Understanding the Benefits of Move Management Services

Stepping into the world of relocation and senior move management, the advantages of utilizing professional relocation services become increasingly apparent. This comprehensive guide will outline these key perks, offering fresh insights into making your transition smoother and less stressful.

Understanding Professional Relocation Services

What exactly are these professional services we speak of? Essentially, they are expert entities specializing in planning, coordinating, and executing relocation. Their tasks range from organizing and packing your belongings to arranging transportation and setting up your new place. The ultimate goal: to make your change of residence hassle-free.

The Emergence of Professional Relocation Services

Interestingly, these services have seen significant growth in recent years. This trend reflects our fast-paced society, where career or lifestyle changes often necessitate a location change. Furthermore, the desire for streamlined, stress-free transitions has fueled the demand for such services.

Unpacking the Benefits of Move Management Services

Stress Reduction

One of the undeniable benefits of move management services is stress reduction. You delegate the logistics of your transition to experts, freeing you to focus on everyday responsibilities and the excitement of a fresh start. These services offer invaluable peace of mind, from dealing with the moving day checklist to managing unexpected hurdles.

Practical Advice: Creating a List of Your Items

Before entrusting your move to a professional service, it’s wise to create a list of your items. This catalog serves a dual purpose: it’s a handy tool for your relocation specialist to provide a precise quote and an invaluable record for you. A detailed inventory helps track your belongings throughout the transition, ensuring nothing gets left behind or lost. This simple yet effective preparatory step can streamline your move, reinforce the benefits of professional relocation services, and add an extra layer of security.

Time and Energy Saving

Next, consider the valuable time and energy you’d conserve. Imagine dodging the ordeal of packing up your entire home and the physical exertion involved in transporting furniture. All these tasks are handled by your move manager, who can simplify your move.

Efficiency and Organization

Efficiency is another profound benefit. Some organizational tips for staging your home can be helpful, but nothing beats a professional relocation specialist’s systematic approach. From decluttering and packing to ensuring your belongings arrive on time at your new home, their attention to detail is unrivaled.

packing and unpacking, what to sell, want to give away, estate clearing are all part of what a NASMM certified Sr. Move Manager can do

Cost-effectiveness

Lastly, let’s address the financial aspect. While it may seem counter-intuitive, hiring a relocation specialist can be more cost-effective than a self-managed transition. Without professional help, you might face hidden costs like packing material overruns, potential damage to items, or extra van space. An expert’s guidance helps you avoid such unexpected expenses.

Key Aspects to Consider When Choosing a Relocation Specialist

When selecting a relocation service, it’s essential to consider various aspects to ensure you pick the best fit for your needs. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

Experience: Look for a company with a proven track record in the industry. The longer they’ve been in business, the better their understanding of the nuances of different types of moves.
Reviews: Check customer feedback and ratings. Authentic experiences shared by previous clients can provide invaluable insights into the quality of service.
Scope of Services: Ensure that the company offers a wide range of services, from packing and transportation to unpacking and setup in your new location.
Insurance and Licenses: The service provider should have the necessary certifications and insurance coverage to protect your belongings during the move.
Cost: While quality service comes at a price, make sure the costs align with your budget and the value offered. Always ask for a detailed quote to understand what you’re paying for.

Case Study: Success Stories

Take Emily, for instance, who relocated her business across the states. With a relocation specialist handling the logistics, she could continue focusing on her business operations, making the transition seamless. Similarly, the Johnson family, moving into their first home, found that using professional services allowed them to settle quickly, turning their new house into a home without delay.

Choosing a Professional Relocation Service

When selecting a service, consider their experience, customer reviews, and the range of services offered. Beware of deals that seem too good to be true; quality service may cost more, but it’s worth the peace of mind.

You can only experience all the benefits of move management services by choosing a pro.

The Future of Professional Relocation Services

Innovations like virtual surveys or green packing solutions could further enhance the benefits of these services. Such advancements promise to make the relocation process more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

To sum up, understanding the benefits of move management services is crucial for anyone facing a relocation. They offer stress reduction, time savings, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness that can transform the often-dreaded moving experience into a hassle-free transition. So, the next time you move, why not consider employing these professionals to simplify your journey?

Ready to experience the stress-free benefits of professional move management services? Visit aclearpath.net now to discover how our experts can simplify your relocation process. Say goodbye to the moving day checklist headaches and hello to a smooth, organized move with A Clear Path.

Meta: In this article, we will go over some of the benefits of move management services and how you can take advantage of them

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Estate Clearing Made Simple Professional Support for a Stress-Free Process

Estate clearing can be a daunting and emotionally challenging task. However, with the help of estate clearing services, the process can become significantly more manageable. This blog post will explore how important it is to get professional support to make the entire process stress-free. From understanding the importance of estate clearing to choosing the right service provider, we’ll explore the benefits of seeking professional assistance. We’ll also discuss the step-by-step process with expert help, including case studies highlighting success stories. Additionally, we’ll address the emotional challenges associated with this journey and how professionals offer sensitivity and empathy. By the end of this post, you’ll understand why pro services are invaluable for a smooth and hassle-free clearing process.

Understanding Estate Clearing

Estate clearing involves organizing and managing the belongings of a deceased individual or those going through significant life changes, such as downsizing or relocation. Common reasons for needing these services:

The passing of a loved one
Downsizing
A change in lifestyle

It is also essential to plan for the unexpected, such as moving day emergencies, which can add further stress to an already challenging situation. These services help individuals navigate the emotional and practical challenges during this process, offering support, expertise, and sensitivity to ensure a smooth and respectful transition.

a profession organizer and senior move manager can can the estate clearing process easier and with less stress.

This process can be overwhelming for an individual, so it’s better to let pros take over

The Benefits of Estate Clearing Services

Estate clearing services offer numerous advantages for individuals facing the overwhelming task of managing a loved one’s belongings or downsizing their possessions. By hiring professionals, individuals gain access to their expertise and experience, ensuring the process is handled efficiently and effectively. These services provide comprehensive support, including sorting and organizing personal belongings, appraising and valuing assets, planning and executing estate sales, managing donations, and liquidating remaining items. With professional services, individuals can save valuable time and energy as professionals handle the intricate details and logistics. Additionally, their coordination with other professionals, such as attorneys and real estate agents, simplifies the overall process and alleviates additional client burdens.

Having a well-crafted list of questions is crucial when selecting an estate clearing services provider. It ensures that you make an informed decision by covering all the necessary aspects while maintaining clarity, structure, and conciseness.

