Preparing for Your First Catalog Visit

A catalog session moves faster when you prepare. Not because we skip thoroughness, but because preparation reduces the time spent searching for things you already know exist.

One Week Before

Gather existing records. Locate any notebooks, spreadsheets, or envelopes where you have previously written reserve information. Even outdated lists help us understand your starting point.

Confirm attendee availability. The first hour is an interview. The person who knows the most about your reserves should be present for the entire session. Other household members should be reachable by phone.

Clear a work surface. We need a table that can hold spread documents for two to three hours without being cleared for dinner. A dining table or home office desk works well.

Room-by-Room Preparation

Study or office — Open filing cabinets and note which drawers contain financial documents versus general paperwork. We will go through them together.

Bedroom — Identify any nightstand drawers, wardrobe compartments, or under-bed storage where reserves might live. You do not need to remove items beforehand.

Kitchen — Some households keep emergency cash or important envelopes in kitchen areas. Let us know if this applies so we do not overlook obvious locations.

Storage areas — If you have a basement, garage storage unit, or balcony locker with reserve items, ensure we have access at the scheduled time.

What to Tell Us in Advance

When you submit your inquiry, mention:

• Approximate number of storage locations you are aware of
• Whether any reserves are held at a bank safe deposit box (we catalog the box contents during a separate visit if needed)
• If any documents are in a language other than Korean
• Whether elderly family members with reserve knowledge will be present

What You Do Not Need to Do

• Pre-sort or reorganize your reserves (we document current state)
• Purchase special folders (we bring archival materials)
• Empty safes in advance (we work with what is accessible on the day)

Sessions typically run three to four hours. We take one short break. Water and tea are appreciated but not expected.

We look forward to visiting your home.