The loss of a loved one rocks your entire world, and the house you once occupied together now feels empty and quiet. You are flooded with memories around every corner, and you just can’t seem to shake the feeling that at any moment, they’ll walk through the front door. Moving might be the answer, but it is also one of those life decisions you are encouraged not to make for at least six months. However, once you’ve had time to truly grieve and you are able to take on all the tasks of moving without your sorrow draining you mentally, emotionally, and physically, moving is something worth considering.
Moving offers several mental health benefits that can help and encourage the grieving process. For starters, you’ll get a brand new start in a fresh home and make new memories, as well as carry some of the old ones with you. You get the opportunity to switch up your lifestyle or maintain your old one with a lower mortgage. Plus, a new home and city bring opportunities for exploration and the promise of new friends. If moving is something you are thinking of taking on, these tips should help:
Find a New Home
The decision to move means you will be both a home seller and a buyer, both of which can be confusing and overwhelming no matter what your life circumstances currently are. A real estate agent will become your best friend, coming into the situation armed with education and experience to help you not only sell your home for the right price but find the home that meets your wants and needs. They’ll help with the not-so-fun stuff too, like organizing home showings, price negotiations/guidance, and the plentiful paperwork that comes along with it. Brush up on what to expect when buying a home so that you aren’t completely out of the loop.
If you’re looking for a home with easier upkeep and would prefer to rent, nearby Alexandria is a terrific location to start over. The city has many antique shops, theaters, and world-class restaurants, and there are nearly 600 apartments currently available. When searching for apartments to rent, filter listings by price, numbers of bedrooms, and essential amenities.
Handle Items and Memories Appropriately
Moving requires that you pack up everything and clean your home from top to bottom to prepare for showings, but in the process, you’ll come across your loved one’s belongings. As you sort through them, you’ll need to decide what you’ll keep, what can be given to others, what can be donated, and what should be thrown away. Set a time limit for each sorting session, and have a friend you are comfortable with help you. Hold onto only the happy memories, and consider DIY projects to create memorial keepsakes.
Make the Process Easier with a Moving Team
The sorting and packing likely took an emotional toll on you, and having to haul it all out yourself and watch the rooms slowly empty might be too much. Hire a moving company to load up your items and deliver them to your new home. Having a professional handle your moving day gives you time to focus on saying goodbye. Spend time in each room, and take photographs that you can then attach written memories to later on. Have a goodbye ceremony, or take a piece of your home with you by unearthing a plant or tree to replant at your new home. Take your time, and remind yourself of the new journey to come.
Moving after the loss of a loved one could be the fresh start you need and prove to be helpful in your grieving process. Build your moving team, including a real estate agent, cleaners, and movers, so that you can focus on sorting your loved one’s items and saying goodbye to the home you shared together. Take your time with the move and cherish the memories your home holds, but look forward to the new memories to come.
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