My first step with mom and dad's things was to take photo's and ask children and grandchildren what they wanted. (I asked children first and then had them ask their kids.)
I made pillows out of Dad's shirts to give to family. I asked before doing mom's just this year and while they loved Dad's, they didn't want one of mom's. Instead I divided up her jewelry and we all wore a piece to her funeral.
Different times, different situations, feelings, and life all play into it. There is NO one size fits all.
You do what is right for you.

Hubby no longer needs large wardrobe, so I gathered his necessary garments, shoes, slippers, bathrobe, sweaters, 6 days'underwear, socks, scarf, knit cap, gloves. He is furnished w a freestanding wardrobe w drawers. I furnished a small chest of drawers, for his bedsheets and towels. Here at home I am gathering his heavy outwear, boots, etc as he will no longer go outdoors to shovel snow, or work outside. He is almost 91, so he no longer has the same clothing needs as 15 years ago. Am donating to Goodwill the garments. Our house is up for sale, so I plan to have a yard sale for the tools, equipment, gardening things in the spring. I will be moving to my son's home in another town. "The most important things in life are not things."

My husband played both clarinet and saxophone in the community band. About a year before he died, he had given up playing because he simply could not keep up. Our daughter asked if she could take his clarinet because she wanted to play it in church. He was happy to give it to her. After he died, she asked about his saxophone. She wondered what I was going to do with it. I told her I did not have a plan for it. She asked if she could keep it with the hope that our grandson, now, eight years old, would play it when he gets older. Of course I was happy to give it to her. As for things like hiking boots that are worn out…you have the memories of the good times you and your husband had together. Treasure those.

It has been nine months. Every time I’ve tried to empty her dresser, I’ve been unable to part with things. The memories were over-powering. I was able to give away her winter coats after I found out how many local school kids were without. Visiting our daughter and grand-daughter for Christmas allowed me to pass on her jewelry to tearful acceptance. I think this process will be slow and gradual as will be the lessening of my grief.

I think my approach will be to start cleaning out things I no longer need. He seems to want to copy anything that I do. I know a lady or ladies must need professional suits and shoes. He also has many clothes and shoes he no longer wears or needs. Great idea, thanks!!!!🙏