“All This Stuff”: What Will Happen to Your Collections When You're Gone?

We all collect things. Some of us have shelves full of books we love, boxes of family photos, vintage records, sports memorabilia, or Grandma’s china tucked away in storage. These things hold memories, identity, and value—sometimes sentimental, sometimes financial, sometimes both.

But here’s the question no one wants to ask:

What happens to all of this stuff when you’re gone?

The Emotional Side of "Things"

Your children might not want your stamp collection. Your niece might not have room for your antique furniture. And your beloved vinyl albums? They could end up in a thrift store if you haven’t made it clear what you want done with them.

Estate planning isn’t just about money, homes, or titles. It’s also about the stuff that tells the story of your life.

Why This Matters in Estate Planning

When people don’t make plans for their personal belongings, family members are left to sort through it—sometimes while grieving, often while disagreeing. These "small items" can spark major conflict.

• Who gets Mom’s jewelry?
• What happens to Dad’s tools?
• Who decides if the photo albums are kept or tossed?

Without instructions, families often guess—or argue.

What You Can Do Now

Here’s how you can start:

1. Take Inventory – Walk through your home and document the collections or items that matter to you.
2. Talk to Your Family – Ask who wants what. You might be surprised by the answers.
3. Leave Instructions – In your estate plan, include a personal property memorandum or letter that outlines who should receive specific items.
4. Declutter with Purpose – If you know some items won’t be wanted, consider donating or selling them now while you can decide.

Final Thought

Estate planning isn’t just about what you leave behind, but how you leave it. Taking the time to plan for your personal belongings—your stuff—can save your loved ones stress, arguments, and uncertainty.

Ready to start planning? Book a call today.