Going through an estate move can be challenging and fraught with many heavy emotions. As you try to manage the potentially complex logistical aspects of such a large-scale move, how can you find the time to process your grief? As you prepare for an estate move, we've put together some practical advice, based on our years of moving experience, to help you get through this as efficiently as possible.
Understanding the Emotional Challenges of Estate Moves
One of the most important steps you can take is to understand and accept the emotions that you're feeling. No matter the cause for an estate move, you'll likely experience a variety of negative emotions, from sadness to fear. As you go through belongings, many of which may have strong memories attached to them, those feelings will likely be amplified. Along with your emotions, you'll also be faced with the potential stress of the move itself.
These are all normal feelings. Organizing estate moves is much different than planning a cross-country move or moving for your career, which is why you'll need a solid plan. Preparing yourself with one won't make the emotions disappear, but it can make the process more efficient.
Logistical Planning for Estate Moves
The most important of all the estate moving tips is a clear plan and timeline. You should make this your priority, as the faster you get through this, the sooner you'll be with your friends and family and can focus on processing your grief.
First, you'll want to give yourself enough time to sort through the belongings. Depending on the size of the estate, this could be just a few hours or a few days. You must carefully review each item and decide what to keep, sell, or donate.
Ensure you have a plan for inventory management. These three piles will likely get big, and you don't want someone to donate something with sentimental value that you intend to keep. Use checklists and labels to track everything carefully. If you're putting things into storage, you should create a digital tracker so you can always know what's in storage without having to sort through everything.
As you pack up the boxes, remember to use best practices such as:
- Packing similar items in the same boxes.
- Labeling boxes.
- Marking fragile items.
- Using lots of bubble wrap or tissue to protect items.
- Using high-quality boxes.
A highly recommended step in estate relocation planning is to hire professional movers. You won't have the time or emotional bandwidth to physically move all the items during this challenging time. Consider hiring professional movers as an investment in your mental health — they can take this one big thing off your plate.
Also, consider looking at storage options. If it's a large estate move, there may be many items you want to keep (like antiques), but you may not have the space for all of them. Or you might be internationally located and know that transporting items out of the country is too expensive. Find a local storage solution that is affordable, secure, and close to your home.
Practical Estate Moving Tips for Handling Sentimental Objects
One of the hardest parts of an estate move is dealing with the sentimental items. It's hard to balance the emotional value of items versus the practicality if you can (and should) keep them.
When sorting through items, consider making a memory box so you're limited to what can fit into the box. Remember, one option is to photograph an object rather than keep it.
Here are some tips on how to let go of items during an estate move:
- Donate items to meaningful causes.
- Pass heirlooms to family members.
- Ask family members or friends to get involved for support and perspective.
- Ask yourself why you're putting something in storage. Is it to sit there for years? Or do you intend to use it later on? For example, if a chair means a lot to you, putting the furniture in your home is better than sitting in a storage locker.
- Often, estate moves are adult children going through losing a senior parent. If that's your situation, you'll need to make sure all children are involved and in agreement with the decisions made about the belongings.
How Ship Smart Can Help With Your Estate Move
With over 20 years of experience in the moving industry, our dedicated team has the expertise needed to take some of the weight off your shoulders.
For estate moves, our process is built to take as much weight off your shoulders as possible. As you sort through items and begin dividing them among family and close friends, you may find that some require shipping to multiple distant destinations. Our team will pick up and pack items into individual shipments before shipping them out to each destination. No matter how many different destinations there are, you'll only be charged for one pickup.
By letting us focus on the logistics, you can take the time you need to process your emotions.
Get the Help You Need in Your Estate Move
Dealing with sentiments in relocation will never be easy. There's no escaping the hard emotions of an estate move, but you can take steps to make it go as efficiently as possible.
Don't forget to care for yourself and seek support during this process. As friends and family to help you sort through items, take breaks when you need to, and hire professional movers to do the heavy lifting.
If you're ready to book movers, contact Ship Smart for a smooth estate move experience. Our professional movers are experienced in dealing with estate moves and will support you through this process. Call (866) 333-8018 today and save with a 10% discount.
