3 Tips on Moving After the Death of a Loved One

Moving on after losing a loved one can be challenging in many ways. Unfortunately, grief doesn’t have a time limit, and it can pop up when you least expect it. Not only that, it can be difficult to imagine the coming months or years without that person in your life.

There are a few ways to make this time a little easier, however. You might start by making connections with people who can help make a hard time easier to bear.

You can also consider a move, which can be helpful in pushing through grief in order to get to a healthier emotional state. Courtesy of Rose Hill Cemetery, here are a few tips on how to do it in a way that won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Assess, update, and repair

 The first thing you should do when considering a move is to assess your current home to find out what kind of repairs or updates it may need. It’s easy to overlook things like leaky pipes and faucets or cracked windows when we live with them every day, but buyers will notice right away. Often, these small repairs are easy and inexpensive to fix but will make a world of difference when it’s time to put the home on the market.

You can also boost your curb appeal by repainting the front door or mailbox, adding a pop of color with a hanging basket on the porch, or trimming shrubbery. Before tackling any major renovations, do some research to find out what buyers are looking for.

Take your time

Moving, in general, can be a stressful process, but when you add the weight of grief, it can be overwhelming. Once your updates and repairs have been made, give yourself plenty of time to plan, pack, and take care of the details.

Staying organized during this process will help your mental state, so gather everything you need in the beginning — such as trash bags, boxes, newspaper or bubble wrap, tape, and a marker — and keep things neat. Write out packing lists for each box so you can easily find anything you may need later. Remember to keep a few empty boxes for items that can’t be packed until the last minute, such as cleaning supplies. Taking it slow is not only helpful for you, but for any pets as well, as moving can be stressful for animals.

Packing may bring up some difficult memories if you have to go through your loved one’s possessions. Ask for help from a friend or family member, especially if you want to choose things to keep, donate, or sell. If you’re unsure of what to do with these items, consider putting them in storage until you feel you’re ready to make a decision.

Be prepared for snags

No matter how well we pack and plan, moving day often comes with a few hitches. Fortunately, if you’re prepared for setbacks you can keep stress at bay. Having a backup plan is ideal, especially if you’re counting on movers to help out, so ask a few close friends to be available on the big day. They can keep things moving in case of delays by taking boxes and smaller items in their cars, and they’ll also be there to help you stay calm and remember the details.

 It will also be helpful to keep any paperwork related to the move or sale of your home in one place, along with change-of-address forms, receipts, and anything else you’ll need just after the move. This will prevent issues and stress so you can focus on getting settled.

Honor their memory

There are many ways that you can honor the memory of your loved one. You could make a charitable donation in their name, or set up a social media page in their memory. If your loved one was passionate about a particular cause, you could even set up a non-profit organization in their name — there are many online guides from companies like ZenBusiness that can help guide you through the process and get everything legally set up. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something that brings you nothing but pleasant memories, both now and going forward.

Moving after losing a loved one may seem like an impossible task, but having a change of scenery can actually help you feel stronger and more in control. With a solid plan in place, you can push through the grief and move forward without guilt.

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