Each July 25th, I dedicate the day to remembering my mother, who passed away on this date in 2001. As a professional organizer with over three decades of experience, I often assist clients in sorting through the belongings and documents left by a deceased parent or help those who wish to organize their affairs for future ease. My personal experience of not having had the chance to discuss these matters with my mother before she passed has deeply influenced my approach. I am committed to ensuring that I do not leave behind a disorganized legacy.
Here are a few practical tips to help you assist your parents in organizing their important matters:
- Identify key topics to discuss with your parents ahead of the meeting, such as medications, locations of important documents, wills, and estate plans.
- Set a specific date and time for this crucial conversation.
- Prepare a list of topics you wish to cover and review it during your meeting to ensure nothing is missed.
- Ensure that all documents are current and reflect the latest information.
- Organize all pertinent information and items to ensure easy access when needed.
- Tackle this process in manageable segments to avoid overwhelming yourself or your parents. For example, one session might focus solely on organizing household bills to maintain clarity on monthly payments.
What steps will you take to initiate this conversation and organize your parents’ important documents? When will you start this essential task? Be sure to explore the organizing tool I recommend—the Next Of Kin box—to keep your documents orderly and prevent any potential mess for your loved ones.
Photo/Image: grplamondon
