Downsizing or dealing with a loved one’s possessions can be an emotional rollercoaster, but don’t get overwhelmed. Use these three tips to lessen your burden.
Too many hands in the pot:
The first days of handling an estate can be overwhelming. Don’t make the mistake of calling multiple companies to “help out.” Organizers, Auction houses, Antique Dealers, Estate Sale Agents, and Trash Haulers are all worthy business people, but there are companies that can handle the entire process from start to finish in a completely transparent way. Better to maintain one relationship rather than four or five.
Going it Alone:
On the flip side, don’t feel it is all up to you to deal with every single thing in the estate. Your loved ones don’t expect you to carry the burden of their stuff. Reach out to an estate professional who can at least give you some kind of road map to completion. You don’t have to enlist their services, but please reach out to someone who knows what you’re going through.
Get it in Writing:
When an estate is broken up, invariably there will be one or two family members who claim ownership over certain objects citing a verbal agreement or gift. “Mom always wanted me to have this etc…” Well if mom really wanted you to have it, she should have put it in the will. Without something in writing, the estate as a whole is treated as a unit to be divided by whatever the will or local law says. Your mother’s verbal wishes don’t mean anything in court, and it’s not the executor’s fault if you don’t get the silverware!
Pro Tip:
In the early days of handling an estate, it is CRITICAL to discuss the task with all parties involved. Make sure your family knows what you are up against and what they should expect in the end. Ask for help, but don’t be upset when no one comes to your rescue. Unfortunately the burden falls on few shoulders.
The experts at Hunt and Peck Estate Services can help you get the most value from your estate or downsize.
I can’t wait to share this post with my mom! This is a great advice for helping her downsize.
We’re so glad you found this helpful, and we hope your mom does too!