You need to have a list of questions when choosing the right estate clearing services provider

Choosing the Right Service Provider

Selecting the appropriate estate clearing service provider is crucial for a smooth and successful process. Some factors to consider include the provider’s reputation, experience, range of services offered, client testimonials, pricing transparency, licensing, and insurance. Initial consultations and on-site assessments are essential to assess compatibility and understand the specific needs of the estate. Asking relevant questions, such as how they handle delicate items or their emotional support approach, helps make an informed decision. Ultimately, choosing a service provider that aligns with the client’s requirements and values ensures a reliable and trustworthy partnership throughout this journey.

The Process

Estate clearing with professional support follows a systematic approach to alleviating the burden on individuals. The process begins with an initial consultation and assessment, where the professionals understand the specific requirements and develop a customized plan. They assist in sorting and categorizing belongings, appraising assets for accurate valuation, and planning and executing estate sales. Additionally, professionals coordinate the donation and liquidation of remaining items, ensuring a responsible and sustainable approach. Throughout each step, estate clearing professionals maintain open communication and collaboration with the client, providing updates, addressing concerns, and adapting the plan as needed. With their expertise and guidance, the estate clearing process becomes more organized, efficient, and stress-free for individuals seeking professional support.

Case Studies: Success Stories

Real-life case studies exemplify the effectiveness of estate clearing services in simplifying the process. These success stories highlight how professionals efficiently managed the sorting, appraisal, and sale of belongings, resulting in optimal client outcomes. For instance, one case study showcases how an estate clearing service successfully handled a large estate with diverse assets, ensuring maximum value through strategic sales and targeted marketing. Another case study demonstrates the compassionate approach taken by professionals in navigating the emotional challenges of estate clearing, providing support and resources to help clients cope with grief and sentimental attachments. These examples illustrate how professional clearing services can transform a potentially overwhelming experience into a smooth, organized, and satisfactory process.

reduce the stress of an estate clearing, by using a professional organizer and senior move manager

Professional aid in surmounting emotional hurdles and difficulties.

Overcoming Emotional Challenges with Professional Support

Estate clearing often involves emotional challenges tied to cherished memories and personal attachments. However, professional services understand the sentimental value of belongings and offer empathetic support throughout the process. They provide a safe space for individuals to express their emotions while offering guidance on making practical decisions. Estate clearing professionals offer sensitivity, compassion, and patience, helping clients navigate the emotional journey. They can also recommend resources for grief counseling, ensuring individuals receive the necessary support to overcome the emotional hurdles that may arise during estate clearing. With their expertise and understanding, professionals provide a comforting presence, making the process more manageable for those involved.

Making the Right Choice

Deciding between a DIY approach and hiring professional services depends on various factors. While a DIY approach may seem cost-effective, it requires significant time, effort, and expertise. Professionals bring valuable experience, efficiency, and knowledge, ensuring a smoother process. They handle intricate tasks such as valuation, estate sales, and coordinating with other professionals. Moreover, professionals provide emotional support and alleviate the burden on individuals. Consider the complexity of the estate, available resources, and personal circumstances when making a choice. Assess the benefits of professional assistance against the potential challenges and decide accordingly, prioritizing a stress-free and successful estate clearing experience.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, estate clearing services offer indispensable support for a stress-free and efficient process. From understanding the importance of estate clearing to choosing the right service provider, professionals guide individuals through emotional and practical challenges. Through their expertise, comprehensive services, and compassionate approach, professionals ensure the careful and sensitive handling of your belongings. Real-life case studies highlight successful outcomes, while the option of professional assistance provides relief from overwhelming tasks. Whether faced with downsizing or managing the belongings of a loved one, these services simplify the process. They save time and energy and provide peace of mind. Embracing the support of professionals ensures a smooth transition, making this process a manageable and positive experience.

Ready to experience a stress-free estate clearing process? Visit aclearpath.net today and discover our professional estate clearing services. Click here to learn more and take the first step toward a hassle-free estate clearing journey.

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7 Mental Health Benefits of Downsizing

organizing, packing, selling, donating are all part of downsizing and a senior professional move manager can help.

Reaching a certain age and retiring is, for many people, a period when they start reflecting on their life. This may be the time when you start considering leaving your old home behind and moving to a smaller property. Although decluttering has many benefits, it is usually easier said than done. However, once it’s over, you will most likely be thankful to yourself for deciding to go through with it. Some ideas for downsizing your property as a boomer and making it a perfect retirement property include decorating, downsizing your closet, organizing your garage, garden, or other outdoor spaces, and more. This article will go over the seven mental health benefits of downsizing in order to decide if and why moving to a smaller home would be the right next step in your life.

It helps reduce stress

Maintaining a spacious property is far from an easy task. Now – imagine having to do it in your old age. Retirement is supposed to be a period in a person’s life when they can finally step away from all responsibilities and enjoy some peace and quiet. However, that might not be as easy as it sounds if you have a large house to upkeep – especially if your children are long moved out and you have little or no help.

Moving out of a house and into a smaller apartment will help significantly reduce stress. You won’t have to worry about tedious cleaning that lasts an entire day – in a smaller living space, weekly cleaning might take you just a couple of hours. In order to make this process easier and more pleasant, we recommend you declutter your old house and clear accumulated stuff before moving into your new home. This way, you’ll avoid taking any unnecessary belongings with you.

paking and unpacing are one of the services of a A+ Certified senior move manager

It saves you a significant amount of money

An obvious advantage of downsizing is that you will be able to save up a lot on your monthly energy bills. No longer working means not having as much money to spend as you had before. Granted, you’ll have your pension, but do you really wish to spend your hard-earned money on the bills when you could have a nice dinner with your family, buy something nice for yourself or take a vacation trip to a country that you had never visited before? Have you ever thought about the difference between the bills for a big house and a small apartment? If not, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Another way to earn and save some money during the process of moving is to sell the stuff you no longer need. You can easily do this by listing your items on any online selling platforms. Some of the most commonly used ones are:

Amazon
Craigslist
eBay
Facebook Marketplace

If you aren’t too sure about how to use these online marketplaces, you could put the images of the items on your personal Facebook or Instagram profile. Granted, the audience won’t be as wide, but you never know – maybe your friends, or friends of your friends, will be interested in buying what you are selling.

Alternatively, you can donate your things to a local charity.

