Short Answer

In North Carolina, list all tangible personal property that came into your hands (or someone’s hands for you) on the Inventory due within three months of qualification, valued at fair market value as of the date of death. Household goods can be grouped with reasonable detail, but high‑value or specifically‑bequeathed items should be listed separately. Items you kept and items in storage are both “on hand” until you formally distribute them, so identify location, maintain receipts (including storage), and use an independent appraisal when needed. Early distributions and reimbursements (like funeral expenses) must be documented and shown on your accounts.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina probate, how do I, as the personal representative, list and value the decedent’s furniture and clothing I kept at home versus the items I put in storage for the Clerk-required Inventory and later accountings? One key fact: you already have some furniture and clothing in your possession and other items in a storage unit.

Apply the Law

North Carolina requires a detailed Inventory within three months of qualification that lists all the decedent’s property that came into your hands or into anyone’s hands on your behalf, valued as of the date of death. “Fair market value” means what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller. Household goods may be grouped with reasonable descriptions, but specifically bequeathed or significant items should be itemized. You may hire a disinterested appraiser for any asset and, if an appraisal is pending, you can note a value as undetermined and supplement later. Items you hold personally and those in storage are both estate assets “on hand” until you distribute them; location and control do not change that duty. Funeral expenses are a high-priority claim and can be reimbursed ahead of distributions when properly documented. Early distributions must be shown in your account with receipts/refunding agreements.

Key Requirements

• List everything on hand: Include all tangible personal property that came into your hands or someone’s hands for you, wherever located (kept or in storage).
• Use date-of-death value: Report fair market value as of the date of death; engage an independent appraiser when values are uncertain or significant.
• Group vs. itemize: You may group ordinary household goods (e.g., furniture, furnishings, clothing) but separately list high‑value or specifically‑bequeathed items.
• Document control and costs: Identify where items are (home/storage), safeguard them, and keep receipts for reasonable storage/insurance as estate expenses.
• Account for early distributions: Items or cash given out before closing the estate must be documented with receipts/refunding agreements and reported on the Account.
• Reimburse priority expenses: Funeral expenses have statutory priority; claim reimbursement on the Account with invoices and proof of payment.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 28A-20-1 (Inventory due in three months) – requires filing a just, true, and perfect inventory within three months of qualification.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 28A-20-4 (Appraisers) – allows use of disinterested appraisers; name/address must be shown with the asset.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 28A-20-3 (Supplemental inventory) – file when new assets are found or descriptions/values change.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 28A-19-6 (Order of claims) – sets the priority for paying claims, including funeral expenses.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because you hold some furniture and clothing and others are in storage, list all of it on the Inventory (AOC‑E‑505), valued at date-of-death fair market value. Group ordinary furnishings and clothing, but separately list any high‑value pieces or items specifically left by will. Show where assets are located (home vs. storage), keep storage/insurance receipts, and include reimbursement for funeral expenses as a priority claim on the Account (AOC‑E‑506). Any proceeds you segregated or distributions you made early must be recharacterized as estate assets and documented on the Account with receipts/refunding agreements.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: Personal representative. Where: Clerk of Superior Court in the county of administration in North Carolina. What: Inventory for Decedent’s Estate (AOC‑E‑505); later Annual/Final Account (AOC‑E‑506). Include appraisals, photos, invoices, and receipts. When: Inventory is due within 3 months of qualification; file a Supplemental Inventory if values change or new items are found.
2. If values are uncertain, hire a disinterested appraiser; you may note “undetermined” for items under active appraisal and supplement when complete. Group household goods; itemize significant items. Maintain custody and reasonable storage/insurance until distribution.
3. On the Account, show receipts (e.g., sale proceeds brought into the estate), disbursements (e.g., funeral reimbursement, storage/insurance), and any early distributions with signed receipts/refunding agreements. Close with a Final Account once claims are paid and assets are distributed.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Omitting items you personally kept or placed in storage—location does not change the duty to inventory and safeguard estate assets.
• Using replacement cost or sentimental value instead of fair market value at the date of death; get an independent appraisal for antiques, collections, or jewelry.
• Failing to separately list significant or specifically‑bequeathed items; over‑aggregating can prompt Clerk inquiries.
• Not documenting early distributions with receipts/refunding agreements and not showing them on the Account.
• Letting storage costs accumulate without review; expenses must be reasonable and supported by invoices.
• Forgetting to file a supplemental inventory when new assets are found or when values/descriptions change.

Talk to a Probate Attorney

If you’re dealing with valuing and reporting household items and early distributions in an estate, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at [919-341-7055].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.