Most of us don’t want to spend our time thinking of our inevitable death, admittedly it can seem a little morbid. However, not preparing for the future can leave your family unprepared and unprotected in the event of your passing. Having a will is arguably one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your family. A Last Will and Testament can be as simple or complex as you choose to make it. It is simply an instruction guide that outlines how you want your estate to be distributed, makes key points and expresses any final wishes. It will give you much-needed peace of mind that you, your spouse, children, relatives, etc. will all be legally protected. If you die without preparing a Last Will and Testament, your estate may not be distributed in the way you wanted, there may be unnecessary family feuds over financials, custody, assets, the burial process, etc. If this is not reason enough to get a will in place, then keep reading through our list of reasons why a Last Will & Testament is Necessary. #1. Have Full Control over the distribution of your estate. As explained above, a Will is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding your estate in the event of your death. This may include things like money, houses, stocks, pensions, jewelry, etc. You will determine in your Last Will and Testament, how you want all of your assets distributed in the event of your death. For example; A family heirloom that you may want to pass on to a specific individual, you need to make clear intentions in the Will in order to minimize any disagreements that may arise. This applies to the entirety of your estate because if there is no Will in place for survivors to act on then it could result in unnecessary arguments, expensive legal action and failure for your wishes to be followed. #2. You Can Name the Person Responsible For Managing Your Estate. In the event of your death, your Executioner of the Will is the person that becomes responsible for carrying out your requests in the Will. They are the person that makes sure all of your affairs are in order and taken care of after your death. They become responsible for paying bills, cancelling credit cards, notifying the bank and government of your death and distributing all assets. This can be a large and overwhelming task for even the most prepared individuals. Therefore, it is important that you select this person carefully. Executors can be family members, but they don’t have to be. The person you choose for this large task needs to be someone most importantly that is honest, trustworthy, and organized. #3. You Decide Your Children’s Guardian. If you do not have an up-to-date Will that appoints the Guardianship of your children, the courts will be forced to take it upon themselves to choose a family member(s) or appointed guardian to take care of any minor children. The cost and time required to create (or keep up-to-date) a Will is nothing compared to the peace of mind that you will have, knowing your child is in the care of someone you choose and obviously trust. By ensuring you have a will in place, you can make sure you choose who raises your child in the event of your death, not the courts. Support is incredible, raising a child with a village is imperative. But, while having more than one person willing to take on the responsibility of your child is fortunate; it can sometimes be worse and cause major family rifts and arguments. Family tensions can rise steadily under normal circumstances, but under the stress of a tragedy and the loss of a loved one, it can become far worse. By doing due diligence, you can protect all survivors to the best of your ability. #4. Minimize your Estate Taxes Having a Will does not always mean that you will pay fewer taxes but it does allow you the opportunity to be prepared. You can foresee and plan what tax deductions might be made. In Canada, your estate will be taxed as a whole before any distributions are made. However, the value of assets you give to family or charity will be deducted from the value of your estate. So giving generously can drastically reduce your estate value and in turn the taxes. #5. You Can Choose to Disinherit People You can choose who inherits each portion of your estate, but you can also choose to disinherit people in your will. This is a legally binding way to ensure that people that may have stood to inherit your estate if you die, can not have access to any of it. Without a will, your estate could end up in the hands of an ex-spouse or estranged relative. This is especially important in the cases of separation without a formal separation agreement. Times have thankfully changed; creating a Will used to be a costly endeavor, so there were many people who chose to only do it as they grew older, leaving many people unprepared in the event of accidental death. Preparing a Last Will and Testament is about smart financial planning. You can create a Will now, and update it throughout your life as circumstances change at an affordable price. At Relocate Stress Free Inc, we would love to assist you with planning and helping you protect yourself and your family.
