What happens to someone’s personal belongings after they die? Are there ways besides photos to honor the memory of a loved one lost? The idiom “you can’t take it with you” holds a lot of truth, as when someone passes away their loved ones are left to deal with their belongings.

Knowing what options are available to you can help relieve the burden of finding the best way to deal with the belongings of a deceased relative or friend. Could you use some advice?

If you want to learn more about dealing with the belongings after a loss, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services who gives information to help.

Knowing you’re doing the right thing by your loved one lost is important. This interview is a chance to learn ways to deal with a deceased person’s belongings that honors their memory.

The Timeline for Visual Reminders

Valerie kicks off the episode by discussing when it is okay to pack up visual cues that remind you of your loved ones who are no longer here.

Then Valerie reveals one piece of advice she gives clients who come into the funeral chapel about something they can do now to avoid feeling regret later when dealing with the belongings after a loss.

How we handle visual cues may differ depend on what stage of grief we’re experiencing at that moment. Taking time to grieve and discuss with family can help set a healthy timeline.

Unique Ways to Memorialize a Loved One Lost

Next Valerie segues into alternatives to photographs for honoring the memory of a deceased family member or other loved one. She also answers questions such as:

- How can I memorialize someone without a physical grave site?
- What are some examples of a legacy I can begin for my loved one?
- Where can I donate someone’s personal items after their funeral?

Now ask yourself these two questions: Are you aware of all the ways to honor someone after their death? Do you have a plan for their personal belongings? If you answered “no” to either or both of these questions, then the comments section below is a good place to get started.

Tips for Displaying an Urn Within the Home

Then Valerie shares suggestions for appropriate places to put a loved one’s cremated remains inside the home.

Not everyone is comfortable putting an urn filled with cremated remains on their fireplace mantle. Valerie offers solutions for a wide range of situations.

You don’t have to feel burdened by the idea of handling all of this by yourself. As you’ll hear in the podcast, both Martin Brothers in Vancouver and other organizations are able to help in some way.

Valerie wraps things up by sharing her final thoughts on dealing with the belongings after a loss.

Could You Use Advice on This Topic?

Do you have questions about how to deal with the belongings of a loved one after they pass away? Do you have a situation not covered in this episode of the podcast? Share your thoughts below. We look forward to discussing them with you.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services

Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre
3398 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1

Telephone Number: 778.330.7799
Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901
Fax Number: 778.330.7633

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1