Certain belongings of a deceased person should not be kept for personal use due to potential health, legal, or ethical reasons. Here is a general guide, but always use discretion and consult with professionals when needed.
1. Medical Supplies & Equipment
-
Prescription medications: Do not keep or use them. Dispose of them properly through a pharmacy or drug take-back program to avoid misuse or accidental poisoning.
-
Used medical devices: Items like CPAP masks, syringes, catheters, or oxygen tubing can harbor bacteria or viruses and are not safe to reuse.
-
Non-sterile wound care items: Used bandages, gauze, or wraps should be discarded.
2. Personal Hygiene Items
-
Toothbrushes, razors, hairbrushes with hair: These are biohazards and can hold bodily fluids, bacteria, or fungi.
-
Used makeup, lotions, or creams in open containers: These can be contaminated with bacteria over time, especially if used near eyes or mouth.
-
Dentures or partial plates: These are custom-fit to the deceased and are not hygienic to pass on.
3. Compromised Safety Gear
-
Expired or used fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, or carbon monoxide detectors: Their reliability is unknown and could fail in an emergency.
-
Worn-out helmets or safety equipment: Structural integrity may be compromised from prior impact or wear.
4. Severely Worn or Unsanitary Items
-
Mattresses or pillows that are heavily stained, soiled, or old may harbor allergens, dust mites, or bodily fluids.
-
Moldy, mildewed, or pest-infested clothing, furniture, or textiles.
5. Legally or Ethically Problematic Items
-
Weapons or firearms that are not properly documented or transferred through legal channels.
-
Private documents containing sensitive information (social security cards, bank statements, diaries) should be securely stored or shredded, not casually kept.
-
Items of unclear ownership or that may be subject to estate disputes.
6. Emotionally “Charged” Items
While not physically dangerous, some items may hinder the grieving process. Use careful judgment with:
-
Objects that consistently trigger intense grief or negative memories.
-
Items the deceased explicitly wanted given to a specific person or charity.
What Is Generally Safe to Keep (After Cleaning/Checking):
-
Jewelry (cleaned)
-
Furniture (inspected for pests)
-
Clothing, linens, and books (washed or sanitized)
-
Art, photographs, and letters (preserved appropriately)
-
Collectibles, dishes, and decorative items (cleaned)
Important Steps to Take:
-
Consult the will or estate executor for instructions on specific belongings.
-
Dispose of health-risk items safely through medical waste programs if needed.
-
Clean and sanitize keepable items thoroughly.
-
When in doubt, seek advice from a professional (funeral director, estate lawyer, or grief counselor).
Handling a loved one’s belongings is an emotional process. Prioritize safety, legality, and your own emotional well-being when deciding what to keep.