That statement is a very strong general rule, but it’s not universally true.
There is no cultural, emotional, or practical rule that says you should never keep items belonging to someone who has passed away. In fact, for many people, those items can be meaningful and comforting.
Why people do keep belongings
Some reasons include:
- emotional connection and memories
- sense of closeness or comfort
- sentimental value (jewelry, clothing, favorite objects)
- preserving family history
There’s nothing harmful about this if it feels supportive.
Why some people choose not to keep them
Others may prefer to let things go because:
- it helps them cope with grief
- items can trigger strong emotions
- they want to avoid being overwhelmed by memories
- practical reasons (space, organization)
Both choices are valid.
What actually matters
The healthiest approach is not a strict rule, but:
- what helps you emotionally
- what feels manageable, not distressing
- what fits your personal or cultural beliefs
Some people keep a few meaningful items and donate the rest. Others keep everything. Others let go completely.
Bottom line
There is no universal rule that you should not keep items of a deceased person. It depends entirely on how those items affect you and your healing process.
If you want, I can help you figure out a gentle way to decide what to keep vs. let go without feeling guilty or overwhelmed.
