A loved one’s funeral is overwhelming. In grief, families often rush to “move on,” but some items should never be discarded because they hold memory, history, and connection. Here are four things worth keeping.

Handwritten notes or letters
Cards, sticky notes, or letters may seem small, but they contain your loved one’s real thoughts, “in their own words, their own handwriting.” Many people later regret throwing these away. Keep them. They may bring comfort when the pain softens.

Voice recordings or voicemails
A short message like “Call me when you can,” or “Love you, see you soon” can become priceless. A voice captures tone, laughter, and the way they said your name. Save it. Back it up. It can feel like a living memory when you miss them most.

Items that were always ‘theirs’
A favorite mug, sweater, glasses, or even a chair isn’t just an object. These items were part of daily life and often bring quiet comfort later. Keeping a few can turn into meaningful heirlooms.

Family photos, especially unlabeled ones
Old photos of unfamiliar faces may hold generations of stories. Even if you don’t recognize everyone, keep them and ask older relatives for help. You may discover memories worth preserving.

In summary
Grief can push us to clean and start fresh, but be careful. What feels small today could be priceless tomorrow. Funerals aren’t only about saying goodbye—they’re about knowing what to keep.