Confession time: Losing things drives me nuts. From a $10 tube of lipstick vanishing into the abyss of my purse to an earring mysteriously dropping off somewhere between point A and point B. It’s maddening!
This is also something that angers me for my clients as well. Nothing grinds my gears more than finding out a family member or caregiver has gotten a sudden case of sticky fingers.
Imagine finding out your inherited treasures have poofed into thin air.I once had a client who lived in a different state. After her mother passed away, she discovered that her mother’s jewelry collection had vanished. Upon arriving at her mother’s house and checking the place where the jewelry had been stored, she was stunned to find all the jewelry boxes empty.
With another client, shortly after the family matriarch passed away, a relative zipped into her house and zoomed out with a multi-million dollar coin collection that had been kept unsecured in a bedroom closet.
Here’s the hard truth: when a home stands empty, it can turn into a free-for-all. Maybe it’s the cousin claiming rights to grandma’s jewels for her chauffeur duties or the uncle who eyes the antique silverware. Suddenly, everyone’s racing U-Hauls to claim their share.
First things first: Lock it down. Whether it’s a house, car, or boat, securing the property is crucial. You wouldn’t believe how many ‘friendly neighbors’ suddenly want to browse through belongings after someone passes—yes, it’s as creepy as it sounds.
So, what’s the plan?
- Create a detailed inventory of personal property, complete with descriptions, receipts, provenance, history, and appraisals where necessary.
- Clear communication is key. Let your family know who gets what to avoid any wishbone-like tugging over your prized possessions.
- Consider gifting now to prevent tomorrow’s disputes and ensure your items go exactly where you intend.
Need help organizing? Our friends at Artifcts are on it! They’ve created waterproof QR sticker labels that connect your physical valuables to their digital records. Now, organizing everything from grandma’s vintage brooch to your coveted collectible spoons is as easy as a quick scan.
And about those scans… Here at AfterLight, we’re stepping up our game. With the latest Matterport technology, we transform your living spaces into fully immersive 3D models. Capturing everything from the layout to the very essence of your cherished memories, starting at just 40 cents per square foot. These Legacy Scans are your ultimate digital safeguard against floods, fires, or yes, even spontaneous U-Haul races.
Click here for a sneak peek at our Legacy Scans or book your discovery call now. Let’s ensure your treasures are not just counted and cataloged but cherished far into the future.
