Could Managing a Move Help You Manage Your Grief?

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is always difficult. If you are grieving the loss of someone you lived with, the pain can feel inescapable. Whether you’ve lost a spouse, a parent, or another close family member, you may find yourself craving some changes in your life, starting with moving to a new home. Making a move can be a positive change for the bereaved, but you’ll want to take a few measures, like the ones below, to make the process a little more bearable during an already emotional time.

Make arrangements for your move

If you find yourself faced with the prospect of a move, it’s a good idea to start with some planning.  Pull together a checklist of everything you will need to do to make your move happen. Plot your “to-do’s” on a calendar and be realistic with timing. Many agree that grief can impair concentration, so give yourself plenty of time to complete tasks.

One item to include on your list is a budget. You’re likely already going through your finances, so take some time to really tighten up your budget. With your finances in check, you can accurately calculate out how much home you can afford.

Take the time to find the ideal place

When it’s time to start the search for your new home, begin by figuring out exactly what your needs will be over the coming years. Maybe you need to downsize, so you can more easily take care of your home? Or, perhaps you would like to be closer to family or friends? Make a list of the qualities you need and want in a home and try to stick to it.

Once you know what you are looking for, it’s wise to consult a licensed realtor to assist you with finding a home that checks off all, or most, of the items on your list. Realtors bring neighborhood knowledge and negotiation skills that can help take the pressure off you, as a buyer or seller, which can really help out when you are still working through grief.

Ask for help when sorting and moving

Organizing and packing for a move can be emotional for anyone, but can be especially painful when you have recently lost a loved one. You may struggle with figuring out which items to keep and which to let go. This is a good time to reach out to a trusted friend or family member for help and support. You can work together to sort through your memories and decide what to take with you to the new home. Struggling with what to do with items that remind you of your loved one? Try crafting a DIY keepsake that will help preserve the memory but not take up space in your new home.

With your good sorted you can start packing and really preparing for your move. Take care when packing fragile or meaningful items and mark boxes so that you know where your most treasured belongings are during the move. This may be a good time to look into hiring professional movers in your area. Professional movers have the expertise and energy to ensure all of your possessions are securely packed and transported to your new home in one piece. Hiring movers can help lessen the stress of moving a house full of memories, while also helping to lessen the chances of losing or breaking belongings.

Finding a new home can help you find peace after the loss of a loved one, but you’ll want to make sure you are prepared for the journey. Lean on friends and family for support and don’t underestimate the value of hiring professionals. By finding support and being prepared, you can ensure that your move really helps you through your grieving process.

Guest Blogger ~ Lucille Rosetti

photo ~ Unsplash

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