Allows for more free time

Retirement means you will finally have more time to spend on yourself and your hobbies. If you don’t have many maintenance tasks to perform in your place, the amount of your free time increases even more. Downsizing helps reduce all the work you need to do around your house and therefore helps you enjoy all your free time to the fullest – which is what all retired seniors deserve. Before reaching a decision to downsize, as before making any other decisions, it’s best to get informed on the topic. Consumer Opinion suggests that if your friends and family can’t be the ones to advise you, some of the websites on the internet can be helpful to you.

just organizing stuff that has become clutter is a health benefit of organizing.

Increases your confidence

Showing your new place to your friends and family will feel so rewarding and is guaranteed to boost your confidence – especially when you know you’re responsible for organizing it. Smaller spaces are easier to decorate, tidy up and keep clean and organized at all times – so you’ll be able to keep your home beautiful and feel proud every time you present it to your guests.

Prevents you from feeling lonely

One of the mental health benefits of downsizing, if not the biggest one, is that you are bound to feel less alone in a place that is smaller and not as full of memories compared to a house where you’ve lived for most of your life. A big and empty house can feel daunting and overwhelming at times, especially if you are the only one living in it.

Moreover, moving to a smaller living space to be close to your friends and family is a great way to prevent feeling alone when you reach a certain age. It’s important to note that downsizing will by no means fix all your problems. If you are feeling sad or lonely, you should make sure to get the help you need and talk to a professional. If you don’t have the time or energy to book an in-person therapy session, a good option to consider is choosing an online therapy provider.

It makes you live in the present

Living in the same house for many years means that it is full of memories that you have been accumulating practically for an entire lifetime. Although in a way, being surrounded by all these memories is a beautiful thing, it may very easily provoke feelings of nostalgia and sadness. To put it simply – being constantly surrounded by memories can weigh you down emotionally. Getting rid of them by downsizing can be just the thing you need in order to free your mind, liberate yourself, and significantly improve your mental health. Think of your new apartment as a clean slate and a new beginning.

safety issues are important for seniors and downsizng can help create healthier spaces for living.

One of the mental health benefits of downsizing is getting rid of memories – but it doesn’t mean that you need to get rid of all of them.

Prevents safety risks

Decluttering can also help remove safety hazards and reduce the risks of harming your well-being in any way, which is particularly important if you are an older person. Some of the things that you should keep a lookout for are:

Cables or electricity chords lying on the ground – they are not easy to spot, so someone can easily trip over them and get injured
Unnecessary clutter, such as items and boxes, impedes walkability
Items that have been left unattended for long periods of time may contain dust or mold, which are hazardous to people suffering from breathing problems
Dirty and cluttered spaces are a breeding ground for mice, roaches, and other pests which transmit various diseases

A conclusion on the mental health benefits of downsizing

Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will have understood that, although it is a challenging and exhausting thing to do, there are a lot of mental health benefits of downsizing. You should consider all of them and weigh your options before deciding to take this critical step. Lastly, consider that, apart from being emotionally challenging, downsizing is by no means a physically easy job. For this reason, another question is whether you need to hire a professional to help you during this time.

Picture Credits:
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How Do Online Estate Sale Auctions Work?

most estatres will need to auction off many items and an certified Senior MOve manager can help with the process

In the era of modern technology, people are used to social networking, online communication, searching for various services, such as relocation professionals, as well as online shopping. What’s more, nowadays, it is even possible to sell real estate online, too. And that no more, no less than in the form of auction. Yes, this is not a joke. You will no longer have to participate in auctions in crowded auction houses. Now you can beat time and distance and finish everything in the comfort of your own home. And all that with a simple click on your computer or your phone. To introduce you to the topic, we will explain the meaning of online auctions and define how online estate sale auctions work.

What are online auctions?

Unlike traditional auctions, where people who want to buy an item or a property need to attend an in-person auction, usually held in an auction house, this online version of the event happens on a web-based platform or through a live stream. Buyers use their computers, tablets, or mobile phones to browse the available items or properties, see the details, and participate in the bidding. They make the selection and decide how much they would like to offer. And, when they get the property they want, and the deal is sealed, all they need to do is to get an excellent moving crew and start their relocation process. And with the help of experts at usantini.com, it is possible to find all the necessary support and services in just one place.

there are lots of records to keep when using an auction as part of an estate clearout

The very format of the online auction depends on the online platform you use for conducting the process. Some of the most prominent companies offering this kind of convenience are:

Openn
Realtair
Market Buy
Gavl

The most significant advantage of this online version of auctions is that buyers take part in them from their own homes or anywhere else they like.

How online estate sale auctions work – a step-by-step guide

Auctioneers usually hold online estate sale auctions. That can be a seller himself or a professional auction staff member. They make sure everything is legal and must conduct the whole process properly.

Moreover, nowadays, more and more people employ this same method when selling their belongings. Thus, for example, if you find some items you no longer need in the process of pre-relocation decluttering, you should simply sell those online. All you need to do is to clean them and do some photo shooting. Remember, good photos are a must. They can really sell your items.

1. Prior to the auction

Both sellers and buyers log in to a virtual auction platform. This is where buyers can see the properties listed for sale. Sellers, on the other hand, can see the real-time interactive bidding. Both parties need to be familiar with the platform used. That is why they are usually advised to register earlier and, if possible, watch several auctions before participating in one.

2. Getting qualified for the auction

When the auction day comes, it’s time to start with the bidding. If you have ever been into a remote purchase, you know the importance of the initial offer. All the buyers give their starting price for the property they are interested in. Then, they come to the point of completing some terms. The terms usually include the deposit information, the settlement date, or some other terms the owner asks for. After the owner considers the terms, he may either agree to them or reject them. The pending prices of the owners whose terms are accepted become live on the property. Those buyers become qualified and receive their own paddle number for the auction.

estate auction are often part of an estate clearance which might involve and auction of itemss.

3. Start bidding

Once a buyer enters one of the online estate sale auctions, he can see all the other buyers’ paddles. They can also get some other details of the auction, such as:

the highest bid at that moment
the date of the final bidding stage
the bidding timeline

It is essential to say that buyers, like in the traditional auction, can change their price whenever they want. All the time, they follow the bidding process and get updates on their e-mail or their phone.

4. Bringing the negotiations to an end

When it is clear that there are enough buyers and their offers, it is time to bring the negotiations to an end. The countdown timer is on, and the buyers get some time to decide whether they want to remain in the auction with their bid or give up. If some buyers decide to increase their offers, the countdown timer needs to reset. That leaves more time for the other competing buyers to change their offers, too.