10 Reasons Why You Should Declutter Your Home This Fall!
Decluttering is something we all dread, however, it is a necessary part of the moving process. If you stay on top of the decluttering process it will be easier to prep and stage your home for showings! These creative tips will help you to declutter your home, simply. 1. Work in 15 minute increments. If you find yourself weighed down by the idea of decluttering your home for an entire day or weekend, try a 15 minute schedule. The short time frame makes it simple to stick with long term, even for the busiest people. 2. Say goodbye to guilt. It is common for people to feel guilty for getting rid of items they no longer need or want. Avoid feeling guilty about “wasting” your stuff by donating items to a local thrift store, women’s shelter or homeless shelter. Giving back is a great way to see the positive in your decluttering efforts. 3. Add decluttering to your to do list. To hold yourself accountable to completing the decluttering process, add it to your ongoing to do list. This will help you to stay on track with what needs to get done. 4. Declutter rooms in sections. Start at the door and work your way toward the centre of the room. Continue with your efforts until you reach the opposite side of the room. This will make decluttering feel like a process broken down into steps and decrease any feeling of overwhelm. 5. Start and finish your decluttering efforts in one room before beginning another. This includes closets, dressers, desks, etc. 6. Minimize your storage space. Keeping storage space to a minimum will give you less space to fill with more stuff once you have removed excess items from your home. 7. Follow the 6-month rule when purging your closet and dresser. If you haven’t worn clothing for more than 6 months add it to your box of donations. 8. Ask for help. Outside sources have no emotional attachment to any of your items and can help your make decisions when items fall into a grey area. 9. Create a designated space for mail and other papers. A junk drawer or a filing system needs to be in place in every home to cut down on the clutter caused by incoming mail. 10. Make it a family affair. Working together on organizing your home is a great way to bond with your spouse or children and a joint effort will ensure the habit sticks. After purging the clutter, you may be shocked to see how much room you have and how many fewer things you need to pack. Looking for support with an upcoming move? Let us do the heavy lifting!
3 Crucial Steps to Successfully Downsizing Your Home In 2021
According to one study, nearly half of Canadians have no plans of downsizing their home. Meanwhile, 34% intend to do it eventually while 18% already have. Downsizing is usually considered after retirement. Or, in times like these, when things are tough financially. The idea of getting a large lump sum will appeal to anyone, even at the sacrifice of their longtime sanctuary — or their childhood home. What is Downsizing and Why Do People Do It? Downsizing most commonly refers to purchasing a smaller home after selling a large one. Financial reasons for downsizing are to cut down on the mortgage or to get rid of it and other debt totally. You might also just want to put the money towards retirement. Or perhaps your monthly bills needn’t be as high because of your large home. Persons also undergo physical downsizing because their house no longer suits their lifestyle or family arrangement. New empty nesters or persons who simply have gotten tired of maintenance might also want to downsize. Maybe it’s no longer safe for you to go up or down your stairs due to old age or health issues, or you want to be closer to family and friends. 1. Understand the Costs of Downsizing Downsizing has a lot of benefits, but there are also quite a few setbacks you need to look out for. Luckily, only 9% of homeowners regret downsizing, so once you’re aware, you should be among the majority who don’t. Anticipate the hidden financial costs of downsizing: Real Estate fees Land transfer taxes Condo fees (if applicable) Administration fees Home appraisal Legal fees Moving expenses Furnishing and upgrades for new home Expect emotional costs to downsizing Most likely, moving to a smaller home will mean that you’ll have to part with some of your belongings as they might no longer fit your new living space. The decision of what to keep and what to throw out is often challenging. Of course, if you’re able, you could look into storage unit rentals so you won’t have to give up anything. Or, at least, you won’t have to give up those things that matter the most. However, if you’re downsizing from a home you’ve lived in for a long time, there’s simply no way to get around the loss of memories that were made there. All the life events that took place will now only be in pictures. Understand All the Practical Costs Downsizing might also mean sacrificing a good neighbourhood. Or, at least, one you’ve come to know and love. You’ll no longer enjoy your favourite swimming park or see familiar faces. If you end up moving to a more rural area — which is common for cheaper homes — you also won’t have easy access to cinemas, museums, and amenities you would normally frequent. 