Thank you all for your support. I really appreciate it.

Hugs to all x

Eeyor7 - I am so sorry for your loss. I agree with everyone's input - you'll know when the time is right and don't let anyone push you into making changes you are not ready to make.

I was forced into going through all of my wifes things just a month after she passed. I say I was forced because we were in the process of moving and everything we owned was in a moving truck, in order to unpack the house I had to go through everybox because our stuff was intertwined.

I still did it a little at at ime, I would usually do it in the middle of the night so my daughter was not there. I kept what was important to me, to remind me of her, like her Pillsbury Doughboy Collection, but other thngs I gave to my girls, like her jewelry, and clothes. The rest I either just put in a box to be stored and gone through later, or I donated them to goodwill.

I have pictures of her all over the house, so I can look at her when ever I want.

You will know when it is the right time fo you.

I closed my wifes closet and didnt open it for a year. Then I finally felt strong enough to go through it.
Russ

You do it, when it feels right to you. I let go of most of it, about at a year. Now 5 years later, I still have some of his favorite shirts. I always wanted to turn them into pillows for the grandkids. I gave his favorite tshirts to relatives. My daughter framed one of his favorite sayings to the kids. Go as slow or as fast, as what makes sense to you.

Paula

Unfortunately, I'm not sure there is ever a "right" time, but rather a difficult time to let go. Keep your hubby's belongings as long as you feel comfortable with them; when you decide it's time to clear house, you will instinctively know and start the process.

I'm 9 months into this journey and still have 90% of Jim's things around. Although, I did box up some things and moved to another room, and/or the garage. Other things are still around in the house and don't bother me too much.

I guess my advice is to honor your feelings and there is no right or wrong time-line. Try not to over-think or analyze too much. Only you will know the right time to continue to keep or start disposing of.

Big hug and sincerest condolences for your loss. xo, Dayna

I am at 5 years and I have gotten rid of Jim's clothes, his 51 chevy truck which I sold to my daughter and his HO train set which went to my grandson at Christmas but I still have tons of tools. He was a mechanic by trade so I have power tools and antique tools in the basement and a large tool box and air compressor still in the garage. I found just recently it's easier to get rid of his stuff now. It just hurt too much before. I don't advise you to wait as long as I did but maybe wait enough time so it just doesn't hurt so much. If I had to move I would certainly have gotten rid of all his stuff sooner. I still take comfort looking at all his pictures hanging on the walls and I have no plans to ever take them down.

There is not designated time to start letting go of possessions. For me was painful having Michaels things in the house . Within a week I had given the majority of Michaels possessions away with the exception of a few personal items that had sentimental value. I do not regret my decision for the essence of Mike was not found in his things, but in his spirit which lives deep inside of me. My best advice to you is to take a deep breath and do what is right for you. There are no set rules, nor should there be.
Kymberly

I too could not bear to part with some of my husband's belongings but little by little I have donated to organizations who need clothes. You will know when it is right and not before - just take it as it comes and know you have the support to ask these questions that others who have not lost a spouse or other close one do not understand. I lost my husband 13 months ago in an accident and miss him everyday. Good luck to you