Spring Cleaning After the Death of a Loved One

After a loved one passes, it can be difficult to organize their possessions and decide which to hold on to, what to give to others, and what to get rid of. Spring, a time of renewal, is also when many people clean house and refresh their homes. As a result, it can be a good opportunity to take initiative toward your deceased loved one's things. This article can provide tips and tricks to help you and your family organize your loved one’s possessions and get your home ready for the spring.

Organize into Bins

One of the best ways to start is to get some storage bins for organizing. Mark your bins for donation, items you want to give to family members, stuff you want to keep, etc. You can even mark bins for a yard sale. Likely, you should also have garbage bags handy. It may be hard to throw things away, but not everything will be in good condition. Old clothes, magazines, and other materials may be a good place to start when it comes to throwing things out. 

Giving to Family

Giving possessions away to loved ones can be a great way of passing on your loved one’s legacy. But be thoughtful about what you give to your family. Ask them what they need or want. Some members of the family may not need a full box of clothes, or they may not have the space for a box of knick-knacks. Be thoughtful in who you plan to give to. Open communication can also go a long way. Be prepared that some items slated to go to family may end up in a yard sale or donation box if there are no takers. 

Donations

Clothes are one of the most commonly donated items after an individual’s death. Donated clothing should be clean and in good condition. Community centers, church clothing drives, and thrift stores are common places to donate clothes. 
While most people associate donations with clothes, they aren’t the only things that can be donated. Books kept in good condition can be a great addition to community libraries, schools, thrift stores, used bookstores, and more. Consider looking for places where your loved one’s books will go to good use. 

Yard Sales

Community yard sales can be a great way to help rehome your loved ones' inexpensive items. As with family items, note that anything that doesn’t get sold may need to be donated or thrown out. 

Hobbies and Collections

If your loved one had a collection or a hobby that was important to them, they likely included something about it in their Will. If there are instructions in the Will, follow them to the best of your ability. Hobby materials or collections could be something you want to keep in the family. Or you may want to get it appraised for sale or insurance purposes. If your loved one has trusted friends in their community of collectors or hobbyists, that could be a great place to start. Local hobby stores that your loved one frequented may also be a source of assistance. 
Be wary of people who may try to buy out your loved one’s collection for much cheaper than it is worth. Hobby stores may buy out collections for a fraction of their worth because they need to turn a profit and cover overhead costs. Individual hobbyists might be willing to pay more, but may not want to take the whole collection. Consider your options, do your research, and look to your loved one’s trusted friends for help if need be. 

Matthew Funeral Home does not provide medical, legal, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for legal, financial, or medical advice.
For over 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.