2. Get the Most Out of Your Sale If you understand the costs of downsizing and still want to push through, here’s how you can come out on the winning side of the sale: Know that staging your home is not always required. House or condominium staging is typically a good investment, but if you’re looking to save about $4,000, this might be the area to do so. Adopt the buyer’s perspective. Before putting your home up for sale, look at it objectively and be blunt about things a potential buyer might not like. Additionally, make the necessary cosmetic upgrades, changes, and repairs so you don’t lose a good sale. Sell at the right time — and at the right price. If you have a swimming pool, summer might be the ideal time to list your property initially. In certain locations, each city has a “best time” to sell. Research and plan to suit your needs. When you do finally decide to list, be reasonable, otherwise, your house may go stale and end up with a heavily diminished value. Get the right people to do the job. There are many real estate agents and companies out there, but not all of them are the right fit for you. Stack up your options for agents, advisors, maintenance managers, insurance brokers, and tax advisors as needed. Don’t settle. It might take some time to get a sale for the price you want. If this happens, don’t automatically agree when your estate agent suggests you markdown your home. Decide if you want to change your agent, or consider other options. 3. Keep Your Downsizing Options Open While selling your home will offer a lump sum all at once, it’s important to keep in mind the costs mentioned above. You might want to entertain the idea of renting your home instead. By converting your home to an investment property, you could enjoy potential savings of around 30% or more. Costs like new furnishings and moving to a new home can be avoided, but they’re more controllable than, say, agent fees (especially if you choose the right company). A second alternative might be to abandon downsizing altogether and upsize instead. Your local bank might offer a reverse mortgage option suitable for your needs. There are positives and negatives to this choice, however, so make sure you look into it with great care. Conclusion Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing, or staying right where you are, it’s essential to understand the key elements to a move and other forms of estate planning. Relocate Stress Free is here to help you have a smoother ride for all of it. Reach out to us for your next move, and know that you’re in the hands of trusted, experienced professionals.
8 Simple Ways to Go Eco-Friendly With Home Decor
Sustainable decoration is a phrase that may be lost on some of us, but being environmentally conscious and eco-friendly should always include our immediate surroundings — our home. It’s easy to think that going eco-friendly at home means sacrificing your preferred decor style, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Whether you’re moving soon or staying put, the planet will thank you. An eco-friendly home means you’ll be supporting sustainable businesses with good intentions, improving you and your family’s health, and boosting your mental and physical health. 1. Use Natural Wallpaper and Eco Murals Eco-murals are just one of many alternative options when it comes to wall decor. These items are printed using non-toxic, water-based latex. This means you’ll be breathing in better air. Companies that create these items aim towards increasing sustainable forestry. Fewer chemicals and less destruction of our natural greenery and wildlife means a happier earth. 2. Indulge in Vintage Goods Vintage items will never go out of style. Plus, they allow you to do the bare minimum when it comes to going eco-friendly — recycle. Typically, you can get vintage items for a low cost, too. If you are one of those who prefer the distressed vintage look, you also have the option to peruse the internet on sites like Ebay and others to find what you like. 3. Add Houseplants to Your Home House plants fight against pollutants and chemicals that linger as a result of other items in your home. Furthermore, they’re an inexpensive way to increase the level of oxygen in your space. 4. Repurpose Items from Your Home Some of us are more DIY-inclined than others, but all of us feel a sense of pride when we create new items that we can actually use. Keep this in mind as you rummage through old stuff to give them new functions. Repurposing means less trash and more imagination. Of course, the web is littered with ways you can recreate and redecorate various items lying around your home. This practice further adds personality to your space. 