We worked hard all of our lives, and accumulated a house-full of possessions solicitors call chattels. Some one has the task of disposing of our chattels amicably after we pass away. This is not a pleasant duty, but it is something that must be done.
The law will have a role to play in terms of appointing an executor. But all they will have to guide them is the will, and other instructions we leave behind. Is we choose to be silent though, our executor’s task will not end there. They will have to abide by the law of inheritance, which says our closest relatives inherit everything.
Proactively Managing Disposal of Chattels
There is no substitute for leaving a will, which lays down the ground rules for who inherits the value we leave behind. We suggest asking a solicitor to draw up the document, just to make sure it is legal and correct. Disposing of our chattels is often going to prove controversial. Try to avoid this if you can.
Discuss Matters With Those Who Inherit
After our life is over we can’t change anything. We should discuss our chattels while we are still alive, to find out who would like to inherit what. Resolve any differences of opinion while you are still with the people in your will. We can’t force a gift on anyone, if they would rather have the cash.
After a person dies, there’s almost inevitably some conflict between their heirs, each determined to get what they consider to be ‘their fair right’. If you have valuable chattels you may like to consider having them valued first. Then your executor can go ahead with disposing of your chattels, hopefully without causing conflict.
Ice Cream Cart ©Avery Associates
Simplify Things By Disposing of Clutter
The average home in England is probably at least 25% full of low value clutter. This is a situation that comes upon us all gradually. However, it is not the same as compulsive hoarding though. It does not disturb our lifestyle. Although when the time comes, we could all do without the clutter.
This situation may arise if we decide to downsize to a smaller home, or perhaps to settle down to retirement living. We won’t have control over our chattels after we die. House clearance services are available, although not all of these can distinguish collectibles from clutter.
Real Value or Just Memories ©Avery Associates
Disposing of Our Chattels After We Die
The situation changes after we die. Our executor may focus on disposing of our chattels as quickly as possible, unless they are a close friend to whom they may be treasured memories. Our heirs will enter our homes as soon as possible, to lay claim to the chattels they believe are theirs.
It is never nice to imagine our home being taken apart as quickly as as possible. But we can simplify matters by drawing up an inventory of our possessions, which includes a note of who we would like to receive what. Another alternative is to sell the lot out of hand, and share the cash between the heirs.
Appointing a Probate House Clearance Service
Is it our imagination, or are people less interested in items from the past nowadays? Certainly, more and more of them inhabit a virtual world, where everything is portable and has a battery. If you have a collection of something valuable or interesting from the past, will anybody appreciate it after clearing out the house?
Will Anybody Appreciate Our Chattels ©Avery Associates
Consider nominating a professional probate house clearance service in your will, to survey your chattels and other possessions in your house after you die. They would work in tandem with your executor. But with a different lens, because they are looking for intrinsic value of interest to collectors.
Value really is in the eye of a beholder. Most people might view the items in the images we share above, as good only for a charity shop. Avery Associates handled all of those items personally. We can assure you they sold for more money than you might imagine though your own eyes.
Avery Associates Assists with Disposal of Chattels
Avery Associates has supported clients disposing of chattels since 1978, when we began offering our service in London and Greater London. Since then we extended our operation throughout the South of England. We’d like to wrap this up by describing this particular service in more detail.
First, we inspect our clients properties, and complete a probate valuation for estate tax purposes. This is a legal requirement before any executor may commence their work. We identify any items of collectible value during this phase, and offer to sell them on behalf of the client.
Our second phase, which is also optional, involves clearing the house of all other moveable possessions. Some we recommend sending to a charity shop as a donation, such as modern furniture for example. We take these cares away from our clients’ minds, and replace them with spotlessly clean homes in return.
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