And we know someone, one of my fellow Girl Scout leaders, who had a total loss in a house fire. I think it was about 5 years ago, so maybe she could talk to them about it without its being too upsetting for her.
Hey Bill, change your tagline!
LoM had that experience. Entire household lost in a warehouse fire in Iran. The only possessions they retained were what they had in their suitcases for the flight home.
Biggest lament -- the lost pictures.
And BOOKS. DON’T leave out the Library in the survey of assets. Yeah, MOST people have nothing irreplaceable on their shelvs, but many have at least a few books that are of elevated value, even if it’s only sentimental value.
I can go buy another copy of “Pilgrim’s Progress”, but the one I have has been in the family for more than 60 years. If it were lost to fire or theft, I’d want effort expended to replace it like-for-like, not old-for-new.
It’s things like this that are often overlooked in the valuation of personal property.
Be especially aware to note any COLLECTIONS a customer might own. Stamps, coins, Lionel trains...whatever. These things need very thorough documentation, and you might find the ability to add, as a billable service, location of a specialist who could provide an expert dollar valuation of those assets. Some collectors have had their collections evaluated, but many have not, and it’s not just anyone who can accurately appraise the value of a collection.
Also, for antiques, artwork, and handmade furniture (especially if custom made or handcrafted by a well-known artisan), you might offer to provide official valuation and documentation for these kinds of items, perhaps even going to the extent of getting a professional valuation notarized to be vaulted with the customer’s other records.
Finally: white gloves.
Stock up on pairs of nice, white gloves.
I don’t care if your customer lives in a trailer park, give their stuff the white glove treatment. Dress smartly, and touch nothing with bare hands; it’ll elevate the “calibre” of your enterpprise, and add perceived value to your services.