5. Go with Wood for Shelving Wooden decor is as timeless as it is beautiful. Using reclaimed wood to decorate your home is also one of the easiest ways to be sustainable. There are a number of means to reuse wood. 6. Embrace Natural Fibers There’s a growing appreciation for natural fibers as people become more conscious. Linen, sisal, raffia, cotton, bamboo, wool, and wicker are all great options for chairs, tables, beds, and other furniture pieces. Natural fiber items aren’t just gorgeous, they also tend to be more durable and give better airflow. Furthermore, the production of these is much less detrimental to our planet. 7. Use Low Consumption Bulbs and Solar Panels A long-touted way to be eco-friendly is by considering lighting carefully. Not only are low-energy bulbs cheaper, but they’re more sustainable and often less harmful to your eyesight. Additionally, some Canadian companies push forth the use of solar panels while building new homes. One such company makes sure to include six solar panels in every home they build from 2019. 8. Use Non-Toxic Paint These days, there’s no excuse for using chemical-ridden, synthetic paints. There are tons of eco-friendly options out there that come in an extensive variety of colors. The old way would see you breathing in volatile organic compounds, or “VOCs,” which pose a risk to the environment as well as your family. These reportedly increase allergens, so it’s best to avoid them. Final Thoughts There are other ways to be eco-friendly when you’re working on decorating your home. You could donate, and help others practice repurposing and sustainability as well. As much as you can, you should lose the plastic that’s in your home. Alternatives include glass and paper bags. Whatever you do, remember to reduce, reuse, and recycle. More and more, environmental-friendliness when it comes to home decor is turning into a viable option from every angle. If you’re moving, make sure to keep your eco-friendly options in mind as you stay ahead of the curve.
10 Ways to Make Your Home Feel Bigger
Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, most of us are stuck at home — and many of us haven’t quite attained that lovely, spacious house we’ve been desiring for most of our lives. That means most of our time is being spent in cramped quarters. After a while, a small space can wear on one’s mind. Luckily, there are ways to make a little home feel bigger. Light or monochromatic paint colors. Dark colors are less reflective and tend to make space feel smaller. In contrast, whites, grays, yellows, and creams have the ability to bounce light off and make a room feel more open. Mirrors. Similarly, mirrors give the illusion of a larger room by reflecting other spaces and giving a sense of movement. Tall mirrors or those placed opposite a window do a great job achieving this, so take them everywhere you go. Natural lighting. Natural light gives your home a warm, cozy feel while at the same time creating a wide-open atmosphere. It’s most effective when there are no large pieces of furniture blocking the way. Plus, it’s free! Floor-to-ceiling shelves. At first, floor-to-ceiling shelving might seem like something that would clutter a room. However, large bookcases and other shelving actually make your ceiling look taller — and can help clear up your floors. Low furniture. In contrast to high shelves, you want to get furniture that is low. This creates more space above and tricks us into feeling airier. So go for short legs, ottomans, and keep the center area of rooms clear. Raised Legs. Alternatively, if you want a modern, minimalist look but still want a large space, then look for furniture on raised legs. Swap out that bulky leather couch for a mid-century style sofa that’s sleek and still comfortable. Large pieces of wall art. While you might be inclined to share the beauty of several paintings you love, it would be better to hang a single large one on a wall. Put it at eye level and leave lots of space above. This gives the illusion that a room is taller. Multi-functional furniture. Smart furniture or multi-functional pieces are useful to declutter and to keep you from needing too much storage. Tables and seats with hidden storage as well as over-the-door techniques will do the job here. Organizational techniques. Arrangements can be crucial to expanding your space. Keep furniture away from walls, face chairs towards windows, place furniture diagonally, and use light sources throughout a room to expand it. Clutter-free. Decluttering your home is the simplest way to give it more space. What you want to keep should be stored; Throw out broken or unused items or donate them if you’re able to at this time. You’ll instantly feel lighter and like you’re in a bigger home. As stay-at-home orders are extended, it can feel like our four walls are closing in on us, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Our safe haven should be safe in all ways, and that includes mentally. If you’re moving during quarantine, you’re one of the lucky ones to get a fresh environment. Just be sure to use a safety-focused company to get the job done. So make sure your house feels just how you want it to by using the tips above. If you can think of more ways to make your home feel bigger, be sure to leave a comment below.
