Mom had some surgery end of May and will be in Transitional Care (skilled nursing facility ) and then to either ALF, or remain in SNF. I am her DPOA. She has asked me to "get the house ready for sale." She has many items that are not listed in the Personal Property section of her Will-- things like some furniture, sewing machine, exercise equipment (maybe put that on curb with a "FREE " sign....). In other words, she seems to want me to clear it out-- but siblings are hankering to be let into the house....(mind you these are the Very Same Ones who couldn't do anything to help take care of their own Mother)....they want me to let them into the house so they can take stuff... Well, how in the world is that going to go smoothly? Do I first remove all the items that ARE on the Personal Property Lists and then just open it all up to the sibs? What if one sib takes more than someone who couldn't get there in time? I predict chaos. And I am trying to spend my energy visiting mom every day. I go back, to what mom SAID, "get the house ready for sale, get rid of stuff. " what does everyone think, just keep it locked up and tell the sibs they're out of luck? Mom's & my church is having a rummage sale in 3 wks. I'm tempted to just bring it all there (save the Personal Prop List items in my own basement). Want to what mom wants, and what is easiest for me too.
To me it would seem selling the items at a 'living' estate sale would be fair; as others have noted the money could go to here care. At the end of the sale if items didn't see they could be donated and a receipt received. It is important that everything is done with the thought that she may need Medicaid or review the finances for another reason so keep good records and I would hire an sale manager. And BTW some sewing machines are worth a little bit of money anyway. I collect them!
My father hired an estate sale manager when my Grandmother died and my father was executor. The items that my Grandmother designated were given to the intended recipients and then all the rest was put in the sale. Relative and friends were welcome to come and buy them at the sale.
You could ask your siblings to email you (brief) lists of any items of particular sentimental value that they would like, which you can then set to one side for them on a first-come first-served basis. That way at least they will have to care enough about an object to remember that it exists, which gives you some kind of filter.
As long as you are acting on your mother's instructions, which you are, you are free to sell any items and add the proceeds to your mother's account. If you want to give things away to deserving recipients or charities, it might be best to check with her that she is happy with that in principle, and just keep a note of anything of any actual dollar value.
This is a harrowing process, but you'll be glad when it's done. Hugs.
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