Fashion is an art form. We all agree on that.

So why isn’t your couture dress collection insured in the same way as paintings or sculptures?

The answer is: Your broker isn’t aware that you have it.

I’ve been a professional organizer and relocation manager in New York City for more than twenty years, and I’ve witnessed it all: the mistakes you wished you’d planned for, the whoops-I-forgot-about-that and the heaven-forbid-that-happens moments that actually did.

We’ve all had that neighbor with noisy renovations. What if dust gets on your Dior – and, all of the sudden, it’s your problem to deal with?

In terms of insurance, art and jewelry are different than “household contents.”  Therefore, planning your own worst-case scenario takes some critical rethinking.

The first thing you should ask yourself is: do you have a good relationship with your broker? Have you had a conversation about your household contents and have they helped you parse out what is art and what isn’t?

If you’re happy with your insurance company and your broker, then you need to have an honest discussion about what you own. Brokers don’t typically go into clients’ homes, so it’s up to you to check their math.

Each insurance company works differently, and that’s why you need to get transparent. Let me tell you how an organizer would do that…

Step One: Create an inventory! I’ve been making inventories for my clients’ moves for decades. I remember the good old days of Polaroids and Scotch Tape! But nowadays we have fabulous technology in the palms of our hands, and I recommend Garde Robe’s Cyber Closet App.

Step Two: Review your inventory with your insurance broker or trusted advisor.  If you consider your couture collections an asset worthy of insurance coverage, please share the following information with your broker.

Step Three: Determine what’s of the highest value. These are items that aren’t necessarily part of your daily use, but you can’t live without them. They shouldn’t be in your home; they should be at Garde Robe. They’ll free up closet space and give you the extra protection you need.

To be a custodian of a work of art takes diligence, patience, and, occasionally, logistical planning and management. That means knowing what you can control and what you can’t. An old cliché applies here: Knowledge is power.

Sonya Weisshappel is the founder of Seriatim, a New York-based company that provides organization and inventory management solutions for businesses and individuals in transition. They specialize in creating a detailed processes and workflows that create harmony, and help prioritize your needs in a simple and productive manner.

For more information, please visit www.seriatim.net.  Follow Seriatim on Instagram @Seriatim_inc for more tips.

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Content provided by Seriatim