Self-Storage Helps When Handling an Estate

By John Doe

Published on April 15, 2020

Estate planning is an important part of life, but some people neglect to leave a record of their clear intentions. When an estate gets held up due to probate and disagreements among relatives of a deceased loved one, consider using a self-storage unit. Most loved ones will agree to put antiques, family heirlooms, records, furniture, and artwork in a storage unit while working through the details of probate.

If you have an estate attorney involved in the process, check to make sure it's acceptable. In some cases, family members aren't at odds about who will get what item after a loved one passes away, but they can't necessarily get a moving truck and haul away the furniture or artwork until a later date.

Talking to Key Family Members

After grieving the loss of a loved one and comforting relatives and friends, find out what people in the family want to do with any possessions left behind. It's possible one sister would love to have a special portrait while a nephew could use practical items such as mattresses or a kitchen table. The will might stipulate that a dresser goes to a specific person who plans to visit the Greater Toronto area in several months' time. Not everyone who attends the funeral is able to retrieve items at that time. To reduce stress, organize items in a storage unit so no one feels hurried to gather the items. Communication is key to reduce anxiety and any feelings of resentment.

Organizing the Items in Storage

When placing items of a deceased loved one in storage, keep careful records. Label the boxes and furniture according to the loved one's wishes. If they did not stipulate who should receive an item, consult with an estate attorney or the executor of the will. In addition to labeling the boxes, consider sending a statement to other relatives and the executor about what's in the storage unit. It's a good idea to avoid mixing your personal items with the deceased relatives' belongings.

When someone passes away, it's a difficult time for loved ones. Enlist the help of friends and family to put items in storage. Talk to loved ones before throwing anything away as well. At Bluebird Self Storage, we help our clients choose the right size from our clean, safe, and modern storage units.

Frequently Asked Self Storage Questions

What size storage unit is right for me?

Finding the right storage unit depends on the number of possessions you plan on storing at our facility. The more items you have, the more space you’ll need. At every Bluebird facility, we offer units ranging from below 5’ x 5’ to 10’ x 30’ or even larger, so you can find the right amount of storage space. To find the right unit size, explore our Storage Unit Size Guide or read this resource to see which unit fits your needs best.

Can I buy boxes and packing supplies at Bluebird?

Yes! If you’re about to move into a storage unit, our facility offers moving and storage supplies that help protect your belongings. Our supplies range from boxes, packing tape, mattress and furniture covers, and so much more!

How long can I rent a unit?

We don’t have any long-term agreements at Bluebird, so you can rent your unit for as little as a month or two or upwards of a year if you’d like! If circumstances change, we can always extend or shorten your storage stay with us.

How do I access my storage unit?

You, selected family, and any business associates can access your local facility by using our secure keypad entry using a personal security code. Individual units are protected by a lock that is only accessible by the customer. Only contacts you authorize will be able to access your unit.

Typical daily access hours are from 6AM - 11PM, so you can always access your stuff when you need it. Check with the location nearest you for more information about access hours.

Bio

Bio Details