What is the State of your Estate?

By: Marsha Beaton

Nothing like rummaging through the "before sale" goods to really motivate me to want to come home and get my STUFF in order! I have a good friend who has managed estate sales for years, and really loves what she does. As in every job, (and that is a job!)...I was reminded that it takes all kinds of people to be able to complete all kinds of jobs! She called me yesterday to see if I'd like to look through the house in the earliest stages, because she said there was everything you could imagine! Not wanting to miss out on something fabulous, I went...and I looked through a lot of items before buying just a very few things for resale, but left wondering how she would EVER complete the job and get it ready for a sale!

The home had been closed up for 7 years, and I don't think a thing had been done to it before closing the door, or since that time! Bottles of black ketchup still were in the cupboard....sinks were stopped up...pet odors lingered...and boxes upon boxes of old bills, bank statements, cards, dog collars...you name it....were in corners in every closet. It made me sad to think about the lady who has been in a nursing home for these many years now....wondering what she would be thinking if she knew people were rummaging through her drawers and closets, looking for a treasure and wanting a great bargain at the same time.

I thought about my own home, and wondered what people would say about me if suddenly I was gone and someone else was left to dispose of all my earthly goods. Would they not just be amazed at all the Fire King mugs one person could own.....or just the magnitude of items I've collected over the years, whether for sale or to keep? Would they find papers that should have been shredded years ago, that although neatly hidden in drawers, are there? Would they find instructions about how I chose to disperse my antiques to the people I love?

Is your Will or Trust in order? Have you named a Power of Attorney? Do you have a Living Will? Have you started working on projects so many times, and never completed them? That would be me! However, I came away from that home that once belonged to someone whom I know loved being there....that is no longer consulted about where her "stuff" will go......Her STUFF will be tossed, bought and sold...and she'll never know it.

I came home with a new resolve to finish the projects I've started......go through my own papers and shred them myself.....clean my closets, drawers and pantry.....and try to have my home always clean enough for strangers or friends alike to walk through at a moment's notice, and not pass judgement. Today is a new day....I will do what I can, and work more on it tomorrow, and in the days to come.

As for the lady who is cleaning out the estate and making it ready for a sale...I commend her on her love for this business, and am thankful that someone wants to do it! I know from the estate sales she's managed that I've attended...in time this place will look great, and will be appealing to those who come...but she surely has her work cut out for her! Days of digging in not so desirable surroundings are ahead for her, but she'll get it done.....she always does....and the families she helps are so grateful for her diligence and expertise!

And for the lady in the nursing home....God Bless Her! I'm just thankful she doesn't have to witness all the people coming and going from her home that once was her private domain. And finally...as for you, Have a blessed day, and join me in getting your stuff in order!

Article Source: https://www.collectibles-articles.com

Marsha Beaton.....The Loft Antiques
loghomeantiques.rubylane.com

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