How a New Home Can Bring Healing After Losing a Loved One
When you lose someone you love, sometimes the smallest things can trigger the biggest waves of emotion. If you feel like your environment has you in a constant state of turmoil, it can be hard to move forward with your life. Here’s how to navigate the painful process of transitioning into a new home, allowing you to better focus and heal your heart.
Why Am I So Overwhelmed?
Loss is one of the hardest parts of life and is sometimes utterly overwhelming. When we’re overcome by grief, finding ways to manage everyday life can be challenging at best. In fact, Psychology Today explains that in the wake of grief, the idea life could one day be normal again could seem impossible. As a result, you might feel you are going crazy or become particularly attached to certain items that remind you of your loved one.
Allow yourself the opportunity to grieve, and know that what you’re feeling is not unusual. Sorting belongings can be especially painful, and it’s important to know there is no one correct solution. Keep some items that are important to you. For things you don’t want to move but carry important memories, consider taking photos or videos of them so you can revisit them.
Lay Future Groundwork
The final chapter of life is never easy. Among other things, it can leave you thinking about what will happen when you’ve said your final goodbyes and cause you to worry about the future. Sometimes, making plans for the inevitable can give you a sense of relief. It’s a chance to provide a guideline to those you love so you know they won’t need to make tough decisions or have financial turmoil during a difficult time.
Consider making funeral arrangements and investing in final expense insurance. Final expense insurance, also called burial or funeral insurance, can be used to pay medical bills, lingering debt, a headstone, or other related expenses. Covering important essentials for your own future can bring a surprising amount of peace of mind. It’s a chance to frame personal expectations and start thinking about what the next phase in life could hold. The same insurance can also help cover the cost of your loved one’s funeral and burial wishes.
Looking Ahead
When you’re ready to consider looking for your next home, think about what your priorities are. Do you want to be closer to your family? Or, if you have a great support network close by, perhaps downsizing is in order? Maximize Your Money points out that downsizing can bring important financial benefits, which might be a consideration if you’re experiencing an income loss on top of everything else. Also, if you’re going from sharing home maintenance to doing it all yourself, it can alleviate your workload. You can use an estimator tool to get an idea of your home’s value. If you haven’t already done so, it’s a good time to touch base with an attorney about capital gains tax and how your decisions will affect your future.
House Hunting and Moving
Once you know what sort of location you want, it’s in your best interests to connect with a real estate agent. These professionals can help you quickly find homes meeting your personal requirements since they are involved with the market day in and day out. When viewing properties, take a checklist with you to make comparisons after the fact. It’s a great way to remember details and keep notes about your preferences.
When you hire movers, be especially careful. There are many scammers out there, and they will prey on people when they are vulnerable. Check references carefully, get written arrangements, and be alert to any last-minute price changes.
Deciding to move forward with your life is a healthy choice. Take care of yourself and think about your future. Changes can be painful, but with a fresh start, you can focus and heal.