While it’s advised not to make major changes when you’re grieving, a change of environment can actually aid the process as long as you’re realistic about the fact that it won’t erase emotions. Look at a move as a catalyst to help you reflect, heal, and prepare for the next phase of your life. By refusing to make future plans, you’ll never be able to truly move on.
The Move Doesn’t Have To Be Complicated
One of the biggest stressors of moving is the packing, transport, and unpacking processes — which is exactly why you should hire experts to handle all of that for you. Not only are they trained to do the job with speed and accuracy, they are completely liable should something become broken, damaged, or lost. You may want to declutter before the pros come in so you have less to deal with at your new abode. To save time, you may also want to hire professionals to clean your home. In Cincinnati, the average cost of hiring one-time cleaning services ranges from $114 to $217.
When it comes to your loved one’s belongings, don’t be too hasty in terms of getting rid of things. Hold on to anything with sentimental value, as well as items in question. Do your best to part with random items like toiletries, meaningless pieces of clothing, and office supplies. If there are things that you are ready to part with because they aren’t in question, pay it forward by donating them. Whatever you do, don’t rush this process.
You Can Still Hold On To Old Memories
Consider integrating a few items from your loved one into your new home, or creating something meaningful from pieces of clothing, books, letters, etc. — a quilt out of pieces of clothing, framed letters or notes, and so on.
You can’t put an expiration date on grief. Everyone mourns in a different way which is why it’s impossible to suggest exactly when it’s good to make a decision on moving. Try to separate the emotion from the practical.
Moving Makes Sense for Many Reasons
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s likely that you’re in too large of a space, so downsizing would be a smart economic decision as well as a mental one. This is the perfect time to begin thinking about your needs. For example, if you would rather spend more time traveling, you might consider moving into a no-maintenance condo where your home is never really unattended. You may wish for a smaller mortgage or to be closer to family. Again, don’t rush the process.
Wherever you land, know that you now have an opportunity to make new memories so your living situation should reflect your wants and needs. Hold onto the parts of your loved one that mean something to you but don’t be afraid to move on with the rest of your own life.
Guest blogger Lucille Rosetti: Lucille created TheBereaved.org as a means of sharing tools to help people through the grief process. Having lost some of the people closest to her, she understands what it’s like, and how it can be an emotional roller coaster that doesn’t always seem to make sense.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
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