5. The final point

When the time is up, and there are no more offer changes, the bidding is done. The symbol for that will be the falling of a virtual hammer. The buyer with the highest offer gets the property in question. If everything goes well, the final contract is made, and that is the end of the negotiations. That’s the point when the relocation preparations start.

A Clear Path uses Maxsold as their auctioneer when working on Estate clear outs

Success is guaranteed

No matter whether you choose online or traditional in-person auction, your selling or purchasing experience will probably be successful. However, online auctions still have some advantages. Bidding from the coziness of your living room brings some release to the generally tense atmosphere of the auction. That helps a lot in making sound and smart decisions.

And although some may think that online auctions will not attract people who are not so familiar with virtual settings, the experience proved it wrong. The online platforms used for the auctions are easily manageable. They do not require some special skills, and everyone can learn to use them.

Considering all the aspects, and now that you know how online estate sale auctions work, you should try them yourselves. We are sure you’ll find that both exciting and pretty useful. And, once you purchase real estate and don’t know where to start with relocation, e-mail us to schedule a free 30-minute virtual session and get professional advice on moving and packing.

Writer’s info:

My name is Julie Thompson. I am from Brooklyn and work as a manager for one big company. I love exploring my creativity and often write engaging blogs on various topics.

Photos used:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-wooden-gavel-on-brown-wooden-table-6077326/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-in-yellow-sweater-using-a-silver-laptop-6857203/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/animation-of-shaking-hands-8832718/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/1-us-dollar-bill-163056/

How to Start Clearing Accumulated Stuff in Your Home

getting rid of accumualted stuff takes a good deal of organizing and a professional can help

Most people find living a simple life with fewer items incredibly appealing. However, the thought of getting rid of the things we have brings different negative emotions such as dread, stress, and defeat. Nevertheless, with a proper push in the right direction, you will be able to rid yourself of belongings you simply do not need anymore. So, if you’re ready to declutter but don’t know where to start, here are different things you can do when clearing accumulated stuff in your home.

Dig deep to find your motivation

You will need to be in the right headspace and with the right motivation if you want to clear out your unnecessary belongings truly. And such mental work is the first step if you want to start clearing accumulated stuff in your home. Dig deep into the reasons why you wish to declutter.

Do you wish to live a minimalistic life?
Will you be downsizing?
Do you want to freshen up your current home?
Do you have negative emotions associated with your house because of the clutter?

It would be best if you ask yourself all these questions (and more) before the start of the process. This is the only way you will find the thing that will keep you going when the decluttering process becomes tiring and taxing.

Get help if you need it

If you are dealing with a space that is difficult to clear out, be sure to ask for help from your loved ones. This is especially important if you are dealing with a difficult period in your life. Experts in treating different kinds of addiction at Bright Futures Treatment Center suggest creating a clean space that will enforce positive changes in your life. More often than not, your loved ones will want to help you have a better life, and a good environment is vital. On the other hand, there are different services that you could hire that’ll help you through the process of clearing accumulated stuff in your home.

dealing with accummulated stuff could be a hoarding issue

Be sure to word your concerns and assign the tasks to your helpers.

Create a clear plan

A clear plan will help you feel less overwhelmed and distracted while decluttering. This plan solely depends on your needs, wants, and limits.

We highly suggest answering these key questions:

When will I declutter?
How much should I declutter in a day?
What will I do with all of the items?
Should I have a deadline?

Most people, however, believe it is best you start slowly and only declutter whenever you have the time. A great tip for this is to declutter whenever you are procrastinating on other tasks around your home. And if this happens often, well, you will be finished decluttering sooner than expected.

Prepare supplies you will need for clearing accumulated stuff

Starting the process of decluttering will need other sorts of preparations, such as acquiring supplies to pack your unneeded belongings.

In most cases, simple cardboard boxes and trash bags can be enough. You can find cardboard or moving boxes in many places, such as recycling centers, grocery stores, and bookstores. These locations frequently receive shipments after which they no longer require the boxes you will undoubtedly need. Ask around, and you’ll probably be able to get them for free or for a very minimal price. On the other hand, trash bags are quite inexpensive and can hold a significant amount of items you want to get rid of.

Prepare a reasonable amount of both of these supplies so you can start clearing accumulated stuff the right way.

Take “before” pictures of your home

Another motivator to push through the process and keep your home clutter-free afterward is to take “before” and “after” pictures. Before you remove even one of your items, be sure to take good pictures of your rooms from multiple angles so you can marvel at the results in the end. However, do not forget to take “after” photos so you stay motivated to remain clutter-free. This is especially beneficial if you have a hoarding issue since you will be able to see just what you achieved, and it might help keep you in check.

You will want to capture the beauty of your home when it is clutter-free.
a clean house is easily accomplished with a professional in organizing, packing and helping to decide what to keep, sell or donate Alt-tag: A view of a very tidy and clutter-free living room and dining room area.

Make a list of things you absolutely wish to keep

If you are worried about getting rid of too many of your items, make a list of things you absolutely wish to keep. Such a list will certainly come in handy with clearing accumulated stuff in your home since it will help you avoid the sense of guilt of throwing something away. However, be sure to have an open mind and not hold onto items that you simply will never use or even look at. After all, how much do you truly like that shirt in your closet if it is buried way deep among your other clothes? Be realistic about your choices of items you want to keep. However, don’t worry; you can still keep your sentimental items even if you may be downsizing.

Choose one room or area you will start in

The process of decluttering your home of unneeded items should always begin in a room or area that feels the least overwhelming. Starting with a space requiring a lot of time and effort will only make you lose motivation quickly. Of course, if you think you are ready and wish to dive immediately into the deep end, then go ahead! Determine which room or area fits this description and prepare yourself by following the next tip.

Label everything to make your job easier

Once you’ve done all the necessary steps to start clearing accumulated stuff in your home, there is one last thing you can do to make this process easier on yourself. Create a space with boxes (and trash bags) with different labels.

These are the labels we suggest:

Sell
Give away
Donate
Recycle
Throw Away
Deal with Later

With these supplies ready, you will simply need to toss the unneeded belongings into their respective box or bag. Furthermore, the “deal with later” box is perfect if you cannot decide on the fate of your belonging just yet.

With all this in mind, you are on the right path to start clearing accumulated stuff in your home. And don’t hesitate to contact our team at A Clear Path for further assistance or if you have any questions. We wish you luck!