So, do you really need a will?
According to a poll from CTV News a whopping 51% of Canadians do not have a will. If you’re one of the 51%, you may be wondering if it’s really worth it to have one or what the purpose of a will is. At Relocate Stress Free, we handle many estates and have some great insider knowledge to share with you. What does a will do? In the event of your passing, a will ensures that any property and assets you own are distributed the way you want them to be. Ensuring that these items are taken care of in advance will take a lot of stress off your loved ones during such a difficult time. If you have children, having a will in place can also protect their future(s) and ensure they receive the best possible care should you pass while they are minors. When do you need one? There is some debate among different professionals on who needs a will and who doesn’t. If you’re married you need a will because your spouse is closely tied to your life and without one they don’t always gain control of your assets. Having what you want to pass to your spouse in writing and clear terms ensures there is no room for interpretation or negotiation in your absence. It’s especially important to note designations in subsequent marriages or common-law partnerships. If you have children, you need a will because they are likely to inherit your assets if you pass away after your spouse. Whether you want your children to inherit your assets or not, it’s crucial you have it in writing for legal reasons to avoid room for errors or interpretation from the courts. When your children are minors, you will also need to name an executor of your estate and guardian of your children. The executor is someone responsible for the distribution of your assets and the guardian is responsible for raising your children. It’s a big decision for parents to choose family members or friends to fill these roles and it can be uncomfortable to talk about, however, it’s necessary to protect your children’s future and ensure they are raised the way you would want them to be raised. If you have a positive net worth, you need a will too. It’s nice to be able to plan for the future and assign your assets to loved ones, friends, charities and more keeping the power in your own hands-after all it’s your hard-earned money that purchased your assets and grew your savings. Assigning these assets in advance also helps to manage any tension between family members that can arise under these unfortunate circumstances. The time of death of a loved one is a stressful situation for all parties involved. Unfortunately, it’s all too common that unassigned assets add to that stress and can lead to long drawn out court battles for loved ones. Taking care of this necessary, and sometimes uncomfortable, task is an important part of planning for your future and that of your loved ones.
The Benefits of Hiring Someone for Property Maintenance
Property maintenance is one of those tasks that many of us stress over when we are going to be away for an extended period of time. There are a wealth of benefits to having a professional handle your property maintenance that many people don’t consider. Take a look at this comprehensive list below. Inspections & Security Many insurance companies require that someone visits your residence while you are away at specific increments. If you’re like most, you avoid asking family or friends to check on things when you can so what does that mean for your insurance? Having regularly documented visits to your home while you’re away or your empty rental/vacation property, ensures that should there be any leaks or issues, they are caught sooner rather than later. With these documented visits, you shouldn’t have any issues with your insurance company should your home experience any issues in your absence. Having someone come in and cut your grass and remove your snow in the winter, ensures that you don’t come home to a fine from your city or a complete disaster to clean up, too. Unfortunately, crime is on the rise in nearly every city in the country. Calgary is no exception. While you’re away, having someone check in on your property at regular intervals gives you peace of mind. No one wants to come home to a home that has been trashed, or robbed. With someone checking in on your home, it lets intruders know that someone is keeping watch and ensures that any issues that arise are handled are reported to local authorities sooner. Maintenance All cities have regulations in place to keep residents safe and comfortable. Among those regulations are snow removal and yard maintenance requirements. Most cities state that snow needs to be removed from the public sidewalks within a 24 hour period of the snowfall. This can pose a tricky situation if you’re away for a long period of time, or have a vacant rental or vacation property. Not following the bylaws can result in fines from your city and complaints from your neighbours-something no one wants to deal with. There are also certain rules when it comes to yard maintenance. Grass needs to be cut neatly, and yards cannot become full of garbage or other junk. Not only is an unmaintained yard an eyesore, but it’s also a safety concern. To keep yourself from any issues with the city or your neighbours, find someone to handle these tasks for you for as long as you need. A reliable property maintenance company will visit your home each time the snow flies to remove any snow and ice, and they will visit your home at regularly scheduled intervals to ensure your yard is clean and tidy with cut grass. Winterization If you’re a Snowbird and spend your winter’s in the sunny south, or have a vacant home in the city, winter can be a particularly concerning time of the year. It’s important during the cold months to have someone checking on your property to ensure your pipe’s don’t freeze! Relocate Stress Free offers winterization including water shut off, draining of pipes, and emptying of water tanks just to name a few. If you’ve got a furnace running, or a fireplace in the home it’s always a good idea to have someone check on them as well and may be required for insurance purposes. If you’re looking for a reliable and trustworthy property maintenance company, Relocate Stress Free is happy to assist in the Calgary area. Contact us today to learn more!
