Estate planning is usually done and then forgotten.
Rarely do people think through the logistics of how their estate might be settled, and often, they forget how much stuff they have.
What makes handling or settling an estate especially more difficult is that the executor has to methodically review the will and distribute the estate assets properly. Usually, this is very time-consuming and done when family and friends are trying to process their own grief.
In other cases, settling an estate becomes more complicated if probate is required, or if the remaining relatives or loved ones disagree on certain items. In these cases, the executor may be obligated to wait before distributing the estate assets, and because the executor may not be certain on timing, this could freeze the whole estate.
Overall, settling an estate is difficult work. There are often many emotions involved, and the items being distributed are meaningful, which is why the process cannot be rushed.
A flexible solution for families handling an estate is renting a self-storage unit. And most families and loved ones will agree that the executor can place items into self-storage while handling the estate, because there are so many benefits:
A self-storage unit will save the estate money and help eliminate unnecessary stress while the estate is being settled.
Here are 6 important tips and advice to consider when renting a storage locker for estate purposes (or otherwise):
1. Keep records of which items are stored where.
2. In addition to labelling boxes, take a picture of the unit prior to locking it. This will help locate items remotely and also is evidence of which items are stored.
3. If the estate is complicated, it is recommended to take a formal, written inventory, and email it to yourself and, if an estate lawyer is being used, to the legal counsel as well.
4. A definite rule is that only the deceased’s items should be storage in the storage unit. Co-mingling friends’ or relatives’ personal belongings is a sure way to unnecessarily complicate the storage arrangement and lead to arguments and access issues.
5. It's very important to establish who should have access to the storage unit and who should rent the storage unit.
6. In addition to agreeing on who is renting the self storage unit, there must be agreement on who is paying that rent (and being reimbursed from the estate).
At Storage Solutions, we understand these feelings and issues and we can provide support and the right self-storage solution. We make renting outdoor drive-up storage units and indoor heated or climate-controlled storage units from our Milton self-storage facility, Woodstock self-storage facility and Ary self-storage facility fast and easy.
Check out our sizing & pricing page to help figure out the right sized storage unit to rent. And for added convenience, visit our YouTube channel to watch online tours of our facilities and the different sizes and types of storage units we have for rent.
If you need self-storage while you're settling an estate, call, text or email us. If you're ready to rent and prefer to do it yourself online, no problem! You can rent 24/7 online through our website and pay online too.
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Your friend in self-storage,
Storage Solutions