Clearing out an estate after the loss of a loved one can be an incredibly emotional and overwhelming process. But you don’t have to do it alone, because There’s a Person for That.
Sure, there will be grief and sadness. But as the time comes for making progress with organizing the possessions of a loved one, it’s all hands on deck.
So many items can trigger memories—some comforting, others painful. It’s hard to part with things that feel like extensions of the person you’ve lost. Outsourcing some of the work of clearing out your loved ones’ home, storage, garage, etc. can give you time to process your emotions and go through this natural process.
Things you may experience, and how we can help:
Guilt
No matter what the circumstances are in the passing of your loved one, guilt may be a part of parting with their possessions. You might struggle with feeling guilty discarding or donating personal belongings, as though you’re erasing someone’s legacy. They may not have disclosed their exact wishes for certain items or you may have trouble with the idea that certain things were very valuable to them while they were alive but have no place amongst the surviving members of the family. These decisions are hard, and take
up a lot of time and energy. You may wish to focus on these and outsource other tasks, or you may need help making a decision.
Overwhelm
The sheer volume of sorting, organizing, donating, and cleaning can be mentally exhausting—especially on top of managing legal or financial responsibilities. Outsourcing some of these tasks might seem like a chore in itself if you don’t have the right person.
Family Tension
Differing opinions on what to keep or who should get what can lead to conflict, even among close-knit families. Keeping things organized and moving can help with the process, especially if you are on a deadline.
Sentimentality and Indecision
If you lean towards the sentimental, this process is even harder. Items that wouldn’t normally matter take on symbolic weight, making decisions feel impossible.
Why an Outside Party Helps
You can operate with a sense of objectivity
A professional estate cleanout service isn’t emotionally attached to the belongings, which makes it easier to stay focused and make practical decisions.
You can pull from their experience
They know how to organize, appraise, donate, and dispose of items efficiently. This can save time and prevent decision fatigue.
You can manage your stress better
The truth is, you can’t do it all on your own and do it well. Outsourcing the hardest physical and emotional tasks allows you to focus on healing, family, and other pressing responsibilities.
A third party presence can a form of conflict mediation
An impartial third party can help navigate disputes calmly and fairly, reducing family stress. Note, this person is likely not a licensed therapist!
You can be sure your loved one’s things are treated with dignity and respect
A good estate service handles belongings with care and compassion, honoring the memory of your loved one while helping you move forward.
You probably have a lot on your plate if you’re handling the loss of a loved one. Don’t feel like you must handle every detail alone, though! Let’s talk today.
