Education remains one of the most valuable professional tools available to Estate Managers. Whether entering the field for the first time or taking on increased responsibility across complex households, an Estate Manager benefits from formal training, skill-specific instruction, and strategic development.
As my dining room looks more like Santa’s workshops every day, I find myself envying the gift rooms at the homes of past employers. A gift room takes a little work to set up but it can save you during those moments when you need a birthday gift in 5 minutes, or when you’re handed a 100 hostess gifts as guests arrive. Like everything in estate management, It’s about having a system that works when life gets busy, which is most of the time. Set it up properly once, and you’ll never go back to wrapping gifts at your desk again.
Do you conduct a year-end review with your vendors and contractors? It’s one of the most effective ways to assess the strength of your service network and make informed decisions before extending any agreement. A proper review looks at services delivered and the outcome of those services on your operations and budget and provides a non-contentious format to approach renegotiation or scope or cost before entering a new contract.
With some remote planning and a set-up playbook, a temporary residence can provide a familiar and welcoming experience for the family and guests. Take what you need from this guide to make your holiday relocation as stress-free as possible so you all can enjoy the season.
We’ve just updated our Canva Guide! This time, it’s more than a guide; it’s now a mini-course, complete with over 90 minutes of video tutorials. The course will walk you through how Estate Managers can use Canva to create polished, professional documents and make the most of the templates we publish at the Estate Management Network.
In many estates, the laundress is handling some of the most fragile and irreplaceable items in the house. One of one couture gowns and suits made by hand on Savile Row require expert care. The skilled laundress knows not only how to interpret laundry care symbols, but has an extensive repertoire of textile reactions to liquids, heat, steam, chemicals, and common care methods.
Estate operations rely on trusted people and trusted systems. Computers, phones, cameras, and smart-home platforms are essential tools for managing large properties. A Technology and Internet Use Policy establishes how those systems are used, protecting both the principal’s privacy and the staff’s professionalism.
The 2025 Estate Management Conference was an exceptional gathering, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who took part. The event reflected the strength of our professional community and the generosity of those willing to share knowledge, insight, and time.
As we look ahead to 2026, the Estate Management Network has started our strategic planning, and we’d like for you to be a part of that. This community was built for Estate Managers, and it should continue to reflect what you want and need from it. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts.
Our strategic planning guide provides a clear framework for estate managers to define priorities, set goals, and structure long-term operational plans. Includes step-by-step guidance and a full sample plan for reference.
As we face increasingly severe hurricanes due to climate change, it becomes critical to have a plan in place for post-storm recovery. We’ve updated our guide to incorporate new technologies and considerations that have emerged to enhance your efforts.
When Estate Managers put structured systems in place, they gain the ability to lead with intention. Staff work with greater confidence, knowing expectations are clear and support is available when adjustments are needed.
Knowing the value of a work of art is essential to properly protect and insure a piece for display, storage, loan, donation, or sale. The best way to get an accurate value is to commission an appraisal.
A private estate requires coordinated leadership to maintain continuity, uphold standards, and manage a diverse set of responsibilities. An internal chain of command is the system that defines who gives direction, who receives it, and how accountability is maintained across the property.
SOPs provide a common set of expectations for all stakeholders by establishing uniformity in task execution. With clear, step-by-step instructions, SOPs minimize variations in performance regardless of who is carrying out the task.
When developing an asset management system, Estate Managers should consider whether their current program can grow with the estate, adapt to changes in ownership, and support broader planning efforts.
Prepare for summer staffing in the same way you plan for property readiness, vendor maintenance, or seasonal upgrades. Build the calendar, allocate the budget, confirm the resources, and have documentation ready before the season begins.
For a salaried Estate Management position, there’s a lot to take into consideration when judging the value of the role and whether or not it fits your wants and needs. PRO MEMBER CONTENT
The most important aspect of a break room is creating an environment where your staff feels like they are actually on a break. PRO Content.
Estate managers who successfully balance short-term and long-term planning create more stable estate operations. A well-structured plan ensures that immediate tasks contribute to the estate’s long-term success.
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