This post is authored by Lucille Rosetti from thebereaved.org and is being added to my blog at her request to help provide information on how to proceed with moving after the loss of a loved one. 

Moving After Losing a Loved One: When a beloved family member passes away, the grief can be devastating. This can be especially difficult if your loved one was part of your immediate family and you lived in the same home. Many people make the choice to sell their home and move to a new location for a fresh start. If you find yourself in this situation, please continue reading for a few tips on how to make the process easier.

Take Your Time Making the Call: Making the decision to move depends on several factors, which can be different for every person; there’s no one right answer for everyone. If your loved one was the main breadwinner, you may need to downsize for financial reasons, or even if you are in good financial shape, you may have a house that’s too large to manage now. For many, the decision comes down to memories, and while they have many happy memories of their loved one in their home, living with those constant reminders can be overwhelming. Moving gives them a change of scenery and a fresh start so they can begin to build their new life. Take your time in making this decision. Some will want to get started with the moving process right away, while others may take a few months. It’s completely up to you.

Logistics: Once you decide to move, you will have to deal with a myriad of logistical issues, but the biggest thing you must do is hire a realtor. In some cases, you may be able to sell your home yourself, but it’s best to let a professional handle the details in this case since you are still dealing with your loss. Your realtor will help you get top dollar for your current home and will help you find a new home to fit your new lifestyle. Before you actually buy your new home, make sure you research where you can get the best mortgage rate in your state. Consider taking out a conventional mortgage. These mortgages offer a range of down payment options, and you may be eligible if you have a credit score of at least 620.

As you begin to move, you will want to handle the process of sorting and packing rather than just asking professionals to handle everything. You are the only one who can decide what to keep and what to let go, so you want to make sure you have the time and give this the attention it deserves. When it comes to cleaning your home before moving, it’s best to use a service. In Berlin, you can expect to be charged $122-217 for interior cleaning. Once you have sorted and packed everything and cleaned your home, it may be a good idea to hire professional movers to get you from the old house to the new, especially if you’re moving a long distance. This will let you focus on the emotional issues you need to deal with as you leave a beloved home. The average cost of hiring movers is $25 per hour, per man.

Memories: Many people struggle to find the balance of honoring the memory of their loved one while not being surrounded at all times with things that remind them of their loved one. This especially comes up when you have to deal with your loved one’s possessions or favorite items. There’s no one right way to deal with everything, but as time passes, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to do. You could keep your husband’s favorite chair, for example, if it brings you comfort; otherwise, you could donate it. Another option is to make a keepsake out of some of their possessions such as a quilt out of your loved one’s shirts. You can also incorporate your old memories into your new home by decorating with some photos and keepsakes that honor your loved one while not overwhelming you.

Dealing with the passing of a loved one is never easy. Using these tips will help you handle moving to a new home for a fresh start. Keeping busy will be good for your mind, and a new place to love and live will be good for your soul.

--Lucille Rosetti, author

Sources:

Lauren Bunting is a Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.