How Do You Dispose The Clothes Of A Person Who Has Died?

1. 79

   ngurecoposted 14 years ago

   How Do You Dispose The Clothes Of A Person Who Has Died?

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2. 62

   Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

   (If I can first make a remark directed at someone else's answer to this question - LOL dabeaner.  My head didn't go anywhere near that direction when I saw this question.)
   
   In all seriousness, I think before anyone thinks about disposing of a love one's clothes he should feel emotionally ready to do that.  Some people will feel ready sooner than others, but it always happens sooner or later.
   
   I think the first step is just putting the clothes away in the house somewhere.  The next thing is being ready to go through them and decide which items are in good enough shape to be worn by someone else.  Giving them to charity can give you the feeling that "at least someone who needs clothes will get the benefit of them".   Some charities make minor repairs on clothes (and provide people, like mentally disabled people, with work/jobs); so if minor repairs are needed and you're giving to a charity make sure it's one that isn't looking for "good and usable" clothes and, instead, is one that makes repairs.
   
   If the clothing items are really worn and couldn't be used by someone else (even with minor repairs) I think you have to just bag them up and wait until you're ready to throw them out.  If throwing them out is too difficult for you, bag them up, let the bag sit for a little while, and ask someone else to throw it away for you.
   
   I don't think people need to feel it's important to get rid of absolutely every piece of clothing someone had.  Keeping a special few pieces in a box somewhere (maybe, for example, to show great-grandchildren the kind of clothes Great-Grandma wore "back in the day" - or maybe just because you want to save "Grandpa's special hat" or military uniform) is something a lot of people do.

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3. 89

   timothyjwardposted 14 years ago

   Donate them to your favorite charity or religious organization

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4. 67

   generalbratposted 14 years ago

   i had a hard time of such saddness doing this we put away his worn diry close he wore a couple of days before and especially the clothes he wore the day before it smell like him til this day just siplock it will hold his sent for many years hopefully i packed it all away the day after we laid him down to rest we saved every thing for his favorite baby andy angel we all know andy is ryans baby he made it very clear everyday that is only his baby he was so loving to us all such a very sweet smart 3 year old . always taking care of him (andy) with such love that is always missed even though it was hard for us to bring the boxes out the day we knew andy was old enough to wear his big brother ryans close it was well worth it seeing andy was like seeing ryan too! they are so alike we know ryan will always be by his little brothers side being his guardian angel andy sees ryans pics and says thats me mom we always tell him no silly its big brother ryan all he says ryan that ryan no that me we say passing down the close to loved ones its a great memory keepsake gift to give only to family that will make such it is well tooken care of and passed down only to relitives or someone special whom needs it and will value where it come from it can also be a comfort to have something they wore and sweeted in .

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5. 90

   Gerber Inkposted 13 years ago

   Oh dabeaner....lol!
   
   I've gone through this several times, unfortunately, as relatives of mine have passed.  I've always kept a few things and then donated the rest to charity.  I've kept military uniforms and a few other special items, but honestly, I simply don't have the room to keep everything people have left behind.
   
   My mother refused to go through her father's things for almost 10 years; she finally went through them and started giving things away just this summer.  She handed me a pile of things and said to give them away since she couldn't bear to look at them any longer. 
   
   I think it is up to the individual as to when and how they decide to deal with a loved one's belongings.

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6. 59

   rikabellaposted 13 years ago

   I'll give it away to the Red Cross or some charitable organization. Would be a great way to do some good. Homeless people could do with some nice jackets during winter.

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7. 60

   Shahid Bukhariposted 13 years ago

   There are a lot of living humans, who could wear... the deceased's clothes.

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8. 72

   Ruchiraposted 13 years ago

   Donating it off will be better since wearing those clothes will bring back memories of the person...

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9. 59

   tinawehaposted 13 years ago

   Drop them off at Goodwill or st. Vincent de Paul.  Why not help some person who has just lost his or her job and needs clothing?

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10. 0

    Helpful Hannaposted 13 years ago

    Donating them to the Goodwill or the Salvation Army is a great way to help others.

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11. 0

    Temirahposted 12 years ago

    I agree with Lisa Hw.  When you feel ready, sort through them.  Keep what's special to you, give away the things that will be useful to someone else.
    I read somewhere that folding the clothes you're going to give to charity into a suitcase (rather than plastic bags) is a nicer way to do it.
    Also I've seen a quilt made by a woman whose father had died.  She took a picture of one of his favourite places and used his shirts/jeans/sweaters etc and recreated the picture. Not for everyone, but a thought and it worked for her.
    I hope that you've found the answer to your question by now though - I've only just come upon your question.

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