Of Interest to Private Service Professionals

Tips of the Trade- By Jennifer Stemes

TIPS OF THE TRADE

SAFEGUARD VALUABLES

The diligent staff member will need a book noting household inventory – valuables and antiques (Aunt Tilde’s Ashes or the 17th Century Vase) – art work (Yes, that really is an original Van Gogh), and also exact setting of each and every one of the hundreds of treasured family photos. One can even record the placement of furniture and fixtures and how the drapes are expertly “puddled” so that items are correctly positioned when one does deep cleaning and “tosses the room”.

One reliable source of documentation is a digital photo. Printed on a home computer or at an area “discount” photo developer’s (or instantly with a Polaroid camera) will work wonders for current and future staff when included in a standard three ring binder which should be stored in a safe location. In the event of a disaster, robbery, fire or other, it will be a perfect source for information and aid in recovery and insurance claims.

Photos could be mounted on a “tracking sheet”, indicating appropriate information, as in when the 18th Century Silver Goblets were sent for repair. It is also a useful tool for noting deep cleaning schedules, furniture repair or replacement, vehicle details and maintenance, the list is endless.

Jennifer Lordly Stemes
Spring 2008