The idea of dying can be a scary thought, more so when you consider who you’re leaving behind. However, it’s always best to be prepared and do what you can to make the lives of your children easier if they lose you. With that in mind, here are 17 things you shouldn’t leave your children when you pass.
Cherished Heirlooms
While leaving cherished heirlooms behind for your loved ones is a nice thought, there’s always the potential for family disputes over specific items. The emotional burden of sorting through heirlooms may also be too much. If you think this will be the case, consider selling the items and distributing the proceeds among your children instead.
A Mountain of Debt
This one probably goes without saying, but the last thing you want to do is leave your children to deal with the financial burden of unresolved debts. If you do have any debt, it’s best to start tackling it now by planning for debt settlement or relief. You’ll want to ensure financial clarity for your heirs.
VHS Tapes
Your old VHS tapes may mean a lot to you, but let’s be honest—your children may not be overly interested in them. VHS tapes lack relevance and use in modern times. As shared by Forbes, however, it is entirely possible to digitize your old tapes. You could also donate them to reduce physical clutter for your children.
Boxes of Old Photos
Ideally, you want to avoid leaving your kids with the burden of sorting through endless boxes of physical photos—ones they may feel guilty about throwing away but simply don’t have the room for. It’s best to scan and digitize the photos so cherished memories can be stored online and won’t take up physical space or cause anyone trouble.
Gifts With Conditions and Special Instructions
You may have your reasons for wanting to do so, but gifts with conditions or instructions can cause conflicts in families and may present legal challenges. There’s a certain clarity in gifting without unnecessary conditions attached—something your children will appreciate.
Personal Care Items
While preparing for the event of your death and decluttering your home, consider clearing out unused or expired items. This minimizes what your children have to sort through and will lessen the physical and emotional burden for them. The Columbus Dispatch says, “Every couple of years, go room by room, sorting through clothes, books, kitchen cupboards, even the garage.” Nobody wants to deal with a house full of junk!
Old Clothes
Old clothes have both a limited sentimental and practical value to your children, unless you share the same taste or style as your kids or have luxury items of clothing to pass down. If neither of these is the case, donation is a much better alternative that reduces the burden of disposal.
Old Linens
Much like old clothes, your kids most likely won’t want your unwanted bedding, tablecloths, towels, and doilies. As you get older, it’s best to keep only what’s necessary for current use. There’s no use keeping more around, so discard it to reduce clutter and leave less for your children to sort through.
Property You Don’t Own Outright
If you partially own a property or haven’t yet paid off your mortgage, it’s best to try to settle it before you pass. As shared by The Balance, “In the case of a jointly owned property, death of one owner typically means it passes on to the other owner.” You’ll want to avoid these complications and ensure there is clarity in asset ownership and succession.
A Paperwork Mess
Help your children avoid the burden of sorting through incomplete and disorganized records. Keeping your records and paperwork up to date and organized makes it far easier for your kids to make sense of everything and decide what’s important to keep and throw away. Consider professional help to get this done.
Pets
Unless discussed in advance, it’s best not to leave a pet behind for your children to deal with when they’re not prepared. Your pet may end up being rehomed or given up for adoption if your kids aren’t equipped to handle it. Appoint a guardian or make arrangements in advance to avoid burdening your children and leaving your pet in a bad situation.
Old Magazines
Piles of old magazines have limited value and relevance. Let’s be honest, it’s nothing but clutter that your children will have to tackle. Take this as encouragement to get recycling and decluttering so you can reduce the burden of disposal on your kids.
Trust Property
Avoid including trust property in your will, as trusts are separate entities operating independently. Also, according to the DOI, “If you don’t have an estate plan or a will, the U.S. Government will determine your heirs and distribute your trust assets when you die.”
Assets With Named Beneficiaries
Assets and financial accounts with named beneficiaries, like life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts, should be excluded from your will. These assets directly pass to beneficiaries, making will inclusion redundant and potentially conflicting. Instead, ensure beneficiaries are clearly designated on these accounts for a seamless transition.
Holiday Décor
Aside from the fact that dealing with an attic full of old baubles and tinsel can be a hassle to deal with, you might find that beloved holiday décor becomes the subject of disagreements among your children, with them battling over who gets what. It’s best to divide it up now and explain your reasoning to your kids in advance.
Will Inheritance for Beneficiaries With Disabilities
For beneficiaries with disabilities, avoid direct bequests in your will. A large inheritance can jeopardize their eligibility for government benefits. Instead, set up a special needs trust to provide support without affecting their aid. The trust ensures your child receives necessary care while maintaining their benefit qualifications.
Dirt, Dust, and Repairs
Especially if you plan on your children inheriting your house, why not leave it in the best possible condition for them? Whether they plan to live in it, sell it, or rent it out, make it as easy as possible for your kids to deal with your house after you pass. Try out the Swedish Death Cleaning method! You don’t want them to have to deal with dirt and repairs while they’re mourning.
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