After my mom's death I moved her furniture into storage, then into my apartment. It's great furniture that goes back to when I was a little child, but now when I look at it, it brings back bad memories of my mom's death. I find I can't go into the living room now where the furniture is. It just saddens me to look at it and remember my mom. I would hate to give it away because that's a loss. But it seems to remind me of my past growing up which wasn't so nice, and of my mom's last struggles with her health and death. Any suggestions on how to deal with that? Thanks!
Another option is to change the way the furniture looks. There are lots of DIY furniture ideas on the web like painting furniture using enamel or stenciling. Stripping it and changing the finish from dark to light.
Do you have a furniture restorer near you? Sometimes you can trade with them and swap out pieces you don't like/make you sad for something that you like and will make you happy.
During the first year of grief, I would try to put off any decisions. Its easy to make one that you might regret later as your mind processes your mom's passing. I know it hurts right now to look at the furniture. I'm in the same boat. It hurts to look at my dad's shoes and clothes since his passing. I have donated a lot to the homeless but kept a few items for myself. Yet, I wonder if I should keep anything at all and just let it go. I think this is a common struggle. Everyone in my life tells me to wait one year before making any big decisions. I still have my dad's house and car and paperwork to deal with still. I know it can feel overwhelming, but maybe just give it another month and see how you feel then.
And then...
A family member closer in age to my FIL told my FIL to not make any big decisions..."too soon"...."you will regret it"... And what exactly did that family member do after he opened his big mouth? Went home to his wife and left for a family vacation! Mr. Big Mouth convinced my FIL that the move was a mistake and FIL called it off.
I wish that family member had kept his big mouth shut because now my FIL is surrounded by painful memories of his wife. He says waking up in their bedroom is painful.
It's too late to get FIL another apartment because none are vacant and there's a waiting list. FIL is more depressed and rapidly deteriorating. And there's nothing that can be done about it. If you don't like the furniture just get rid of it. You will not regret feeling better.
Now ideas for the furniture, depending on what furniture you have that had belonged to Mom, you can always dress up the top of the furniture with decorative cloths and place a small lamp. Try to make it your own.
I can understand how furniture can bring up an emotion, and if those emotions still happen, time to donate or pass onto another family member.
I wished I would have kept my parents 1930's bedroom set. Beautiful dark heavy wood, I just didn't have room for it at that time, as I am slowly downsizing my own home.
For me, there are a ton a photos. My great-grandfather was a professional photographer so I have some great portraits... except, who are some of these people? Wish there were names written on the back... [sigh].