My mother died last week. Buried today. I am the only family member. Have a sister but she doesn't care. Mom's furniture and belongings are in storage. I brought some of her furniture to my apartment in attempt to bring her home so to speak. But now looking at this furniture just brings up intense grief. And just try to move on? I am grieving intensely and looking at her belongings just reminds me of losing her.
Answer your question, keep 5 things that you feel would make you still feel close to your mom, and donate, toss out, sell the rest.
I struggled with this decision too, so I'm glad you posted this question. Its now 5 months later and I'm still not sure how to handle the remainder of my dad's possessions. I have given a lot to the homeless shelter but I'm not sure if I should part with the rest. Maybe I will wait till the one year anniversary to make a further decision.
Grief is a different road for everyone. Some are ready to shed the old belongings immediately and move on - but most are not. You need to take all the time YOU need - not based on what anyone else tells you is "normal". As you're finding out, there *is* no "normal" when it comes to grief. Everyone moves through it at their own pace, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Take your time and be at peace.
I agree with the above writers, give yourself time. I would hate to see you donate things and later down the road wish you have kept some of the items.
My own Mom passed over a year ago, and my Dad this past September, and I have a lot of their items and some furniture. The items give me great comfort now, so I am glad I kept these things.
Nicole