How do I start the editing process on inherited items after a loved one passes?

First, I’m so sorry you are having to process a loss like this and then have the burden of all their items. This is tricky for some and often depends on how you and your family value items. If you are nostalgic and tend to keep everything, this will be a long process. If you treasure only certain items and are ready to let the rest go, this will be a lot of work but can be done quickly. 

We want to honor the people we have lost. So when you start this process look for items that remind you of their best years, their favorite dress (make it into a pillow or frame a portion of it), an accessory or a favorite piece of artwork. Don’t try to keep them around by keeping all their items. For some, this is another step in the grieving process and it’s not an easy one but keep reminding yourself that letting go of their stuff doesn’t mean you are letting go of them. 

Start with the easy items like bedding, cleaning products, pantry and bathroom supplies and then work toward the harder stuff. Depending on your family member and the volume of stuff it might be important to hire a team of organizers or bring in your full family to tackle as much as possible over a weekend. The key when bringing in your family to help is to make sure there are clear boundaries on what you see as important or items you want to keep. Emotions are high right now, so keeping this as calm as possible is important. 

Once you get the bulk of the items that are less personal out of the home, you can then start to chip away at the harder items. See what other family members would like, what antique stores may purchase, and see if anyone in your neighborhood would treasure their collection of porcelain trinkets. We can’t find homes for everything and there is a huge amount of items being donated or given to family members. Remember you don't need to give everything purpose. Set a deadline by which you will have the home cleared out with the understanding that anything that hasn't found a new home by the deadline will be donated.

If the goal is for you to live in and enjoy this home, make sure you make it your own. Yes, you want to keep little reminders of your family but this is your home. The sooner you feel like the space is yours the sooner you can truly grieve the loss and start your next chapter. 

Additional Resources:

Tips for Packing Up Your Home + Moving (from Heyday Homes)