Unfortunately, one thing has nothing to do with the other. The fact is that you need to return your employer's property; you could find yourself in legal trouble if you don't. Then, if you still are not allowed to retrieve your personal possessions, you will need to sue (if the amount is small enough, in small claims court).However, you can consult with an attorney. Possibly they can suggest to your former employer that at the time you return it's property you can retrieve your belongings. Sometimes, just having a communication directly on a lawyer's letterhead is all that is needed to get things moving in the right direction.