Lucille Rosetti contacted me and volunteered to present an article on my Tuesday blog. I find this to be a very good article and I hope you will enjoy it as well.
Losing a loved one can leave you feeling confused and torn about the next chapter in your life, and while making a move to a new home or city might seem like an overwhelming prospect, sometimes it can be incredibly helpful. There are lots of advantages to finding a change of scenery after enduring a loss, especially if you and your loved one lived together. It can also be beneficial to look for support and resources online when you’re ready to start getting back into a routine.
Below are some suggestions that can help you make a move during this significant time in your life. We hope these tips and resources can help you easily complete this transition.
Prep your home
Getting a house ready to sell is often the most time-consuming aspect of moving, especially if it’s an older home that needs a little attention. You’ll want to go through every room and take note of any necessary repairs, especially things like leaky pipes, cracked windows, or damaged floors, since these are major red flags to buyers. There are also smaller fixes you can make, such as replacing an old mailbox or painting the front door, that will add to the curb appeal of your home and draw buyers in.
Repairs are the first step; it’s also crucial to make sure your home is organized, thoroughly cleaned, and full of fresh scents before you put it on the market. If you have pets, take steps to remove things like litter boxes, toys, and food bowls before showings and make arrangements for your animals to be out of the house on those days. Don’t forget to air out your home, as buyers will immediately pick up on any odors or smells. Open your windows for a while to help with this, as will deep cleaning areas of your home where your animals dwell. However, avoid using artificial air fresheners, as these scents can drive away buyers as well.
Clean up your credit
Once your home is cleaned up and ready to put on the market, it’s time to focus on boosting your credit and finances. Not only will this give you some peace of mind about the near future, it will help the moving process go much quicker if you can get pre-approved for a home loan. Pay down credit card balances and download a credit management app that will give you resources for boosting your number, such as adding utility bills that have been consistently paid on time to your score.
Think about your needs
After you’ve figured out your budget and are ready to look for a new home, think about what will make you happiest moving forward. Consider whether you’d like to move to a community with lots of social opportunities–which can be beneficial for individuals who have just lost a spouse–or a neighborhood with more privacy. The size of your home is important as well, and you’ll also want to think about how accessible it is, especially if you’re living with a disability or want to age-in-place in the new home. Are there stairs or high thresholds? If so, you may need to make modifications for safety’s sake. Make a list of things to look for in an accessible home.
For younger individuals who have lost a significant other, you may decide to look for a smaller home in a new neighborhood. Think about your interests when making your decision. Do you have access to the things you want, such as parks or restaurants? Does the neighborhood itself offer things that you enjoy? Moving homes during this time can be stressful, so make sure the new place you’ve selected will bring you nothing but comfort.
Look for support
When it’s time to start packing up your home, you may be hit with a flood of grief or difficult memories, especially if you have to go through your loved one’s belongings. If possible, ask a close friend or family member for help during this phase, and come up with an action plan for those items. You might also look online for support groups and social media groups where you can get advice and talk to others who are grieving. It can be hard to let go of items that belonged to a loved one, so take it slowly and remember that you don’t have to get rid of anything you’re not ready to give up. Think about renting a storage unit or packing up those items together to keep in the new house until you feel prepared to see them go.
Moving is a big job, so get some help from friends, family, and a moving company that will work with your needs and budget. The process will be challenging, but it helps to remind yourself of how beneficial it will be to make a fresh start.
For questions, comments, or requests please fill out the contact form and get in touch with Melva Gifford.
