What Will Your Legacy Be?
Financial wealth probably comes to mind first when thinking about your legacy but consider all your physical possessions—some valuable, some inspirational and just plain “stuff”– that will remain after you’re gone. You may have listed what is to be done with your more valuable possessions in your will but your other belongings are part of your legacy too. What will you be leaving behind?
Lighten the Load Now
In recent years, there has been good deal of media attention on the benefits of simplifying your life by having fewer possessions. Research would seem to back this up with studies showing that keeping unused items can drain and frustrate you while making it difficult to get things done. Too much “stuff” can apparently be a mental hazard, as well as a fire hazard.
One rule of thumb to follow is when you buy something new to replace an object, consider donating, selling or recycling the older item. Giving useful and sentimental items to family members now is another way to help reduce the amount of “stuff” you have. Keep in mind, however, family members may have already acquired what you’d like to give them and may not value items the same way you do.
In addition to the potential benefits for your life, addressing what to do with your possessions now has important implications for your legacy. No one wants to be remembered for a house full of things that will become a burden to loved ones.
Where to Start?
Even if your family doesn’t need or want some of your excess belongings, there are ways you can act on securing a good home for your items now and even turning them into cash. Often the problem is knowing where to start. Bringing in an expert like a Senior Move Manager can be instrumental in helping you deal with a lifetime’s worth of belongings.
A Senior Move Manager® can give you an assessment of your items and provide you with options. For example, your old kitchen table might not be in the best shape but instead of gathering dust in the garage it could be of tremendous use to a local charity. Other furniture may just need some love. A Senior Move Manager® can coordinate a meeting with furniture restorers and resellers for you.
Your family may not be interested in your Christmas train collection or antique golf clubs but a Senior Move Manager® r will know who is and can help you connect with them. So not only is there the possibility of cash for your collectables, you’ll know they will be going to someone who will treasure them.
More every day, non-collectible items can be included in a multi-client estate sale arranged by Senior Move Manager®. This option works well for people who prefer to work with a few items at a time.
So, think about your legacy in terms of all your possessions, not just your financial wealth and valuables. Determining what to do with your possessions now gives you control of what will happen to them, can bring in some extra cash and will ease the burden on your loved ones after you’re gone. Hiring a Senior Move Manager® to help with the process means less stress for you and finding the best possible options for your belongings.