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The Daily Insight Hub

What to do with a loved ones belongings when they die?

Author

Daniel Santos

Updated on February 16, 2026

Here’s 5 tips for sorting through the belongings of someone who has died.

  1. Take it easy on yourself. Start whenever.
  2. Consider asking yourself a few questions.
  3. Don’t feel bad about throwing things away.
  4. And don’t feel weird about taking pics first!
  5. Do you.

Who gets belongings after death?

Generally, only spouses, registered domestic partners, and blood relatives inherit under intestate succession laws; unmarried partners, friends, and charities get nothing. If the deceased person was married, the surviving spouse usually gets the largest share.

What is it called when someone dies and you get their belongings?

heir. noun. someone who will receive money, property, or a title when another person dies.

How do you let go of a loved one’s possessions?

Here are some tips that may make the task of dealing with a deceased loved one’s belongings a little easier.

  1. Plan the process. Going through the belongings of a loved who has passed away is never an easy process, and it does require planning and support.
  2. Take your time.
  3. Ask for help.
  4. Sort methodically.
  5. Avoid regrets.

How do you divide possessions after death?

Here are a few methods:

  1. Draw lots and take turns picking items.
  2. Use colored stickers for each person to indicate what he wants.
  3. Get appraisals.
  4. Make copies.
  5. Use an online service like FairSplit.com to catalog and divide personal property in an estate.

What is considered personal property in a death?

Personal property refers to anything that isn’t real estate. Common types of personal property include furniture, jewelry, and household goods, as well as bank accounts, stocks, and money due to the decedent.

What do you leave behind when you die?

A legacy is something we leave behind when we die. A legacy can be comprised of the intangible memories and feelings people hold for you after you die. A legacy can also take the form of a bequest, or donation, to be actioned after your death.

What to do with personal belongings after death?

When someone dies, you have to wait until the will has been reviewed before you start distributing personal belongings. As mentioned above, you may or may not have the right to do so. You’ll also need to take an inventory of the person’s belongings and have some items appraised to determine the overall worth of the estate.

What to do with a deceased person’s money and property?

Dealing with a deceased person’s money and property After someone dies, someone (called the deceased person’s ‘executor’ or ‘administrator’) must deal with their money and property (the deceased person’s ‘estate’). They need to pay the deceased person’s taxes and debts, and distribute his or her money and property to the people entitled to it.

Who is the person who deals with the estate of a deceased person?

If the deceased person left a valid will, the person who deals with the estate is called the deceased person’s ‘executor’. If the deceased person left an invalid will or no will at all, the person who deals with the deceased person’s estate is called an ‘administrator’.

What can I do with all of my parents possessions?

An estate liquidator service can expedite the process selling estate assets. In most cases, they will come to the home and give you a dollar amount to take all of the personal belongings for a flat fee that is paid up front.