How to Sort Through Your Departed Loved One’s Belongings and Keep their Memory Alive

By: Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services
Saturday, May 13, 2023

Going through a loved one’s belongings after they have passed away is often difficult but you can make the process easier.

Just as there is no right way to grieve, there is no specific time that you should start going through the departed’s possessions. In some cases, you may need to clear out their personal effects immediately but that doesn’t mean you have to quickly discard these items. It’s important to take your time and not rush the process so you don’t have regrets down the road.

Here are six tips to help you thoughtfully sort through your loved one’s belongings.

1. Communicate with your family beforehand.

Let family members know when you’re ready to begin the sorting and removal process. They may be interested in specific family heirlooms or might feel sentimental about items you think are meaningless or of no value. Reach out to loved ones who can’t be present, too. Ask them in advance to be very specific about what they might like to have. Keep in mind that the sorting process causes conflict in some families. Do your best to consider what’s driving their behavior and accommodate requests but look after your own needs, too.

2. Organization is essential.

No matter how large or small the premises that’s being cleared out, start by creating a system to keep things in order. Experts recommend using large boxes to sort things as you go. You might label them Keep, Donate, Recycle, and Discard, for instance. It may be tempting to put most things in the Keep box, but holding on to every item isn’t realistic. You likely don’t have the space and there’s nothing wrong with donating or recycling things you have no use for. If you can’t decide what to do with some items, create another box labeled “TBD” and go through it at a later date.

3. Start with the easy stuff.

Prevent yourself from getting overwhelmed at the outset by sorting through the easiest items first, such as things you are not emotionally attached to or that you are planning to give to someone else. Making good progress at the beginning will put you in a positive mindset for the rest of the cleaning process.

4. Carefully select pieces from collections.

If your loved one was a collector, they may have accumulated a treasure trove of keepsakes. You do not have to keep every item in their collections, especially if they are numerous. Select a few favorite pieces and donate or discard the rest. If the collection is valuable, such as antique jewelry or fine china, get a professional appraisal before you take any action.

5. Protect or destroy sensitive information.

As you sort through your loved one’s documents, you will probably come across personal information like financial records and identity documents. Be sure to keep important paperwork such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, Social Security cards, deeds, and property titles and store them in a secure location. Shred and properly dispose of anything you aren’t keeping that includes personal information to protect against identity theft.

6. Take pictures of beloved items.

Expect that you will come across things that you would love to keep but for which you don’t have adequate space. Take photos of these special items to create a catalog of treasured mementos. When you eventually discard them or give them away, you will still have the pictures so you can always keep the fond memories close to your heart.

At Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services, we understand the challenges that come with loss, including the sorting of your loved one’s belongings. If you need additional information or resources, we are here to assist you. Please contact us anytime.

About Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services: As a leading African American-owned and operated funeral and cremation organization, Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services has provided a ministry of care to thousands of grieving families. We promise to provide our highest level of distinguished service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. With two convenient locations serving North and West Philadelphia, it is always our pleasure to be of service. For more information about our funeral, cremation, memorial, repast, and grief counseling services, please visit batchelorbrothers.com.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

May is Stroke Awareness Month. Knowing The Warning Signs Could Save Your Life.

This year, recognize Stroke Awareness Month by learning more about stroke prevention and detection. When it comes to strokes, every second counts! Nearly two million brain cells die each minute a ...

If You Can’t Sleep, These Seven Surprising Culprits Might Be to Blame

Do you find yourself lying awake in bed or tossing and turning all night? If you can’t sleep, these sneaky slumber thieves could be the cause. Sleep disorders affect an estimated 33% of Americans....

How Much Do You Know About Senior Home Safety?

While familiar surroundings can be comforting as we grow older, home safety measures require extra attention. Changes that come with the aging process like declining vision, hearing, and bone dens...

Honor Your Departed Loved One with These Creative Outdoor Memorial Ideas

Outdoor memorial ideas can range from basic stones to elaborate gardens. Finding a special way to pay tribute to a departed loved one can bring great comfort. Think about the one who passed on and...

It’s Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. Here are Seven Important Things to Know.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects nearly 1 million adults in the United States and those numbers are growing. MS is both a complex disease of the central nervous system and an autoimmune condition. ...

Do You Know the Rules for Legally Scattering Ashes?

As more and more people choose cremation, questions about legally scattering ashes are on the rise, too.   Ash scattering has become an increasingly popular way to remember the departed. It p...

Four Important Things to Know About the Tax Issues When Losing a Spouse in Pennsylvania

The tax issues when losing a spouse in Pennsylvania are varied and complex. Losing a spouse or life partner is challenging on many levels. In addition to the deep emotional grief and personal loss...

Hobbies and Five Other Activities That Can Help Create a Healthier Brain

Can a healthier brain be as close as your chessboard? The experts say yes. As we age, the structure of the brain changes, which can adversely affect memory and cognition. It can be challenging to ...

Six Helpful Tips for Discussing Your Funeral Plans with Your Family

The most crucial conversations are often the hardest, and discussing your funeral plans with loved ones is a prime example. Talking about your funeral preferences with a spouse, parent, or child i...

Black History Month: Six Fascinating Facts Everyone Should Know

Black History Month is an important annual celebration of achievements by African Americans. In the United States, Black History Month is observed in February to recognize the innumerable key cont...