Mary, Ann,
I too have no sentimental need for my kids to keep any of the things that I have either made or owned. What I want is for them to have it easy when I die. I don¡¯t want them to have to try to figure out what to do with the stuff. I also want them to know which things belonged to their grandparents and great-grandparent so that they can keep them if they wish to.?
I have decided to start a document with photos of each item that I think is either valuable - either monetary or sentimental and leave that as information for them. None of this is related to craft stuff.?
I am going to make plans for the craft stuff separately and just leave instructions on what to do with it.?
What they do with the stuff is up to them but I don¡¯t want to leave them with work to do.?
Ann,?
I my thinking has evolved to align more with your position on our valued possessions.? I've acquired a number of items of great value to me that have cost me a good bit of money.? I have enjoyed them all, but I recognize that they are tools for what many regard as arcane hobbies.?
Fine harmonicas, luthier made ukuleles, big computerized sewing equipment,? spinning wheel, and expensive hand made needle sets, not to mention the expensive yarns kitted up and my craft library of rare books.? Yeah, it's a lot.? Add to that, my husband is known for making 18th century reproduction furniture - who wants "brown furniture" right now?? Almost no one, even if the builder has a good reputation!
I also know that my son and daughter in law have zero interest in? these things.? I don't fault them for that in the least.? I kind of like the fact that they have their own interests and tastes.
I also know that when I'm dead, I'm dead.? I'm pretty philosophical about what happens to the things I've enjoyed during my life.? Once I'm gone, I will no longer be concerned about these valuable items, and I know just how easy it is to dispose of them.? For me, that's what an estate sale or auction is for and my children know that.? I did this with my parents' estate and it was no problem at all.
I've given away some sewing machines to people who will use them and needed them.? I'll probably do this with other things too, but I know it won't be enough to dispose of everything.
When I go, it's all theirs.? They can keep what they wish and dispose of the rest without much trouble.? They are secure in their careers and won't need the $$$ from these bits and bobs.?
I also know that if and when these things are sold, they can donate the funds generated to charity or keep the money: their choice.? I also know whomever acquires these items for a song will cherish them, and that alone makes me happy.? I kind of like the idea of someone finding a steal deal of one of my musical instruments, an instrument they could never have purchased without finding it in an estate sale.
All the other ideas expressed here are wonderful too, but as a lawyer who has handled estates,? I'm most comfortable with having my estate matters and disposition of items as simple as possible.
Mary.
