Michigan Estate Guide: How to Decide What to Keep, Store, Sell, or Donate

When sorting a loved one''s estate, every item becomes a question: Should we keep this? Should we store it? Should we auction it? Should we donate it? Decision fatigue sets in quickly, especially in emotionally charged moments.

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This guide offers a simple, compassionate, Michigan-specific framework to help families make decisions without regret.

6 Steps to Decide What to Keep, Store, Sell, or Donate

1

Ask the Right Questions

For each item, ask: 1. Does this item have emotional significance? If yes → KEEP or STORE. 2. Does it have resale value? If yes → SELL. 3. Is it useful but not sentimental? If yes → DONATE. 4. Is it damaged, unsafe, or unusable? If yes → DISPOSE. This removes the pressure of "perfect" decisions.

2

What to KEEP

Keep items that: - Carry family stories - Have deep sentimental meaning - Are tied to identity or heritage - Are specifically willed to someone - Are essential for future reference (documents, medals, photos) These items should be packed carefully.

3

What to SELL (Auction)

Auctionable items often include: - Tools - Collectibles - Vintage furniture - Art - Jewelry - Musical instruments - Military items - High-quality décor - Antiques Auctioneers can evaluate borderline items.

4

What to STORE

Store items when: - Family needs time to decide - Emotions are too high to make choices - The home needs to be cleared quickly - The estate is large and overwhelming - Certain heirs can''t travel immediately - Items require climate control Storage is a bridge between uncertainty and clarity.

5

What to DONATE

Donate items that: - Are useful but have low resale value - No family member wants - Are too bulky to keep - Serve a better purpose in the community Donation reduces clutter and honors your loved one through generosity.

6

What to DISPOSE OF

Dispose of: - Broken items - Damaged furniture - Old electronics - Expired goods - Hazardous materials Removing these early makes sorting easier.

A Gentle Closing: Support If You Need Help Sorting or Storing During the Decision Process

If you''re sorting a Michigan estate and need temporary space or help staying organized, we can provide:

  • Totes delivered to the home
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Optional cataloging
  • Gentle pickup from the property
  • Delivery of any item when needed

But whether you use our service or not, we hope this guide gives you clarity, structure, and peace as you make decisions that honor your loved one.

Need help sorting and storing estate items? Get started with our organized storage solution designed to support families during estate transitions.

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