread her wings and fly even higher as a division of Adamantine Spine Moving, a partner we've worked alongside for years to give our clients the best possible moving experience. We are all very excited about this partnership.

Designing Moves LLC will be managed by Megan Bartos, who many of you have come to know and love through your moves with us, alongside our team members Samantha Messerli, Nancy Cortez, Deb Voss, Joe Schreder, and Olivia Carr. And last but certainly not least, Lorie Smith has stuck with me the whole way through as our accountant. Everyone who knows me knows I don't do numbers, so I am endlessly grateful for her help with all things accounting.

I will remain involved through the end of the year, at which point I will step away from day-to-day operations to focus on our three wonderful grandchildren. The Designing Moves team you know and trust will still be here for you. Together, we now offer a fully coordinated team to support you through downsizing, floor planning, moving, and unpacking — all under one roof.

We are grateful for the trust you've placed in us over the years and look forward to continuing to serve you with the same care and dedication. If you have any questions about this transition, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Christine Smart

Founder & President, Designing Moves LLC

The Designing Moves Team