|
Sign up for free organizing tips:
Newsletter Archives
December 2011
Fresh Start
November 2011
Organizing for a Flight
October 2011
Closet Organizing
September 2011
Organizing for Retirement
August 2011
Warning Signs of Disorganization
July 2011
Essential Organizing Tools
June 2011
Where Do I Start?
May 2011
Reclaim the Garage
April 2011
In Case of Emergency
March 2011
Organizing for Dementia
February 2011
Organizing for Guests
January 2011
Paper Overwhelm
December 2010
Top Ten Causes of Disorganization Revisited
November 2010
Just in Case…Organizing for Death
October 2010
Kitchen Organizing
September 2010
Photo Organizing
August 2010
It’s the Small Things
July 2010
Procrastination
June 2010
Expert Organizing Tips
May 2010
Tips from my Clients
April 2010
Tips for Setting Up a Garage Sale
March 2010
Unusual Ways to Organize
February 2010
Staging your Home for Sale
January 2010
Favorite Places to Buy Organizing Products
December 2009
Wrapping It Up
November 2009
Prepare the Pantry
October 2009
Costumes & Decorations
September 2009
Enough
August 2009
Help for the Home Office
July 2009
Getting Crafty
June 2009
A Better Bedroom
May 2009
Eco Organizing
April 2009
Getting Ready to Garden
March 2009
The Path To Clutter
February 2009
Easing Into Downsizing
January 2009
Organizing For Renovation
December 2008
Organizing For Next Year
November 2008
More Of My Favorite Organizing Tools
October 2008
Making Life Easier
September 2008
Clearing The Closet
August 2008
How To Let Go Of Stuff
July 2008
Managing Medical Records
June 2008
Road Trip Organizing
May 2008
Collections Instead of Clutter
April 2008
Getting Ready for Tax Time
March 2008
Where to Begin
February 2008
When You Want to Help
January 2008
Top Ten Causes of Disorganization
December 2007
Organize for Air Travel
November 2007
Organize for Small Spaces
October 2007
When Life Happens, Reorganize
September 2007
Bathroom Organizing
August 2007
Paper Organizing
July 2007
Uncluttered Kids' Rooms
June 2007
Top Ten Organizing Tools
May 2007
Grapple The Garage
April 2007
Managing Your Time
March 2007
Spring Organizing
February 2007
Help for Caregivers of Aging Parents
January 2007
National Get Organized Month
December 2006
Year End Organizing
November 2006
Give Thanks for Being Organized
October 2006
Holiday Kitchen Organization
September 2006
In Case of a Weather Emergency - Organize!
August 2006
Back to School Organizing
July 2006
Declare your Independence from Summer Clutter
|
ORGANIZING TIPS OF THE MONTH: NOVEMBER 2010
Just in Case…Organizing for Death
There are two sure things in life—death and taxes. As much as we try to avoid both, they always touch our lives sooner or later. Nothing about death is easy, but being organized can help ease burdens during a very emotional and overwhelming time. Let people know what you want and where things are.
- Get It in Writing and Make It Legal: Care enough about your family and friends to get your last wishes in writing in a legal document. You may think everyone knows how you want your estate divided. The truth is arguments over money can tear your family apart. Hire a professional who is an expert in estate planning. This is one area where you get what you pay for. Use caution with online wills or estate planning software. Have a lawyer review the documents.
- Get It in Writing and Make It Personal: A will or trust will take care of the big stuff. Personal directives take care of the sentimental items and let people know what kind of memorial you want, down to your favorite hymns and flowers. You may just want people to celebrate your life, not with a service, but by going to your favorite restaurant. Let them know firmly what you want ahead of time.
- Get It Together: Gather your important papers in a file drawer or document box and label the contents clearly. Have folders for a copy of your will, list of bank accounts and investments, tax files, insurance policies, and mortgage information. Let your executor know where to look for the documents. Send copies to a trusted person in a different location in case of natural disaster.
- Lots of Lists: Have a file of lists with accounts and phone numbers—people you want contacted, utility companies, automatic payments, subscriptions, outstanding loans, location of safe deposit box and key, charge accounts, various insurance companies, pension plans, prepaid funeral arrangements. Keep the list updated and supply a copy to the trusted person who will be handling your estate.
- Plan for Pets: You will rest easier if you know you have made arrangements ahead of time for someone to care for your pet. You may want to make financial provisions in your will for their care.
- Key importance: Make sure a family member and a trusted neighbor both have keys to your house. Someone needs quick access to your house in case of an emergency.
- Pass the Word: Many people keep financial records on their computers and do online banking, investments and bill pay. Make sure your executor has a list of your passwords. Give them instructions about removing you from social networking sites.
- Forward the Mail: Designate someone who will receive your mail. Put a large reminder in your file. People often forget about having the deceased person’s mail forwarded.
- Back to Taxes: Make life easier for your executor by providing the name and number of the person who prepares your taxes and by keeping copies of your tax documents in a file with your other important papers. The executor will have to file a final tax return for you.
- Get Over It: Too many times people wrinkle up their noses and say they don’t want to think about it when encouraged to prepare a will or a trust. Get over it. You do not want someone else deciding who will be guardians for your children or who will inherit your house. Give a final gift to those you love by organizing for your demise.
©All Sorted Out, 2010 All Rights Reserved
|
