Go through the deceased's belongings only when ready; this can be a nostalgic or painful process.

For those items not designated to someone in a Last Will & Testament, identify if they should be:

• Saved and given to someone


• Donated to charity


• Sold


• Thrown away

To help organize this process and not things mix up, label each item accordingly.

If the surviving family is going through the process together, avoid conflict by giving each person the opportunity to request items that might hold value to them.

Read more about selling goods in the Estate section of the checklist.