Ten Tips For a Successful Estate Sale
Estate sales can be a great way to get rid of the clutter in your home and make some extra money all at once. While there are some definite positives, there can also be some hiccups. Estate sales can be tricky to plan, and it’s hard to know what will make them a success. Here are some tips to help you have a successful sale. Do Your Research You don’t want to price an item too low based on an instinct to then find out later it was worth substantially more. When you’re still in the planning phases, research items that you aren’t familiar with to see what similar ones are selling for. Places like Facebook marketplace, Kijiji, and eBay are good places to start. Clearly Mark Your Prices Bargaining is a normal part of estate sales. By having your prices clearly marked, it makes it easy for customers to see what you’re asking and make you a reasonable offer or begin negotiations. Clear prices make shopping easy for customers, and the easier it is the more you’ll sell. Make Sure You Have Enough Hands on Deck It’s not enough to just have one person available to collect money from buyers. You should ask for help from family and friends and have them dispersed throughout different parts of the home so they are easily accessible to shoppers. Setup a Place for Purchases You’ll need to set up a central place to receive payments. Make sure you have a table big enough so shoppers can set down their items, and handle their payments easily. Convenience is key. Get a Cash Box with Change A float is a necessity when holding an estate sale. You’ll need to be able to break bills and make change for customers. There is no way you want your customers to have to leave to get exact change somewhere else! Be Prepared for Crowds Many people who shop estate sales, do so first thing in the morning before items get picked over. It’s not uncommon for these sales to happen as early as 7 am so be prepared by prepping your home the night before and have everything set and ready to go. It makes for a long day but a successful one for sure. Keep your Pets Contained We all love our pets, but an estate sale may not be the perfect place for them. Check if your furry friends can go to a friend or family members house for the day to ensure your day isn’t spent chasing your dog or cat who got out or trying to quiet them down every time the doorbell rings. Advertise This is one of the most important points. How is anyone going to know you’re having an estate sale if you don’t advertise? Use your local newspaper, put flyers around town, post in local Facebook groups, put posters up on community bulletin boards, add your event to Kijiji and more. As your friends and family to share your event on social media for even further reach. Use Signs for Directions Many people stop by estate sales because they see signs while they are out and about. Place signs on major roadways and guide customers to your front door with clear, legible signs that are easy to read in a passing vehicle. Keep it simple-just add directional arrows and your address! Hire a Pro There are companies that focus on helping people set up for estate sales. Because this is such a big job you’ll need all hands on deck to be prepared. Relocate Stress Free makes preparing for an estate sale a breeze. Our friendly, and knowledgeable staff are able to jump in and give you a hand to ensure the day of your sale goes smoothly. With the spring weather finally here, now is the perfect time to prepare for an estate sale!
