Nothing can prepare you for the emotional havoc that comes after losing someone near and dear to your heart. Soon after the initial shock, our minds race through the stages of grief in strange and unusual patterns. Positive memories of times spent with a loved one can even become painful reminders of the absence that now exists. The pictures that line your hall might even feel like ghosts of your past coming back to haunt you.
Grief can make us latch onto locations in strange ways, and it may be that continuing to dwell where the hurt is can make it seem as if the pain will never go away. Sometimes the best thing we can do after experiencing a traumatic loss is to refresh our lives in a new location. If you are considering moving into a new home, here are some things to think about.
Friends and Family Members Will Likely Understand
Initially, you might feel ashamed for wanting to leave your home. You might even think that it is a sign of shallowness or weakness. However, bear in mind the start of a new chapter always comes after another ends. Communicate with friends and family members about your decision to move. Talking things through can help them understand your situation, help you feel at ease, and help you stay involved with those who care about you during your transition. Buying and selling a home during an already challenging time can feel overwhelming, so keep communication flowing to allow loved ones to assist and support you.
Connect with good help
Everyone’s financial situation is unique, and your own circumstances will shape how the buying and selling process will work for you. Start by consulting with professionals, such as real estate agents, attorneys, and financial advisers. Your decisions could influence personal circumstances you might not even think about, such as your future taxes, so by covering all your bases you set yourself up for success. It’s also important to find an affordable property in the location of your choosing, sell your current home, and ensure you’re able to purchase your new home without hiccups. Those advisers can play a key role, especially your real estate agent.
To help your real estate agent find the perfect place, consider making some notes about your search criteria. Categorize what property features are non-negotiable, what would be flexible, and what items are on your wish-list. To help you get started, The Balance offers an extensive list of home amenities and features.
It’s Good to Have a Timeline
Once you find your new home, consider creating a timeline to help make the transition as smooth as possible. It’s a great way to ensure you stay on track and avoid getting waylaid. Make sure you hire movers or arrange helpers well in advance, since the last thing you want is to have everything packed and no help for moving day. If you do hire movers, be sure to adjust your budget accordingly. Most homeowners in Fort Lauderdale spend between $671 – $1,772 for a local move. While hiring movers gives you one less thing to worry about on moving day, having friends and family help can be a nice way to connect and keep your mind busy. Do what helps you the most during a challenging time.
Packing Is the Hardest Part
Another reason to have a timeline laid out is because there will likely be some emotional hurdles involved with sorting your household items. This is especially true if you need to sort many things that belonged to or remind you of your special someone.
Allow yourself ample time to work through things and consider asking a close friend to help. Having someone there who knew your loved one will give you a chance to sort your emotions while you sort tangible belongings, laughing and crying as those things trigger memories. Shelly Frey explains that while it may be difficult to let go of something that belonged to your loved one, it can be an important part of the healing process. At the same time, allow yourself to keep some special things. You might like to create a memory album or some other tribute to your loved one, and revisit it as you wish.
Packing and moving after a major loss can be a highly emotional experience. As you begin your new life, consider it a refresher instead of thinking of it as running away. Embrace the promise of a new chapter and know your loved one would want you to be happy.
