4 Things You Need to Do to Make a Move After Losing a Loved One

Thinking of changing homes after dealing with the loss of a loved one? It’s a personal decision that only you can make for yourself, but if you are careful with your planning, it could be just what you need as part of the healing process. Here’s what you need to do to make your move.

You Will Need to Declutter and Downsize

When planning a move after a major loss, you’re likely to have conflicting emotions. It can be difficult to let go of your loved one’s belongings when dealing with so much grief. While the process may be painful in the moment, know that letting go of those tangible representations is actually a step toward healing. You just need to approach decluttering with compassion — for your loved one and mostly for yourself. Take your time deciding what to keep and what to get rid of, and consider renting a storage unit to hold what you cannot yet part with. Storage prices in Seattle can vary. Right now the average cost for a 5’x10’ rental is over $100, but you can find a unit this size for $40, so it pays to shop around.

You Will Definitely Need to Work With a Realtor

Once you’ve downsized your belongings, there are several other tasks you will need to attend to. You’ll want to look for a home and neighborhood that fits your current needs and that matches up with what you can afford. This can be a lot to process on your own so make sure your to-do list also includes hiring a reputable realtor. Not only will the right buyer’s agent make your search easier and help you find the best deal, but your realtor can also provide compassionate support as you process the emotions around this move.

You Will Need to Plan Out Your Entire Move

It’s common to feel like you’re on a roller coaster of emotions when trying to make important decisions and tying up loose financial ends. If you’re not careful, moving homes can add to that stress, but proper planning can make the move a smooth one. Put together a moving timeline and start the packing process by gathering supplies. If you’re moving yourself, look to renting a truck and finding friends and family to help. Alternatively, you can hire professional movers in Seattle to help make the transition easier. Hiring pros may be the best choice right now since it can take a lot of stress off of your plate and allow you to focus on more important tasks, like setting up your new home.

You Need Time to Heal and Process Your Grief

There are so many different tasks to think about and take care of when planning to move and purchase a new home. Before you begin strategizing, however, it’s important to make sure you’ve had enough time to work through the emotions around your loss. That time is relative to your own grieving process, but most grief counselors advise waiting at least a year before deciding to move, change jobs or make any other major changes to your life. Of course, if you need to downsize for financial reasons, moving sooner might be your only option. Whatever you choose, remember to be compassionate with yourself as you process each choice and emotion, and practice a little extra self-care along the way.

A change of address is one way to work through your grief and move forward with your life. You just need to make sure the time is right, and that a move is right for you. By taking it slow and planning carefully, your move can be the right step in your journey to heal.

by Sharon Wagner

Seniorfriendly.info |

sh***********@se************.info

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