How do I get rid of a deceased loved one’s belongings?
Excuse the blunt title, but that is one of the top search terms about this subject, according to Google. When a loved one passes away, especially one who we were close to, it can be difficult to let go of their possessions.
If your deceased loved one is a parent, on top of your grief, you have the added responsibility of clearing out a home in order to prepare it for sale or removing enough items to make it safe for their surviving spouse to maneuver around the home.
Last week, I attended a funeral that was a loving tribute and celebration of life. The dearly departed had many belongings, including a collection of baseball caps. Instead of allowing the decision about what to do with these weigh them down, they came up with a novel idea: share his hats!
On the display tables and nestled in the middle of centerpieces were notes that stated:
“Dad loved his caps and was rarely without one.
We would be honored if you would remember him by taking one.”
I’ve been to many funerals, but this is the most unique tribute I’ve ever experienced. The cleaned caps were displayed on long tables in the reception hall with photos and memorabilia on either side. We all slowly strolled by, picking up caps that brought back memories or spurred curiosity. Sharing his collection of hats was a lovely way to tell more about him than an obituary could, spark conversations amongst strangers browsing, and pass on a useful gift to mourners. I only somewhat knew him through a few stories his daughter shared with me, but I found this to be uplifting and touching. I can only imagine how much greater an impact this had on those who were so much closer.
The family was released of the burden of figuring out what to do with so many items. The hats that were not taken would be donated with the rest of his belongings to a local charity.
You might be wondering what the death of a loved one has to do with time management and productivity. When our minds, bodies and souls have a tremendous emotional situation with which to deal, our professional productivity can slow to a crawl, and our personal well-being tends to take a back seat. It’s often the decision-making part – like how to part with your deceased loved one’s stuff – that drags out the grieving process, which can then easily turn into stress and overwhelm. Hopefully this novel concept will help you save time and prevent stress should you find yourself in this situation.
For tips on how to get back on track when life derails you, check out The Inefficiency Assassin: Time Management Tactics for Working Smarter, Not Longer
