When people think about estate planning, they often focus on financial assets—bank accounts, real estate, and investments. But what about everything else?
Your tangible personal property (TPP)—the physical items you own—includes everything from family heirlooms and jewelry to furniture, collectibles, and everyday household goods. While these items may not always have high monetary value, they often hold deep sentimental significance.
Unfortunately, without a clear plan for these belongings, families can face confusion, disputes, and even conflict after a loved one passes away. The traditional approach to estate planning—paper lists, verbal agreements, and last-minute decisions—leaves too much room for misunderstanding. That’s where technology comes in.
Using technology to manage your TPP ensures that your belongings are documented, organized, and distributed according to your wishes. It makes estate planning easier, more transparent, and far less stressful for your family.
1. Why TPP Needs More Attention in Estate Planning
Most estate planning conversations focus on assets with clear financial value. Wills and trusts handle money and real estate, but what happens to everything inside the home?
Families often assume that personal property will “work itself out” after a loved one passes. But in reality, these items can be the most significant source of stress:
Emotional attachments – Heirlooms and keepsakes can carry deep sentimental value, leading to conflicts among family members.
Unclear ownership – Without documentation, families may struggle to determine what belonged to whom and what should happen to it.
Different perspectives on value – What one person sees as junk, another may see as a treasured keepsake.
Without a structured way to manage TPP, essential items can get lost, discarded, or fought over. From interviews with attorneys, personal property is most commonly the thing that divides families and creates rifts between siblings. Furthermore, most of these arguments involve items with little to no financial value.
2. The Problem with Traditional Methods
Many people try to manage their tangible personal property using handwritten lists, spreadsheets, or informal conversations with family members. While these approaches are better than nothing, they come with significant drawbacks:
Handwritten lists get lost, outdated, or ignored.
Verbal agreements lead to miscommunication and disputes.
Spreadsheets can be difficult to maintain and aren’t easily accessible to all family members.
Photos and videos without clear descriptions or ownership records lose meaning over time.
In short, the old way of handling personal property is inefficient and unreliable. Technology offers a better solution.
3. How Technology is Changing Estate Planning for Personal Property
Advancements in digital estate planning tools have made it easier than ever to inventory and organize your belongings. With the right technology, you can:
Create a visual record of your belongings by attaching photos and videos.
Add detailed descriptions, including the history and significance of each item.
Assign items to beneficiaries to eliminate confusion.
Allow family members to provide input on which items matter most to them.
Easily update and share your inventory to keep your estate plan current.
This level of organization ensures that your personal property is distributed fairly, according to your wishes, and without unnecessary stress for your loved ones.
4. Why SaveOr is the Best Solution for Managing Your TPP
Not all digital tools are created equal. Some require complicated spreadsheets, while others lack collaboration features. That’s why we created SaveOr—a platform designed specifically for families to manage their tangible personal property during estate planning.
What Makes SaveOr Different?
Easy-to-Use Interface – SaveOr makes it simple to document and organize your belongings. No complex spreadsheets or paperwork required.
Photo and Video Documentation – Capture images and videos of your items so your family has a clear record of each piece.
Item Storytelling – Add stories and notes about sentimental items, ensuring their history isn’t lost.
Family Collaboration – Invite family members to view your inventory, express interest in items, and provide feedback in a transparent, conflict-free environment.
PDF Export for Legal Documentation – Generate a legally recognized personal property memorandum to complement your will and estate plan.
Works with Estate Planning Attorneys – SaveOr helps streamline the estate planning process by making it easier for attorneys to incorporate your TPP inventory into legal documents.
5. How SaveOr Simplifies Estate Planning
Using SaveOr, you can:
Create an Inventory – Add items, take photos, and provide details about their significance and value.
Assign Beneficiaries – Decide who should receive each item and update it as needed.
Gather Family Input – Allow family members to express their interest in items, reducing the risk of conflict.
Generate a Legal Document – Export your inventory into a PDF that can be included in your estate plan.
6. Why You Should Start Now
Estate planning isn’t just for the elderly or the wealthy. Life is unpredictable, and the best time to plan is before a crisis happens. By documenting your tangible personal property now, you ensure that:
Your belongings go to the right people.
Your family won’t have to make tough decisions during an emotional time.
Sentimental and valuable items won’t be lost or discarded.
Family relationships are preserved by avoiding disputes.
Technology makes this process easier than ever. With SaveOr, you can take control of your estate planning, ensuring that your tangible personal property is well-documented, well-organized, and well-protected.
Final Thoughts
Estate planning is more than just money—it’s about preserving your legacy and making life easier for your loved ones. Managing your tangible personal property with technology ensures that your cherished items don’t cause stress or disputes down the road.
With SaveOr, you have a simple, effective solution to keep everything organized, transparent, and legally recognized.
Don’t leave your family guessing. Start managing your tangible personal property today with SaveOr.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about SaveOr and get started today!
Author:
Matthew Scola
Founder of SaveOr, an estate planning platform focused on helping families through challenging life events. His insights come from interviewing and working with families and professionals to find a solution to the challenges of downsizing, estates, and estate management.