Cleaning home after the loss of a loved one?

So, I’m wondering how the rest of the world might feel about this.

I recently moved in with my Fiance, into his existing apt. (now ours) that was once owned by his Mom (deceased since December). I love it here, and what I’m about to say does not detract from my happiness—it’s just a minor situation.

The place needs a moderately major clean-up and tidy-up. I’d go ahead and do it, only I feel very uncomfortable handling his Mother’s things, which are all around. Her papers, her chatchkes (sp), her books, her newspapers, etc. I see his discomfort and upset when he is in a situation where he has to touch them, and really don’t want to harm him, as I love him so deeply. His feelings about it matter more to me than my shallow OCD tendencies. I don’t want to ruin the sanctity of his space, nor make him feel ashamed of how it is, nor change the way the place was when she died if it is helping him emotionally.

We are very communicative, but I tread carefully and gently when it comes to his Mom, as I would never want to reopen wounds.

However, it really does need to be organized and cleaned. Today, I decided to meet my brother elsewhere instead of here, because I don’t want anyone to think we’re living like frat boys.

What should I do? Clean it myself? Or make it a joint effort, so that he can work through the feelings of touching those things? Quietly clean it, without mentioning it too much and making such a big deal?

Any ideas would be really helpful.