Spring Cleaning after a Loved One Passes Away

After a loved one passes, sorting through and dealing with their belongings can be a daunting task to take on. There can be many memories within, and it can be a challenging part of the grieving process to handle. It is important to take the time to go through the belongings and figure out what the best course of action is for you and your family. This article will explore tips for sorting and figuring out what to do with the belongings of your deceased loved one. 

Plan it Out

Creating and executing a plan of how to systematically go through their belongings. This can help make this less stressful. Consider categorizing items for donation, selling, keeping, and giving to loved ones. You may also want to plan out what you are going through first. Consider starting small, such as with a closet or dresser. 

Take Your Time

Don’t rush this process. There may be times when grief can make it very difficult. Be sure to pace yourself, and take time to process. It can be easy to be overwhelmed with emotions and memories. Don’t rush. Take the time to make decisions that you will feel comfortable with and take it one room at a time. 

It’s OK to Let Things Go

It can be hard to part with many of your loved one’s possessions. There may be memories attached to everything. While it can be comforting to keep some mementos, it is neither practical nor healthy to hoard all of their belongings. If you feel uncomfortable with throwing away their belongings, start by giving items to loved ones, or making donations. Avoid keeping too many items, or those that you have no space for. 

Ask For Help When Needed

You don’t have to do this alone. Whether you need a voice of reason to help you sort items, or help move furniture; don’t be afraid to reach out to loved ones. Friends and family can help you take care of the process faster. It can be comforting to do this with a loved one. Even if they did not know the deceased, they can still provide both a helping hand and emotional support.

The author of this post is not a professional therapist or counselor. For assistance in finding a grief counselor that is right for you, there are a number of resources out there. For our Grief Resource center, written by Dr. Bill Webster, click here. 
For almost 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.