When my father moved out of our childhood home to his cabin in Maine, I became the custodian of the family papers and mementos. As I sorted through things, I was able to ask him “What is this from?” “Who gave you this?” “What is this?” He would explain to me what each thing was, the story behind it and whether it had some value beyond just sentimental.
Many times when a family is dealing with sorting through belongings, they aren’t able to ask these questions because the owner is incapacitated or has passed away. In the rush to clear the house, stock certificates that have been stored in boxes labeled “Important Papers – 1976” might be thrown away. Cash stored in the leaves of books or shoved into the toes of old shoes might be tossed into the trash bin. Something that looks like junk jewelry or random artwork might be quite valuable but sold for very little at a yard sale.
I usually recommend that my clients, while they are in the process of drafting their Wills and working on their estate plan, also take the time to write an inventory of things of value in the home. This can include notes taped on the back of art work about its origins or a list of jewelry along with the occasion it was gifted upon and something relating to its value. Maybe there are musical instruments or collectibles that have some value that might be overlooked by family members in a rush to clear things out.
Why not take some time today to jot down some notes about items in your home whose story you want to be sure to pass along.
Sorry, comments are closed for this post.