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https://www.pexels.com/photo/couple-talking-while-moving-in-new-apartment-4246243/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/spacious-living-room-with-modern-furniture-6636291/

Putting an Estate in Trustworthy Hands

a senior move manager understands the needs of a fiduciary when performing an estate clearance

Handling an estate can quickly get out of hand, and things can get complicated. Hence finding a competent, reliable estate clearing service is a good idea. A professional estate clearing service takes full responsibility for sorting, organizing, cleaning, disposing, and selling property in an agreement with the client’s needs.

Why Hire Estate Clearing Services?

If you’re responsible for the disposition of an estate, it’s a good idea to secure estate clearing services through a trusted fiduciary such as yourself. Such pros expediently settle estate issues, simultaneously juggling turbulent family situations and legal realities.

The fiduciary represents and handles a client’s assets who have already passed on or are being moved to an assisted living facility. Hence the estate management service is helping the fiduciary get ahead of the difficult work.

Either way, professional estate management agencies quickly settle estates for their fiduciary clients. Hence, helping them hold that which can be sold, rented, or otherwise used by family members connected to the estate owner and generally assure all estate assets are managed the best way possible in agreement with law and family.

Solutions offered by estate clearing service include:

Organizing Estate Sales or Auctions
Getting Rid of Toxic or Biological Waste
Addressing Waste Both Physically and Digitally
Shredding Documents That Should be Disposed Of
Helping Estate Owners Find Proper Vendors For Needed Tasks

In this article, we’ll look into estate clearing services handled by professionals who act on behalf of fiduciaries. This will help you know what to look for, what good services look like, and what a reliable option for such services might be for your specific situation.

What Do Estate Clearing Services Do?

In the opening, we gave a broad overview of what estate clearing services are all about, but let’s look a little closer to give you an idea of what help is available. When settling an estate, finances and healthcare are of chief concern. Someone with an impaired mental capacity needs help, and that help needs to develop in a way that doesn’t negatively affect the financial status they’ve cultivated throughout their life.

Many fiduciaries operate as court-appointed conservators in reference to the estate of an elderly individual. The Estate management services take over for you. They help in the need-based transition. Sometimes an individual isn’t elderly but has been injured and is mentally incapable of managing their estate. In that situation, similarly, if no family could do the job, a fiduciary representative in reference to estate management would become necessary. As a fiduciary, you can work with estate management services to do the heavy lifting.

When managing an estate, daily care, housing, and medical needs of clientele must be carefully considered. Especially if an older documents and electronic records need to be located and organized when clearing out an estate and professionla estate clearing service can help person is transitioning to a care facility, this puts a heavy burden on the fiduciary involved in the change. Accordingly, trusted estate management must be secured. You want a service that knows adjacent vendors of services for transitional situations. In many scenarios, estate clearing services personnel must also offer basic bill paying services and investment management.

The Single Side of L.A.

Approximately 63% of women in L.A. are not married, and that’s in the city, mind you. L.A. County as a whole has different stats. As you may have guessed, things differ substantially in this region as opposed to the rest of the U.S. Interestingly enough, the same percentage of households that represent unmarried women also represent households that don’t have children. These things directly impact the fiduciary management of a given estate.

Certainly, estate clearing services in this area will have to deal with families and other situations where there are spouses. If you are the fiduciary in this situation, and the person you represent is getting on in years, should neither spouse nor progeny be available to help in the transition? You want to look into services that take these things into account. Find those who will represent your client’s interests in the face of opportunists that would otherwise be exploitative.

Getting the Help You Need When You Need It

A practical option for estate clearing services will be flexible scheduling; as a fiduciary, you have a lot on your plate. The availability of clients will change owing to the realities of life. The older the individual, the more precise a fiduciary professional needs to be about making appointments and keeping them. Estate clearing services must be able to work within that reality.

Handling the Court

Something else an estate clearing service must do on behalf of fiduciaries is juggling associated legal realities. Courts tend to be very slow about everything. Some of their sluggishness has to do with bureaucratic infrastructure, but there are also related outside influences. The estate owner who has done well in L.A. may have distant relatives vying for her estate’s dissolution, and the courts may slowly shuffle through everything.

Expediting Estate Clearing Services

Professional estate clearing services understand the courts and associated complications of a given estate, and what fiduciary clients must go through. Accordingly, the best services try to move the process along. Proper professionals can handle multiple clients simultaneously, giving them the fastest, most comprehensive and most reliable service possible.

The Capability of Deciding

Estate fiduciaries need to make decisions for clientele, and estate clearing services need to be able to follow those decisions through. This could extend to choosing contractors and service providers, and such choices must be balanced in light of collateral family preferences for the job in question.

Because the estate often covers associated fees, it is always to the benefit of a responsible fiduciary for such matters to be managed with the most excellent profitable outcome. Estate clearing services that can share the load make that easier.

Contemporaneous Services

Estate services must be informed by the latest relevant legal and social data. The following checklist of items will be on your list as a fiduciary, and you should expect whatever estate clearing service you work with to work with you on these things:

Relevant Internal Controls
Disaster Recovery Strategies
An Effective and Legally-Sound Succession Plan
Proper Management of Tangible Personal Property
Tactics for Omissions, Errors, and Unexpected Events

Estate Clearing Representation Complementary to Fiduciary Needs

When choosing estate clearing services, ask for a timeline of estate management. Ask for checklists and worksheets for goal identification; these help clarify client needs and assure estate management personnel are on the same page with them.

Look for contemporaneous services that follow the latest in fiduciary trends. Fiduciaries seek estate clearing services that have a long track record of working with them flexibly as they make hard decisions consistently and the right way.

Find options that get the job done as fast as possible despite infrastructure and logistical impediments. Find those who can handle the courts and who can bring clients to help when it’s needed.

Contact A Clear Path today for trusted options in estate clearing services that expressly understand your responsibilities as a fiduciary.

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6 Reasons to Let Professionals Handle an Estate Cleanout

helping an estate cleanout includes selling, donating or disposing of furniture and other household items

Estate cleanouts are not the easiest of tasks. These are often done during times with a lot of emotions involved. After all, estate cleanouts usually take place after a tragic loss. Getting rid of items once in possession of someone who may have been dear to us is not pleasant. In this article, we will look at the six reasons to let professionals handle an estate cleanout, as they can make the process much easier for everyone involved.

Why is it a good idea to let professionals handle an estate cleanout?

When the time has come for an estate cleanout, the emotions can run high. Estate cleanouts usually happen after a tragic loss or a divorce. With the recent event still fresh in mind, focusing on much else is challenging. It’s advisable to involve professionals who will take care of everything for you. Being able to focus on other things while professionals deal with the estate cleanout is very practical. It also makes handling the current event less difficult. Professionals who deal with estate cleanouts tend to do so with respect, compassion, and understanding. Let’s have a look at why hiring estate cleanout professionals is an intelligent decision.

