Will your heirs know what’s valuable and what’s not?

When someone dies or downsizes for a move into assisted living, all of their belongings become potential heirlooms. And all of those items must be dealt with. Maybe it’s time to sort the treasures from the trash, so your heirs won’thave to.

The average house easily has over 100,00 items. Isn’t that an amazing statistic? You shouldn’t expect your family and heirs to sort through it, forced to make hard decisions about your things.

Take some time to actually go through the garage – maybe even empty out that storage unit you’ve been paying for, filled with things you may have forgotten about.

Work room by room through your home. Take your time – you don’t have to do it all at once. Make four piles: one to keep, one to donate, one to sell, and one for trash.

Typically, decisions get easier the further you get into the project. When you’re done, be sure to follow through with moving out the trash and donate piles!

Still storing stuff for your kids? It’s time for them to go through it themselves. Chances are they won’t want those sports trophies from the second grade.

And, keep in mind that no one loves your stuff like you do. Your family may not be excited about receiving keepsakes from your parents or from your own childhood, but your local historical society may be interested in photos, video, books, or other objects.

As you sort, use Will and a Way to list belongings of monetary or particular sentimental value, and what should happen to those things. You don’t want that $7,000 bracelet sold at a yard sale!

Sort out the details of your messy life and leave a roadmap to understanding your wishes with Will and a Way.

Information shared here is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. Suggestions and resources are presented for your consideration and may or may not apply to your personal situation. Please consult your advisers.

Information shared here is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. Suggestions and resources are presented for your consideration and may or may not apply to your personal situation. Please consult your advisers.