Going through a loved one’s things is never easy. In fact, it’s one of the toughest things a person can go through, especially while you’re still mourning. It can stir up all kinds of emotions, from happy memories to sadness and even feelings you weren’t ready for. Suddenly you’re faced with a lifetime of belongings, and it’s easy to feel completely overwhelmed. You’re trying to work through your grief while also figuring out what to keep, what to let go of, and how to do it all with respect. If you’re in the middle of this, know it’s okay to take your time. Don’t rush. The process is less about clearing out a space and more about honoring the person and the life they lived.
Take it Slow and be Mindful
As you start looking through everything, give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up. This is an important part of healing and helps you avoid getting overwhelmed or stuck. It’s completely normal to get choked up over the smallest things. After all, you’re holding onto memories, not just belongings.
If you’re going through sentimental items alongside family or friends, try to be patient with them, too. Everyone handles grief differently, and they’re likely going through the same mix of emotions you are.
Don’t hesitate to take breaks whenever you need to. It might also help to start off small, with just one room or a certain type of item (clothes, keepsakes, paperwork, etc.). Tackling things bit by bit makes it more manageable, and you’ll have more mental space to do it right.
Decide What Stays, What Goes, and What’s Promised
Figure out what you want to keep and what should be passed along, donated, or sold. There might be heirlooms you want to hold onto, or things you know would mean a lot to other family members or friends. It’s also crucial to check if anything was mentioned in a will or otherwise promised to someone else before making decisions. Knowing those details can save you from a lot of unnecessary conflict that no one wants to deal with during this time.
Be ready for some items to feel harder to let go of than you expected. If you’re not sure about something, put it in a box for now and come back to it later when you’re in a better headspace. Giving yourself that space can help you avoid tossing something you regret later and make peace with the process.
Handle What’s Left Behind
Once you’ve sorted through everything, you’ll probably have a lot to get rid of. Even when you donate and sell what you can and give everyone the things they wanted to keep, you still have to deal with the rest. That’s where it can get tricky.
Clearing out a full house is a big job, and hauling away unwanted items can add to the stress. You might need some extra help to get it done. If you find yourself with more items than you can manage, renting a dumpster through a service like Temporary Dumpster can make clearing out the space a little easier, letting you focus on what really matters during this difficult time.
Final Thoughts
Remember, this isn’t a race, and the process isn’t linear. Sorting through a loved one’s belongings is an emotional journey and a way to celebrate their life in your own time. Be patient with yourself and others, and focus on what feels right for you and your healing. With care and a little help, you’ll get through it.