Move management

Estate cleanout is very similar to residential moving. We could say that every move has four steps:

Declutter
Pack
Unpack
Organize

This is the tried and true 4 step formula. We may be only dealing with part of the items on the property, but the procedure remains the same. Still, the end goal is not strictly to relocate property but may involve getting rid of certain redundant items that one should remove for other reasons. Professional movers can organize this entire process very efficiently for you. Relieving you of additional stress can only be helpful during these times.

an estate cleanout might include moving several items to other residences or to charitable organizations

Estate clearing services involve careful planning of the entire process to ensure a seamless and efficient job.

Donations and recycling

Professionals who deal with moving and estate cleanouts can help you properly get rid of unnecessary or unwanted items. There’s no need to pollute or create more junk that will lay around forever. With professionals on your team, many of these items can find a new home. You may be surprised to find out, but some people will rejoice in having the items you take for granted or have even forgotten about. Once the time to discard them has come, it may be noble to donate them or have them recycled. If you’re environmentally aware or charitable, this one is for you.

Sorting through important documents

Sometimes, we may not know what paperwork and documentation we should hold on to. Professionals in the field of estate cleanouts will make sure important documents are preserved. These could be documents that can come in handy when dealing with solicitors, executors of state, or other family members. Documents like these could make the difference when certain settlements are being taken care of, like a will.

for estate cleanouts, special care is needed for the storage and preservation of documents

Let professionals handle an estate cleanout for you, and they will make sure all the essential documents are preserved.

Decluttering

When someone has spent years and decades in the same place, clutter is bound to accumulate. Once the unfortunate event has occurred, it leaves one’s home unorganized and overrun with clutter. Professionals in the field can help you declutter and organize. There is no easier way to have a clean home. Dealing with your clutter and organizing is done in two ways:

Organizing 1 on 1– You will meet up with a professional in the field, who is a Lead Organizer, and outline your specific decluttering needs. You will go through each step in detail and be briefed on what to expect.
Dynamic transformation– This is a team job. With the help of one or more organizers, the task at hand is done efficiently and expediently. This may be a better approach if there is a lot of clutter to take care of.

You may even auction off some of your things online. These auctions are very simple and quick. The items you wish to put up will be photographed, and the photos will be posted online for interested bidders. Once a particular item is sold, the buyer would come at a specified time to retrieve the item they’ve purchased. This can be pretty handy and profitable.

Hiring professionals may be financially sensible

Sometimes, the job at hand may be too much. We may not be able to invest enough time in the task, and it may need to be done as soon as possible. By hiring professionals, you may save time and money. Having to move items around, transport them, and discard them accordingly can get costly and time-consuming. Estate clearing services tend to be cheaper than having everything done by yourself when everything is considered.

Moving with kids is easier with professional help

When an estate cleanout is done, it’s probably due to an unpleasant event. This may be due to a loss of a relative or a divorce. Whatever the case, if there are children involved, it’s essential to help them cope with this event. This can be difficult if one is moving, which may be the case after a divorce. In the event of moving with kids, it’s crucial to focus on their needs. Being caught up in sorting out belongings, finances, and the physical aspect of moving is very time-consuming. It can also be draining. Hence, it is sensible to hire some help and dedicate your precious time to your children.

peace of mind is like a mother hugging a child after she has let professionals handle an estate cleanout

When going through an estate cleanout, it’s crucial to make the kids comfortable and focus on their needs.

Hire estate clearing services

Get in touch with professionals today and ensure your estate cleanout is adequately handled. Make sure your items are securely packed, transported, or discarded, if necessary. It’s easier than ever to get all the help you require.

Hopefully, you’re now briefed on employing estate clearing services for your needs. With these six reasons we’ve provided, it only makes sense to let professionals handle an estate cleanout for you.

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Guide to Handling Sentimental Items when Downsizing

Boxes that you can use to handle sentimental items while downsizing.

When it comes to relocation, especially senior relocation, which entails downsizing, you need to expect quite a few tearful moments. Since you’ll need to give up some of your belongings for the sake of comfort and personal space, you’ll need to acknowledge the importance of some of your pieces. Handling sentimental items when downsizing isn’t something that you’ll just know how to do. Sometimes we’re overcome with emotion, and our judgment is clouded. Luckily, many have gone through a similar experience before you, and you can learn from their mistakes and successes. Let’s dive into this guide that should help you know what to expect.

Don’t rush into anything

The first important thing you should keep in mind when handling sentimental items while downsizing is taking your time. Depending on how emotional you are, you’ll need to find a way to deal with your feelings during this period. Merely pushing through and not allowing yourself to feel is never a good idea. Before you get to the practical part of parting with your belongings, you should dedicate some time to emotional preparation.

Invite your family

One of the best ways to deal with items with sentimental value is to call up the people that will feel the same way. Even if they’re not as attached to a particular prized possession as you are, they’ll still offer emotional support and help you go through this period with as much ease as possible.

A big family having lunch and discussing ways of handling sentimental items when downsizing.

Invite your family over and decide how you’ll handle your sentimental items.

Make an inventory of your home

Make sure to have a plan set in motion before you start handling sentimental belongings when downsizing. It’ll not only help you be productive and finish faster, but you’ll also be more likely to focus on the purpose and remember why you’re doing this. Making home inventories sounds a bit frightening and overwhelming if you’ve never done it. However, it’s really not. These are the three most essential tips you should follow:

Begin as early as possible
It’s imperative to take as much time as you need. Handling sentimental items when downsizing can be overwhelming enough on its own; you don’t have to add fuel to the fire.
Start with a rough sketch
Don’t list all your items one by one right away. Instead, make sure to divide them up into categories and work your way up from there.
Find a place to store your items for the time being
Be it a storage unit or your basement, you need to have a room where you’ll keep everything so that it doesn’t get in your way during the relocation.

Organization is key

If you’re not great at organizing and creating lists and plans, that’s okay. We can’t all be great at everything. That’s why there are organizing services that could be of great assistance. They can help you prepare and execute any decluttering job in no time.

Go down memory lane

Know that this doesn’t have to be a very dark and sad period. You can invite your children and grandchildren to come by and create a fun and enjoyable day out of it. Exchange some stories from your younger days and memories that you hold dear. Take this time to reminisce and say goodbye to some experiences. These stories will live on and take on a different dimension once you share them.

