Appraisal examinations are available by onsite, virtually, or by remote photo.

Checklist: 10 Things to Do With Your Stuff Before Estate Division | Without Causing a War

1. Photograph Each Room Quietly - Capture wide shots + close-ups of important items. We are currently working on an equitable distribution appraisal guide to assist with this, such as taking images of framed artwork under glass.

2. Make a Quick List of High-Value Items - Art, jewelry, watches, musical instruments, collectibles, tools, electronics, sports memorabilia, antiques, and other items that may be considered high value.

3. Gather Any Receipts or Certificates - Appraisals, insurance schedules, warranties, or invoices.

4. Identify Sentimental Items - These often cause the biggest emotional conflict later.

5. Make a note of whether each item is meant to go to a specific person or if the property will be divided by value. To keep everything organized, create a key—either with names or numbers—so everyone can easily understand how items are intended to be distributed.

6. Document Collections - Coins, sports memorabilia, handbags, firearms, etc.

7. Note Condition Issues - Damage, wear, missing parts—important for valuation.

8. Create a Simple Inventory Spreadsheet - Item → Location → Photo → Notes → Estimated Purchase Price (if known).

9. Store Everything Securely - Cloud folder, a password-protected drive, or a printed binder.

10. Schedule a Confidential Property Organization Call - Get clarity on what needs formal valuation and what doesn’t.

Here are a few tips on organizing information to make it easier to submit to professionals such as appraisers, attorneys, accountants, or others.

Keeping information in an organized manner is extremely important during the inventory and appraisal process to get the most accurate results.

Regardless of your preferred storage method—local drive, external drive, or secure cloud storage—it is best practice to maintain duplicate copies in two independent locations. This safeguards your documentation in the event of accidental deletion, corruption, theft, or hardware failure.

As a Google Suite–based firm, we utilize Google Docs and Google Sheets to efficiently manage and exchange large volumes of information. For clients preparing inventories, we recommend:

• Using Google Sheets to record item names, descriptions, and key data

• Using Google Docs to store photographic documentation and extended notes

Referencing the corresponding Google Doc page number within your Google Sheet ensures a clear, traceable connection between written details and photographic evidence.

If an appraisal becomes necessary, the documentation you compile now will materially support the examination process. In the event that access to the property is later restricted or lost, your photographs and inventory list can serve as a reliable reference for both on‑site and remote appraisal work. Should you be unavailable to guide us through the property, we can independently locate and identify items using your documentation.

In time‑sensitive situations where only photographs can be obtained, an appraisal can still be completed; however, the resulting values may be less precise than those derived from a physical inspection. If you elect to proceed with a remote photo‑based appraisal, the information you have gathered will provide a sufficient foundation for the assignment.