Help me get rid of a once-sentimental item!

[OnlyLoveCanBreakYourHeart]

I cleared my DF's place out when he passed, and for a long time now have had some items of his in a box in the garage. Last year I had a sort out and got rid of a few things. I bought one item into the house as it was looking a bit sorry for itself and I didn't want it to get damaged in the damp. But now, having it in my home, I have realised that it really is in quite a sorry condition and probably better off thrown away. I have other items that I feel more sentimental about that I would rather keep. I just can't bring myself to get rid of it though! It just feels really disrespectful, and I know now that I kept it because it was something DF was fond of, rather than actually being fond of myself. Help me be brutal MNetters, please!

Can't you just stick it in the bin?

Take a photograph of it so you can remember it then either give it away or dispose of it.

You could take a photo of it before throwing it away.

Or take a tip from Marie Kondo and thank the item before letting it go.

Memories are more important than things.

What is it? We can all remember it with you.

I really feel for you.

I have to start clearing my mum and dad’s house out soon.

My dad passed away recently, and my mum has had to go into care.

I am so sentimental, and I know it’s going to be difficult for me to let go of many, many things.

If you feel guilt about throwing the item away then I would hold onto to it for a while longer; you will know when the time is right to let it go - however long it takes.

Can you put it away in a box again for a while so you can tell yourself it is still there and then in a few months just not open the box and throw it out? I find the two step approach easier sometimes!

What's the item?

Advice will be different between a small thing and a large thing.

I am sorry that you have to go through this. I lost my mum before dad and still have a lot of her items too. It's 10 years on for me which is why I feel I need to be a bit tougher about what I keep and what I get rid of. I can't keep everything forever.
The item is something he bought on his many travels around the world, and very of it's place. It's in my lounge now because I was going to put in the bin but I can't bring myself to. I don't want to put it back in the garage either because there's so much other stuff there that I am more invested in. I'm in a bit of a stalemate!