Relocating After Loss: A Guide to Moving Forward and Preparing Your Home for Sale

Relocating after the loss of a spouse or family member can be both a fresh start and an emotional challenge. If you find yourself considering this significant change, remember that moving can offer a new beginning, but it also involves careful planning and introspection. Here are some tips from The Purple Vine  on how to navigate the decision-making process and prepare your current home for sale.

STAY OR GO?

Deciding whether to stay in your current home or move is deeply personal. No one can make this decision for you, though it's easier to consider moving if you have a remote job that allows you to work from anywhere. It’s often advisable to remain in your current home for at least six months to a year after your loss. This gives you time to adjust to your new reality and carefully consider your future. Making a rushed decision could lead to regret, especially if you change your mind after your home has sold and backing out of a contract becomes difficult.

HOW TO FINANCE YOUR NEW HOME

Before taking any steps toward moving, assess how you will finance your new home. If you plan to sell your current home and move to a less expensive property, the equity from your sale can be used to purchase your new residence. Remember to lean on family and friends for support during this time. Managing the financial complexities of buying a new home while grieving can be overwhelming, so don't hesitate to ask for help.

SAYING GOODBYE

Once you decide to move, focus on practical steps like sorting  through your loved one's belongings, which is essential before listing your home for sale. This task can be emotionally taxing, often bringing the pain of loss to the forefront. Be realistic about what items to keep and allow yourself to grieve as you go through your loved one's possessions. Enlisting family and friends for support can help. Let them choose meaningful mementos before donating or selling the rest.

PRACTICAL PREPARATIONS

As you declutter, begin preparing your home for the market. Hiring a professional cleaning service can free up your time to handle other moving-related tasks and spend quality time with loved ones. Deep cleaning is particularly important if you have pets or if smoking occurred in the home, as curtains and carpets will need extra attention.

Additionally, address any necessary repairs, focusing on essential updates rather than major renovations. A realtor can provide guidance on what repairs are crucial. Items like torn screens, loose handrails, sagging gutters, and broken windows should be fixed before listing your home. Hiring a local professional through a home service site like Angi ensures that repairs are done correctly and reduces stress during this time.

Next, consider staging your home to make it appealing to potential buyers. Staging involves rearranging and depersonalizing your space to highlight its best features. This means removing personal photos and keepsakes, which can be another emotional hurdle. If you find it hard to remove family photos, consider using a digital photo frame that you can easily update with different images during showings.

MOVING FORWARD AFTER LOSS 

Moving after a loss is never easy, but it can be a necessary step for many reasons. Beyond the emotional challenges of staying in a home filled with memories, there may be financial pressures or practical concerns about managing the property alone. Whether you choose to move out of necessity or desire for a new start, relocating can be a meaningful way to honor your loved one's memory and begin a new chapter in your life.

Article by Lucille Rosetti

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