Downsizing? Here are 5 Tips to Make the Process Simple
Living in a large home is great until it’s just not. Large homes come with more space to clean. As well as, higher utility costs, higher maintenance costs, and can become more of a burden than something you enjoy. Many people choose to move into a small home but may feel overwhelmed when they start packing. After all, a larger home means many things you may not have room for at your new place. Here are five tips to help you effectively downsize your items minus the stress. Minimize your Duplicates We all have duplicates and once you get packing you may be surprised to see just how many duplicate items you have. Kitchens are one of the most common places you’ll find duplicates and are a great place to start when you’re looking to downsize. Think about this-do you really need 5 spatulas and 10 wooden spoons? Probably not. So keep your favourites and place the others in a giveaway box. Cups and silverware are another thing people tend to have a lot of. If you don’t regularly host multiple people for dinner parties chances are you don’t need 2+ sets of cups and silverware. Make a Profit One of the most important things you can remember when downsizing is that you may have items valuable to others. Sure, there are going to be items you put in a giveaway box or toss but chances are you have some items to get rid of that others would pay for. Consider having a yard sale or selling your items online through Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist. Some of the best items to sell are furniture, toys, clothing, home decor items, movies, and more. Making a few extra dollars before your move can help to offset your moving costs, or bulk up your savings. Measure One of the biggest challenges we face is moving furniture into a space that is too small to accommodate it. When you’re downsizing, be sure to measure your living room, dining room, and bedrooms to ensure your current furniture will fit well in the space. If you find you have items that are just too big or bulky, you’ll be able to sell or donate them before the moving which saves you space in the moving truck and the headache of trying to rehome your furniture upon your arrival at your new place. Keep the Clutter Out It’s important to remember the size difference from your current home to your new space when you’re packing your belongings. With less square footage, you will clutter up a space faster with fewer items. Where you can, keep your space as clutter free as possible. Consider hanging your TV on the wall instead of using a bulky TV stand, and utilize floating shelves instead of a large bookcase just as a couple of examples. Think Multipurpose In your current home, you may have a couple of spare bedrooms, a home office or crafts room, and a master bedroom. When you downsize you’ll need to consider how to make your new space work with fewer rooms. You will still have your master bedroom, however, may be down to just one spare bedroom. When looking at the space, think multipurpose. There are some great ways you can have a spare bedroom double as a craft room or home office. Choose a space-saving desk, create a storage system in the closet, and utilize nightstands and under the bed storage too. If you’re looking to invest in new furniture, there are some amazing Murphy bed options now too! If you or a loved one is looking to downsize, Relocate Stress Free can help! We have extensive experience assisting with downsizing and would love to speak with you!
Why you need a will and executor?
Most people postpone writing their will. This is probably because it’s a reminder of their mortality. Leaving a will behind is same as leaving a gift to loved ones. A will makes estate management clearer, easier and without disagreements. If the deceased never had a will, their property will be divided according to the laws of the province the deceased resided. Nobody wants that to happen. So even if not yet married, a will is a necessity. In a will, the deceased mentions the executor, who can be an estate lawyer. The Canadian Bar Association states that the executor is responsible for gathering estate assets, paying the deceased’s debts and dividing the estate. Everyone needs a will. Without a will, it won’t be known who should receive the deceased’s property. When a will is not left behind, there’s a default plan based on the deceased’s marital status, with children, siblings or parents. Even if there are no relatives, nothing is allowed to go to charity, friends or non-related persons. What’s the Process? If the deceased leaves a will behind, the executor will firstly present it to local council to ask for authorization to administer the estate. This is referred to as probate process. Secondly, the executor administers the estate, determines beneficiaries, creditors and others entitled to the property. Thirdly, the executor makes appropriate distributions, files taxes and closes the estate within the stated time frame. Relocate Stress Free can assist executors with decluttering the estate home and other personal items. Should my Friend or Relative be my Executor? Choosing an executor is especially important when one has investments or properties. A friend or relative may not be a good option as an executor, as this could cause problems. Corporate executors are more experienced in estate administration, have legal expertise and the technical knowledge to handle almost any arising situation.