Coping with the loss of a loved one involves navigating both emotional challenges and practical responsibilities. Among these, deciding what to do with their belongings can be particularly overwhelming. Whether you’re facing time constraints with property clearance or simply need space to process your grief before making decisions, professional storage solutions offer a compassionate way forward. This guide explores how self-storage can provide the breathing room you need during this difficult time, allowing you to manage their possessions thoughtfully and at your own pace.
Managing belongings after losing a loved one: How storage can help
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Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult and emotional experience. Everyone processes grief in their own way. Some find comfort in keeping busy, while others need time before facing the practical tasks that follow. There is no right or wrong way to cope – only what feels best for you.
When the time comes to handle your loved one’s belongings, it can feel overwhelming. A lifetime’s worth of possessions may not be easy to part with, and you may not have the space to keep everything. At Alexanders we have a range of storage solutions to help. Choose from short-term or long-term storage options, to give you the time and flexibility to decide what to do at your own pace.
Giving yourself time and space
There is no need to rush when making decisions about your loved one’s belongings. Acting too quickly may lead to regret, especially when parting with sentimental or practical items. They say ‘time is a healer’ and you should find it will be easier to get rid of a loved one’s items after a period of time. If their home needs to be cleared due to an upcoming sale or the tenancy ending, using a storage unit can provide a safe place to keep items until you’re ready to go through them properly.
If a will is in place, it may specify who inherits major possessions, but smaller personal items are often unaccounted for. Having open discussions with family members can help ensure meaningful items are distributed fairly. Once sentimental belongings have been set aside, you can begin sorting through the rest at a pace that feels right for you.
Organising your loved one’s possessions
Sorting through someone else’s belongings can feel overwhelming, but taking a structured approach can make it more manageable. Consider the following steps:
- Categorise items – Use labels or sticky notes to separate what will be kept, donated, sold, or stored.
- Work room by room – Tackling one space at a time can make the process feel less daunting. Asking someone to help you will mean things progress more quickly.
- Store useful items – Furniture and household goods that may be needed in the future, perhaps by younger family members setting up their own homes, can be placed in secure storage.
If space at home is limited, renting a storage unit with Alexanders can ensure sentimental and practical items are kept safe until you or your family decide on their future use. We export wrap any furniture before it goes into storage so we can ensure it remains in the same condition throughout its time with us.
Why choose Alexanders for storage after a bereavement?
Alexanders offers a range of storage unit sizes and services, so we can offer the right solution for you. Firstly, use our Storage Space Calculator to decide on the size of storage unit you need. Simply add in the different items of furniture and the number of boxes you’ll have to find the correct option for you.
Whether you need self-storage while transitioning through this challenging period or long-term storage, we provide secure, dry, and well-maintained units tailored to your needs.
Flexible rental terms – Store items for as little or as long as required.
Safe and secure storage – Your belongings are protected in a clean, well-maintained facility with 24-hour video surveillance.
Convenient access – Visit your unit whenever needed to retrieve or organise items.
During such a challenging time, Alexanders can help ease the burden of immediate decisions and provide a practical solution for storing important belongings. Contact us on 0333 800 2323 so we can help you find the best solution.
