After you lose a loved one, the grief can be overwhelming. In addition to the pain you feel as a result of the loss, tasks such as calling others to inform them of the passing or planning funeral services can make it even more difficult to bear. Following the service, one of the most difficult things you will have to do is sort through your loved one’s belongings.

Below are a few tips to help make this process a little easier to handle.

Take Your Time

There is no appropriate timeline for going through a deceased loved one’s belongings. This is one of the most difficult aspects of the grieving process and should therefore not be rushed. In the days and weeks after the funeral service, avoid throwing anything away, as you may regret this decision later on. If certain items are too painful to have out in the open, put them away until you are ready to go through them.

Don’t Try to Do It All at Once

It is unreasonable to expect that you will be able to go through your loved one’s belongings in a single day, especially after having spent a lifetime with them. Avoid overwhelming yourself by only sorting through items for an hour or so at a time. Keep in mind that this time frame is not locked in place — if you become too emotional after a few minutes, it’s okay to stop and try again another day.

Create Sorting Piles

Organize the deceased’s belongings into piles to help make the process easier. A common sorting method is to label the piles as “keep,” “toss,” and “donate.” This experience is highly personal, and there is no correct sorting method. Find what works best for you during this time.

Keep Only What Has True Sentimental Value

It is tempting to keep everything that once belonged to a person exactly as it was. However, doing so may keep you from fully moving on. As you sort through their belongings, focus on what has true sentimental value and is important to your memory of them.

Find Storage Space for Items You Want to Keep

Items like a car or an instrument can be left out in the open, while other items like clothing can be stored away. Find room in your attic, basement, or even a drawer to help keep these items and their associated memories safe.

If you have recently lost a loved one and need help planning their funeral services, contact our team at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home in Trumbull, CT. Since 1906, we have provided cremation and funeral planning services to residents of the area. To speak to a compassionate member of our staff, call (203) 373-1013. For help coping with your loss, visit our website for information on grief counseling and how to continue living after your loss. You can also find us on Facebook.