Kimberly Varney, Author at Estate Management Network

Why You Need a Gift Room

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.

Evaluating Vendor Performance: Before You Renew, Review

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.

Making a Home for the Holidays

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.

The Secret Language of Laundry

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.

Thank you for a Successful Estate Management Conference!

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.

Planning Ahead for 2026

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.

Post-Hurricane Property Inspection

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.

Building Systems That Work Under Pressure

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.

Appraising the Value of Art

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.

Chain of Command as a Management Tool

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.

Standard Operating Procedures

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.

Summer Staffing: Hiring Temporary Support

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.

Shopping Cart

Estate Management Network

From the Author -

Kimberly Varney