When downsizing many inexpensive itmes might have very high sentimental value, there use a proper Estate clearing service

Moving can be stressful

Although handling your belongings with sentimental value will probably be the most emotionally draining aspect, you still need to relocate. Moving is a process that takes a lot of time and effort, so hiring relocation specialists and employing move management services is often advised. This way, you’ll get to properly say goodbye and let go of your past while professionals handle the technical things.

Hire packing services

If you don’t want to deal with the packing part of your relocation either, that’s fine as well. Hire packing services, and you’ll have everything packed before you know it. Be very specific about what you want, the timeframe, and the price you’re willing to pay. Being direct will help both you and the people you’re hiring.

Cleaning and clearing are essential when downsizing

Seeing how our outdated items are usually somewhere in the back of the closet or the basement, you’ll need to take some time to clean these areas. Once you’ve done that, you’ll also need to declutter, organize and clear out anything you no longer use.

Hire clearing services

If clearing is yet another thing that you cannot fit into your schedule, there are always estate clearing services at your disposal. Hiring these professionals is somewhat different from hiring a moving company since they’ll spend a lot more time in your home. For this reason, make sure that your schedules are aligned.

Gifts of sentimental value can be created with a Professional Estate clearing service like A Clear Path when downsizing.

If you need to part with your sentimental items when downsizing, give them to your family or friends.

What to do with your sentimental items

Give to your family and friends

If these items are a family heirloom or something of that sort, why not give them to your children and grandchildren? It’ll be much easier to part ways with objects that mean something to you if you give them to people that mean something to you too.

Recycle or donate

It’s important to either recycle or donate these items. Don’t simply throw them in the trash; someone might get some use out of them.

Keep in a storage unit

Handling sentimental items when downsizing can be too hard at times. If you absolutely cannot imagine ever saying goodbye to the things that you cherish dearly, keep them. Nowadays, it’s easy to rent out a storage unit and keep your things there.

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How to hire the right Estate Clear-out Company

boxes packed for an estate clearing and move with unpacking after the move

When faced with the departure of a loved one, there is a period of acceptance. During this period, you want the transition to be less stressful and emotionally hard on the rest of the family. However, there are certain legal and financial matters you have to take care of. One of those matters is the obligation to clear the home of the deceased. In such a case, the less emotionally involved you are, the better. If you want to make this transition as painless as possible, opt for estate clearing services that can do the job professionally, with no strings attached. If you think this is the best choice for you but wonder how to hire the right estate clearing service, we can help with a few valuable tips.

Clearing house estates is a complex process

If you think about the number of things people acquire during a lifetime, you might feel a little bit overwhelmed having to clear the house of all those possessions. Before even deciding to hire professionals, you have to understand the process. Estate clearing should involve a whole team of people who are assigned to different tasks to do a successful job. Sorting through all the personal belongings, making home inventories, packing, transporting, and shipping items are a few of them. There has to be excellent communication between the estate clearing service provider and the client for a complete clear-out. The clients are the ones who ultimately decide on the level of involvement, and the professionals are there to make the process as straightforward as possible.

A proper estate cleaning service can ready a home for sales as part of the estate settlement

Before you can sell the house or apartment, you need to clear it from all personal belongings

Benefits of hiring estate clearing professionals

One of the advantages of choosing estate clearing services to assist you is to emotionally detach yourself from the situation. In most cases, people opt for clearing services after losing an elderly member of the family. Many choose not to get too emotionally involved with the personal belongings left after the person has passed. And with good reason. If you are emotionally involved, you might lose focus and make fewer objective decisions on what to keep, what to donate, and what to sell. As a result, you might find yourself taking not only the family albums and heirlooms but items that don’t even have a sentimental value.

a messy garage means that declutter is needed

Having professional assistance in clearing heavily cluttered rooms is essential

In all that clutter, you might feel more stressed than you expected. So, invest some time in finding ways to remove stress from household junk removal. One of the ways is undoubtedly giving the job to trained professionals who don’t have an emotional bond with the things they need to clear. They will go through the possessions, sort unwanted items, items for donations, items for recycling, something to sell, and things to dispose of. If needed, they will consult with you on valuables and family heirlooms they find, but otherwise will do a quick and efficient home clearing operation, leaving you more time for healing and spending time with your loved ones.

Wondering how to hire the right Estate Clear-out Company is perfectly normal

You might be having trouble deciding on a particular Estate Clear-out Company to partner with, given all the emotional distress you are experiencing. The best way to look for the right people is through word of mouth. If some of your friends, colleagues, or neighbors had the assistance of a reliable and reputable team, be sure to ask them for a referral. You can also search the web for positive reviews and testimonials of satisfied clients. Reading personal stories from people who were once in your situation might seem like something you don’t want to do. However, it may prove to be helpful to get a clear picture of what to expect and what to seek from professional clearing services. After all, you will be hiring someone to take care of your loved one’s personal belongings, so investing some time in finding the right company for the job is something you ought to do.

Prepare before hiring estate clearers

To have a successful clearing estate experience, you have to prepare. A good starting point is to go through the documents first. Sort out any legal documents you need to keep and move along to valuable items and items that have sentimental value. When you have acquired all the belongings you deem useful and want to keep, look for a good storage provider where you will keep them. Then, you can locate things you would like to sell and set those aside as well. Pack some of the items you want to keep or sell and transport them to safe storage. Label each box and make sure all boxes are properly sealed. Once in storage, your belongings will be secure and easily reachable if and when you decide to act on your decision to sell or use.

After you have gone through things you want to keep or sell, you can call estate clearing services and acquire a quote. State the rooms you want to clear and give the Estate Clear-out Company precise instructions on what to do with the rest of the items. You don’t have to have all the answers. These trained professionals who deal with decluttering and organizing every day will undoubtedly suggest how to deal with electronics, recyclable items, unwanted furniture, and similar.

Time to make the decision

When you feel confident that you know how to hire the right estate clearing service, you should do it. Use the time to spend with your family and friends, and leave all the daunting tasks to trained specialists. Don’t hesitate to acquire the needed assistance because clearing another person’s house can be more than you can handle. However, if you still feel reluctant to let strangers in your loved one’s house, you can research ways to make the job less stressful for yourself.

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My Kids Don’t Want It- Now What?
Estate Settlement: Tangible Personal Property

By: Regina Lark, Sheri Samotin, Noelle Valentino

When downsizing, there are many precious items that need to be organized with great care

There are many challenges to dismantling an estate – from recovering important documents and hopefully avoiding probate, to deciding what to do with elegant (but worthless) tchotchkes and table linens. The size and scope of some projects can be daunting, even for the most dedicated of adult children, who likely have too much stuff in their own homes to tackle the clear-out of their parents’ household. There are so many moving parts, and often requires a team of experienced, dedicated professionals who work together to settle the estate and get the home ready for sale. An estate attorney, a realtor, and a good handyperson ought to be part of the team.

