
Losing someone is hard, and dealing with their personal belongings can feel overwhelming. Every item, every piece of furniture, every box of old letters is a reminder of them. But with some organization and a step-by-step approach, you can get through it without feeling too lost or burdened. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through this difficult process — and maybe even find some comfort along the way.
Start with the Emotional Side First
When you start going through someone’s belongings, it’s not just about “stuff” — it’s about memories. That vase on the mantel or the old leather jacket hanging in the closet might bring up a flood of emotions. Take your time and remember it’s okay to feel everything.
Pro Tip: If it feels too heavy, step away for a bit. Talk to a friend, go for a walk, or just take a breather before diving back in. This process isn’t just physical; it’s emotional too.
Step 1: Make a Simple Inventory
Before you dive in too deep, start by getting organized. Grab a notebook or your phone and make a quick inventory of what you’re dealing with. This helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things. Here’s how you can break it down:
- Keep: Items with strong sentimental value or things you can actually use.
- Sell: Anything valuable that someone else might want.
- Donate: Items in good condition but not something you need.
- Trash: Things that are damaged, broken, or no longer usable.
Bonus Tip: Use your phone to take pictures of items, then organize them into folders to visually sort through them later.
Step 2: Protect Private Information
Before you get too far into sorting, be sure to set aside anything with personal info like bank statements, Social Security numbers, tax documents, or even old family letters. These should either be stored securely or shredded to protect against identity theft.
Step 3: Deciding What to Keep — Without the Drama
Family members can sometimes get emotional over who gets what. One way to make it smoother is by using the “sticky note method.” Family members take turns putting stickers on items they want, and you rotate until everything is claimed. It’s not foolproof, but it helps prevent arguments.
Step 4: Selling Valuable Items (Be Realistic)
You might think that certain items are worth a fortune, but the market might not agree. Things like old furniture or even collectibles might not be as valuable as they once were. On the other hand, rare items or antiques could be worth getting appraised by professionals. Auction houses or online marketplaces can help, but don’t expect every piece to be a windfall.
Pro Tip: Staging an estate sale? Make the items look good! It might sound odd, but presentation can make a big difference in how much you can sell items for.
Step 5: Donating Items — And Feeling Good About It
Donating items can be a wonderful way to honor your loved one’s memory. Plus, there can be tax benefits depending on where you donate. Make sure to choose organizations that match your values. If you don’t want your items ending up in a thrift store, there are plenty of charities that use donations directly.
Step 6: Clearing Out What’s Left
Once you’ve sorted through the things you’re keeping, selling, or donating, you’ll probably have a pile left for trash. It’s not easy to throw things away, but sometimes it’s necessary. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are junk removal services that will handle it for you — many of them will recycle or resell what they can.
Step 7: Handling Dangerous or Hazardous Items
If you come across firearms, ammunition, or hazardous materials, don’t try to handle these on your own. Firearms can often be turned in to local law enforcement, and hazardous materials should be dealt with by professionals. It’s better to be safe than risk a hefty fine — or worse.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t an easy task, but it can be made more manageable with a thoughtful approach. Take breaks when you need them, ask for help when it feels too much, and remember — you’re not just cleaning out a space. You’re honoring the memory of your loved one in a way that feels right for you and your family.
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Key Takeaways:
- Take your time with emotionally significant items.
- Organize belongings into categories: Keep, Sell, Donate, Trash.
- Protect personal information by shredding or storing important documents.
- Be realistic about the value of items you plan to sell.
- Donate to charities that align with your values.
- Don’t hesitate to seek professional help, especially for junk removal or hazardous items.
I am Matias Baker Masucci, your trusted Los Angeles realtor. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to helping you with all your real estate needs in Beverly Hills.