My mother (sole owner) died and left a life interest to her husband. He allowed me to remove some personal item (clothes, files etc), I had always gone to the house with someone and with his permission. He now says, by law, I have no right to go to the house, and cannot take any more of my mother's personal items.
It would take me more than one day to clean out her things, so I don't think getting the police to go with me would help. Any suggestions?

Are you the rightful heir to your mother's personal possessions? I assume she left a will - what does it specify that you inherit from her? The executor of her estate is responsible for making sure that they are distributed according to her will, so contact him/her about getting the items you are due.

If the things are you getting are really YOURS, you need to arrange to get them in one trip, hire a few people, rent a truck and get them.
I assume he is getting tired of letting you in multiple times.

You may sue him for the value of these things if he will not let you get them.

He only has to provide one day and time for you to get them,

I am the executrix of the will and everything is left to my brother and me.
Mom's husband & I had an argument and we don't speak, so he is just being spiteful,
The items are her clothes, books, some of my personal things, personal files and other misc things.
He will NOT let me in the house... do I need a lawyer?