As trustee of my mother’s estate, I recently went through the process of dividing up my mother’s jewelry among my siblings.
When my siblings arrived, I knew the distribution wouldn’t go according to plan because dynamics change when people get together. Who knew my sister would be so attached to a bracelet no one had seen my mother wear, or that a sunflower pin I thought no one would want would be so wanted?
I know from experience that going into any situation where I am the leader results in a better outcome if I’m prepared, even though I know without a doubt the plan will change because people change when they get together. However, having a plan relaxes my mind. A plan gives me the opportunity to think through possible problems and come up with a variety of solutions.
No one comes out of an estate distribution without some scars when five siblings are involved; but, having an organized plan made each part of the distribution feel as though I was handling my mother’s things with respect and gratitude.
Nancy Nemitz owns Create the Space Professional Organizing. She is currently helping clients virtually. To avoid phone tag, it’s best to contact Nancy by email at nancy@createthespace.com.