One house, many addresses
Here's a situation we see often: the estate is in Palm Beach County, one son lives in Atlanta, a daughter in Chicago, a granddaughter in California, and a cousin overseas. Each has a list of what they're receiving. Some items are small, some are heavy, and a few are fragile.
Trying to coordinate all of that yourself, with different boxes, different carriers, and different schedules, can turn into a full-time job. We take it on as one project. We pick up the items, sort them by recipient, pack each person's items, and arrange shipping and delivery to each destination.
How we organize a multi-destination estate shipment
- Start with a list. Item, recipient, and delivery address. A spreadsheet, a handwritten list, or photos with names all work.
- No-cost meeting. We go over the list with you, along with the items and any timing needs.
- Personalized quote. Your quote reflects the items, packing requirements, pickup and delivery needs, and destinations.
- Pickup and sorting. Items are gathered and grouped by recipient so nothing gets mixed up.
- Packing and shipping. Each person's items are packed for their journey and shipped to their address.
Tips for executors and personal representatives
If you're the executor or personal representative, you're balancing your own grief with responsibility to the whole family. A few practical suggestions:
- Confirm the distribution plan with the estate attorney before items leave the home, especially if the will or trust addresses specific belongings.
- Put the plan in writing. A shared list of who receives what avoids misunderstandings later.
- Ask about shipping costs early. Families often want to know who pays for shipping. Under Florida law, unless the will says otherwise, the personal representative generally pays the reasonable expenses of packing and delivering tangible personal property to a beneficiary as an expense of administration (Fla. Stat. § 733.801(2)). Your estate attorney can tell you how this applies to your situation.
- Plan around the estate's timeline. Florida law also says a personal representative isn't required to deliver a distributive share until 5 months after letters of administration are granted (Fla. Stat. § 733.801(1)), so ask the attorney when distribution can begin.
- Keep beneficiaries informed. Let each person know roughly when to expect their items.
We work with executors, personal representatives, and estate attorneys regularly. See our page for professionals if you're coordinating on behalf of a client.
Nationwide and worldwide destinations
Some heirs are a few towns away; others are across the country or overseas. We ship nationwide and worldwide. Tell us every destination up front, and we'll discuss the options for each.
Furniture for one person, keepsakes for another
Estate shares rarely look alike. One sibling may be receiving a dining room set while another receives a box of jewelry and photographs. We handle both. See furniture shipping, antique and art shipping, and keepsake shipping.