If you’ve recently lost a loved one, especially one you shared a home with, chances are you are haunted by painful reminders of their passing daily. You might sit across from an empty chair at the dining room table or pass their favorite restaurant on your way to work. The point is that there will soon come a time when you will have to make the choice of whether to live in the midst of the memories or to move away and start your life fresh. No one but you can make that difficult decision, but when you do start to consider your options, there are a few tips that can help.
Benefits of Moving After a Loss
There can be many benefits to moving after you lose a loved one. For many people, a change of location helps them make a fresh start. Some people choose to make a move to be closer to family who can help them get through their difficult time. And some choose to start over and move to a brand-new place where they don’t know anyone. Just the opportunity to start a whole new life can be exactly what you need.
Buying/Selling a Home After a Loved One Dies
Selling a home you shared with a loved one can be a painful process, but people do it for a variety of reasons. Needing to downsize, looking for a change of scenery, and moving closer to family are all common reasons people decide to move. But buying and selling a home after a loss can involve many legalities and tax implications that need to be considered as well.
Make sure you speak with your attorney and accountant during the process to make sure you have covered all the necessary steps. You’ll also want to review home prices in your area. The average sale price for homes in Boca Raton, FL, is $324,000.
What to Keep
Guilt can cause you to hang on to your loved one’s belongings long after they are gone, but it’s important to remember that these items are just things, and not the person. However, give yourself time. While you won’t want to wait forever, the beginning stages of grief is probably not the best time to make tough decisions.
When you are ready, it can be helpful to ask a close friend or loved one to help, and don’t try to do it all at once. Begin with items that are easy to get rid of and then move to the more personal items. It may also be helpful to give some of your loved one’s items to someone he or she cared about.
Consider Hiring a Moving Company
Hiring a moving company to pack up your belongings and transport them for you can be a lifesaver for anyone, but it is especially important for someone recently bereaved for several reasons. For one thing, having someone else pack up for you will help remove the emotional turmoil you may experience from moving on.
This might help expedite the process and give you time to sort through those things after you have moved. Movers can also save you money. Though the upfront costs may seem high, you need to consider the cost of renting moving vans, buying packing materials, and paying for fuel. It is also important to consider who will help you with the heavy lifting and if you would have to hire someone to load and unload the truck.
Moving to a new home or city can be frightening for anyone, but for someone who has just lost a loved one, these emotions can be hard to handle. Just remember that no one can make this decision for you, and it is one that you will need to give yourself time to process. Also, reach out to family and friends for support or seek counseling or other support services. You don’t have to do this alone!