Dealing with the contents of the property is a different matter. Three professionals: a private fiduciary, an appraiser/valuator of tangible personal property, and a company that specializes in de-cluttering and downsizing, walk us a through their process to dismantle an estate, and the considerations that must be made when helping a family going through this process.

How to Get Started: Build Your Team

Sheri Samotin, Private Professional Fiduciary, LifeBridge Solutions

One of the most frequent comments I hear in my first conversation with a prospective client is, “I’m overwhelmed.” If the prospect is the family member in decluttering and organizing means that everything will be put into a proper place and can be easily found. charge of administering a trust or estate, they have many unfamiliar tasks to handle. Sometimes, I am my own Documents need to be organized professionally uasing a checklist to insure all are in place “client” if I am serving as a designated trustee or administrator. I must make the magic happen regarding clearing and distributing the personal property in accordance with the trust and/or will.

After I have reviewed the relevant documents, it’s time to lay out my strategy. Typically, the first step is to go through the home to locate any valuable items that could “grow feet” and disappear. Those items need to be secured. In addition, we search every nook and cranny for any papers that might be needed to support prior tax returns or to help us file a return. In one recent case, we

thought the decedent was a single man. In fact, when going through his papers, we learned that he had been briefly married as a young man and that the marriage was annulled. Sometimes we are looking for information related to the “family tree” to make sure everyone who is legally entitled to notice receives it. At the same time we are going through the paper, we make “shred” bags for documents that don’t need to be saved but require proper disposal.

Once the paper monster has been tamed, it is time to get an idea of the value of the personal property.

Valuing Tangible Personal Property, Appraisal and Disposition at Auction

Noelle Valentino, Fine and decorative arts specialist; household contents appraiser, John Moran Auctioneers & Appraisals

More often than not, the bulk of the value of an estate’s tangible personal property can be found in just a handful of items. It is important to engage a specialist early in the process to identify the items of significance before they are claimed by relatives, given away, donated, or worse. A qualified tangible appraiser will produce an inventory of household contents, or a formal appraisal report, depending on the needs of the estate. The intended use of the document must be disclosed in the report: equitable distribution, charitable donation, estate tax filing, or something else.

A Clear Path can coordinate the valuation and selling of collections as part of their organizing service For IRS purposes, estates approaching the exemption limit will require a household contents appraisal. The IRS defines art broadly: jewelry, paintings, silver, rugs, decorative objects and more. Outside of tax regulation, there are often issues that arise due to family reasons and an estate appraisal may be recommended to avoid later conflict. For the purposes of distribution among beneficiaries, it is helpful to discuss a minimum value threshold with the appraiser. A fair market value of several hundred dollars is often a good starting point for an object’s inclusion in the report.

Appraisals are considered legal documents and can be relied upon by an attorney, the court, or the IRS. Selecting a personal property appraiser who is USPAP compliant, with membership in one of the three preeminent appraisal organizations, is imperative. Qualified appraisers in your area can be located on the websites of the Appraisers Association of America, International Society of Appraisers, or American Society of Appraisers.

When considering the eventual disposition of assets from an estate, an auction house can also be helpful in identifying the items of greatest value in the home. With the intent to secure new consignments, they will provide free auction estimates. With that said, auction houses are likely to include only the items valued over $1,000 and appealing for bidders in today’s market. Note well that an auction estimate does not take the place of an appraisal. It is however, an advisable sale venue for estate property due to its the broad reach and rapid mode of sale, together ensuring fair market value has been achieved.

When the ‘good stuff’ is gone… Now what?

Regina F. Lark, Ph.D., downsizing and organizational specialist, A Clear Path, LLC

The typical household contains thousands of pieces of tangible personal property. Every room has stuff – some rooms have more stuff than other rooms. Drawers and cupboard and closets are filled with flatware, dishes and clothes. Even if considerable downsizing had already happened, there’s no getting around this fact: we all have to deal with our clients’ stuff.

To get the job done in an efficient and timely way, look for a professional organizing/downsizing company with access to a broad range of resources to complete the dismantling of an estate. Find out what they know, and who they know, when you ask these questions:

What does your business liability cover?
Do you have a project management fee?
Are you able to ship items across, or out of, the country?
Have you encountered a hoarding situation? If so, how do you handle the massive volume of ‘stuff?’
Do you have the ability to sell what the auction house doesn’t want?

After the auction house reviews and removes what I call the “big ticket” items, the remainder of the household contents can be photographed (to attach to donation receipt), packed-up, and hauled to the nearest non-profit. If removal is all that’s required, a good downsizing company can have the estate cleared and ready for the realtor to put on the market.

Another option is working with a traditional estate sale company. They usually spend two weeks tagging everything in the house, around the yard, and in every kitchen drawer. Many estate sale companies charge a percentage of the sale’s gross profits. For example, if the company charges 40% of gross profits and the sale yields $10,000 then you will owe the company $4,000. Be sure to ask about any additional services such as trash removal, post-sale clean-up, etc. If the estate is thick with clutter, does the estate sale company address that, too?

Over the past couples of years, online estate sale auctions have become wildly popular, and MaxSold, a Canadian company with a robust platform, has generated a large footprint in the United States. The concept is simple – an organizing team catalogs every item in the house into what are known as “lots,” distinct groupings of one or more items sold at auction– creating lots of lots! The sale is live online for 7-10 days and every lot begins at $1 (yes, one dollar). The bidding is particularly fast and furious on the final day of bidding. The ultimate split is 70% to the estate and 30% to Max Sold. If a fiduciary hires a team of professionals to dismantle an estate, it will likely come close, break-even, or make money on the sale of the remaining tangible personal property, and quite often, offset the cost of their service.

Conclusion:

Due diligence regarding the estate’s personal property is an important aspect of fiduciary duties. Sentiments tend to run high when it comes to the “stuff.” Suspend bias and remain objective with assets you are unfamiliar with, calling in experts where appropriate. Moreover, encouraging your clients to update their estate plans ahead of time, including a review of existing appraisals with personal property assets, as this can prevent later confusion. Proactive steps in identifying items of value and having a working plan for the disposition of tangible personal property can mitigate the risks and avoid family conflict, or a professional headache.