Life lessons:
Something from which useful knowledge or principles can be learned.
I’ve had my share of these. That’s what they say helps us grow and learn. And I did! Long before I realized organizing could be a career I was face to face with mounds of papers, pictures, furniture and stuff. Before mom and dads death I had assumed mom was the most organized woman ever. Coming to this conclusion by looking at her desk area and notebooks she kept, knowing she researched many companies about her pre planning, wills and such, and then, life lessons come rolling in….Mom was not the most organized person that lived. She actually ranked in the top 10 of the worst! I discovered this the hard way.
Where are the papers I need? Who was the lawyer? What are we going to do? Didn’t she have life insurance? Where are all the family vacation photos? What am I going to do with all this “stuff”? I never had these questions before that time came. I wish I had asked! Trying to move forward from the death of my mom and dad I realized it had to be done and I was the one to do it. Needless to say, we survived and learned many life lessons… after death.
As uncomfortable and painful as it may be, my message to you is: be prepared and organized before that time comes. So I’d like to highlight a few of the many life lessons I learned along my newly found organizational journey. Here are a few:
Ask questions and listen
When your loved ones are still here and telling you information (things you really don’t want to hear because it’s not going to happen for a long time right?), LISTEN to them and ask questions, write down and document what they say even if it feels uncomfortable. And keep in mind, unfortunately, age doesn’t matter. I have had this conversation with my adult children too.
Legal Documentation & Pre-planning
Every situation is different but I feel it’s extremely important to have up to date wills & legal documentation of what your wishes are after passing. Pre-planning is so important either through your funeral home, lawyer, or your loved ones. Have that one person or persons you trust to take care of your estate. Research the law and your survivor’s rights. This will save your loved ones much grief in decision making.
Organize your Documents
Keep all your important documents organized in one place and tell someone where they are. Insurance policies, Medical and Life Insurance policies, banking information, deeds, titles, wills, pre planning info.
Designate & Declutter
If you have important family heirlooms or sentimental items designate them to certain family members. Keep in mind that this generation does not collect all the figurines, plates & dolls like prior generations used to. Consider downsizing your stuff. I kept only a few select items from mom and dad to remember them by because they were not their stuff.
Scan your family photos
If you have more than one child or multiple family members, scan your family photos so each family member will have their own copy. These will be one of the most important treasures to hold on to – I know it was mine.
I hope my life lessons have inspired you to ask yourself whether you are organized and prepared. What about the loved ones I’m leaving behind? If you need help with downsizing, organizing your files and documents, or scanning your family photos we can help you.