This varies because some people can't part with anything, ever, and others realize that holding onto these type things just postpones the dreaded moment. My adult son offered to help me about 3 wks. after my husband's death -- and I accepted. There is a substance abuse rehab facility nearby, and we took most everything to them. My son wanted some of the jackets etc. I was glad to have his help and was relieved to have this over.

I'm sure your husband would be glad to know that his warm clothes and boots are going to those in need. Don't feel guilty -- be glad that you can help someone. Some people won't even get rid of toothbrushes etc. I have nice photos of my husband and don't need all those things around. He had a long illness; he was very brave and fought hard. We are Christians and I believe he is in heaven with God now. He is warm, comfortable and surrounded by beauty. Wishing you peace as you take this step -
Hugs,
Doye

I did this before my husband died. He was in the hospital 5 weeks before and was then going to a nursing home. So I got together his clothes for nursing home. Gave the rest to goodwill. I didn't know..he wasn't going anywhere. A week after he died, I gave his ostomy supplies to someone who needed them, and couldn't afford them. I was prou d he didn't have one on, when we buried him. The clothes I pack for the nursing home. Are still in the suitcase, It has been 11 months.

I donated some clothing to Brother in law who wanted it early on but I think I acted to quick . Not the part of not holding on to his clothes but the part about being mentally prepared. I did keep some clothes for comfort and my daughter grabbed a few sweatshirts that she also wears for warmth and comfort . The one thing I did do is to put aside anything that could be cut and used into a rag quilt . I also kept his t-shirts as my daughter wants a t-shirt blanket made form them, If you can or know someone who sews, I would not be too quick to get rid of everything. I know someone who had decorator cushions covers made from her father`s ties. I have already made 1 blanket for a friend who has Cancer and work with my husband . They wore the same uniform so I cut and included squares of my husband in our friends rag blanket. He was extremely touched by this.

After a few months, I started cleaning a few things out. I remember bagging up clothes and having a breakdown about packing up sox.. I put them all back in the drawer. A while later, I tried again. I did this slowly for the next year or so. I moved after 3 years, so I did a big cleanout then. It was tough, but i was able to decide what i really wanted to keep or use myself and what i could let go of. Now, I have a tote of stuff i will never get rid of, and many hobby items that i still use and think of him when i use them.

I waited awhile and then thought my sweetie would reach down from heaven and slap me for leaving all of those clothes in the closet when other people could benefit from having them. I donated some to goodwill as they do good work. They help people by having them work there and sort and price the clothes. Less fortunate people who are having a hard time can shop there and get some good stuff. I went days later to see if they put any out and I saw my sweeties $100 shoes going for $5. I am think i think a smart shopper could do well shopping there. Some I gave to my sweet niece who is in college and could use it. Goodwill doesn't take undies and sock so I gave them to this woman at work who works at a homeless shelter in Chicago. She said some would LOVE to have this stuff. And this woman at work who has friends and relatives in the Philippines took some. She knew some people there that lost everything in that tsunami. I think my sweetie would like that there are people in the Philippines walking around wearing DePaul University tee's and pants. I kept some of course. Her favorite jammies, her favorite tops that we got at the many concerts we went to. She was a huge Chicago Blackhawks fan so I kept her hawks panties :) Whatever is right for you. I STILL to this day haven't been able to wash the clothes that she had in the hamper the day she passed. I will get the courage soon to wash those and donate those as well. Bottom line.... do whatever you feel like. You know, society kinda gives you a pass on things and this is one of them. Do what brings you peace because peace is all we really want after all.

My dgt and I kept items that had the most personal meaning. My wife's favourite items. I then asked my inlaws to sort and take whatever they wanted. I then had some shipped to needed family. The rest I gave to charity. 1 year later I am still sorting. Did it in small intervals because it was so very painful to do. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Do what your heart tells you to do. Sending you a big hug as you work your way through this difficult process. God bless. Gerald

My most favorite thing of hers was her heart. And that I am keeping inside of me and never letting it go.

It's been seven months for me today. A first when my husband passed, the thought of getting rid of his items really bothered me but now I've started cleaning out and giving away his clothes to charity. That's the first step I've taken. I still have many more items of his that I don't know what to do with. I'm taking my time and will slowly go through the remainder of his items when it feels right.

I would do this when you feel that it's the right time. There's no set time table to follow.

I pretty quick started giving away things, donating those not wanted to Good Will hoping someone else would use them. I kept a few things, I am wearing a few jackets, grandkids and kids took some. After I had done this I was told VA takes these things and he was a veteran, I was sad I did not know that. A lot still left.

I waited only a month and a half before giving Alex's clothing to GoodWill. I only kept my favorite shirt that I adored on him. I'd lose it if I ever saw anyone in our city wearing it (though chances are slim).

It took me a year to do it. I gave all my wife's cloths to a friend who needed new cloths and the things she couldn't wear or use she gave to her church. I gave all my wife's shoes, 4 very large bags of them to my church's yard sale. I cried with every piece of clothing I packed.

It has been almost 6 months sense my husband died. I have given away some things. His car I gave to our nephew, as I go through my closets I give things away some clothes to my son. The majority I still have. Interesting that just before I read your post, I had a call from a charity asking me if I had any thing to donate. May be this is a sign telling me that it is time. I do have his shoes packed and ready to go. Maybe I will give them. I am in no rush.

I'm going on 10 months and haven't done it yet. I decided right away to wait one year before I attempted it. I just closed up her closet.

Russ

I started right after he passed. Gave some ti my brother n law and thought I would have a garage sale. But that never happened. Just this last weekend our son nlaw asked if I still had some of Roby's winter jackets, I still have it all. Turns out he even wears the same size shoes. So this weekend they will come and clean out the closet and take whatever he wants.
I'm glad the clothes will be helping them out.

Thank you all so much for your encouragement. I have much more to do, but I feel I made a good start today.
I even organized a lot of the medical supplies (gauze, bandages, ointments, gloves,etc) that we had left over from hospice care. The hospice nurse was able to take all of the colostomy and wound vac machine supplies that were unopened.
Just so, so, so, so many memories...how I miss my husband.