The loss of a loved one is devastating no matter what. But when you lived with that person, you may feel like you are trapped in a cycle of grief. Your home, no matter how much you love it, can be a reminder of that grief. So how do you know if it’s time to find a new one? And how can you navigate the process if you decide to move? The answers to your questions may not be easy, but here are some points to help you out.
Take Some Time to Make Such a Big Decision
If your surroundings are triggering unpleasant feelings or unwelcome memories of your loved one, you might be considering whether you should move. Relocation could offer the change of scenery you need to process your grief, or it may not help at all. What’s most important is to make the right decision for you, and that may mean waiting a few months to allow yourself to think more clearly about such a major decision.
Prepare for Your Home Search and Purchase
If, after taking enough time to make a clear decision, a move seems right for you, then you will need to move onto a few logistics. Decide how much home you can afford and hire a realtor to make your home search a little easier. You may also need to sell your old home before purchasing a new one, so make sure you take steps to ensure it will sell quickly.
Make Your Move Simple and Stress-Free
Once you find the right place, it’s time to start planning, organizing, and packing for your move. While doing everything yourself is certainly an option, know that a DIY move can require quite a few steps on your part. You may need to rent a truck, pack your belongings, and basically set up your move from start to finish. These little, unexpected details can really add up, in terms of cost and stress. In fact, moving is one of the most stressful life events anyone can go through. Since losing a spouse or loved one is stressful enough, it makes sense to make your move as easy as possible. So if the list above seems like too much, it may be worth it to hire professional movers (this will usually cost around $25 an hour for each mover). It’s also a good idea to hire a cleaning service to give your home a one-time deep cleaning before you move out. This can cost up to $320 in Lynchburg, but the extra money spent is worth it.
Be Prepared for The Tough Parts of Moving
Aside from causing some stress, moving logistics may also stir up difficult emotions, such as which of your departed loved one’s items to keep or discard. These are necessary details to consider. If you’re struggling to decide, these expert tips might help. You may need help from others, or it may be best to complete the task on your own. However you proceed, try to remain objective but also be okay with keeping a few things to remember your loved in the new home.
Be Patient Through This Process
A fresh start can help you deal with certain aspects of grieving. But you may still experience feelings of sadness or anxiety over your loss, even after your move. Those feelings are totally normal, but it’s also important to know when your grief has become more complicated. If you feel stuck in the same cycle or just cannot seem to move on, even after a long period of time and a move, then it may be time to reach out for help from a counselor in your new area.
When the loss of a loved one inspires you to move, know that you are not moving on from that person. You are simply daring to imagine a life where you have moved on from your grief and are allowing yourself to come alive again. Just be patient with yourself as you process your grief, your move, and all of the accompanying emotions. Above all, be kind to yourself as you continue to heal. After all, bereavement is more of a journey than a process to complete.
This article is courtesy of Lucille Rosetti. Lucille can be reached at [email protected].