Moving Through Grief:
Relocating After A Loved One's Death

There are many reasons why someone may consider moving after losing a loved one, from financial hardship to overwhelming memories. A change of scenery can be welcoming, especially if you’ve been living with your loss for quite some time. On the other hand, moving can make the grieving process a little more complicated. It’s important not to rush into this decision. Once you’ve had some time to process your grief, you may decide that relocating is the best way to move on. When you’re ready, consider the following guidance from Orlando’s Blueprint Real Estate Group.

Take Advantage of Professional Services

Let’s face it—moving is a headache. There are so many things to consider and time-sensitive tasks to take care of. People in mourning often appreciate a chance to make themselves busy. However, others find that keeping busy only serves to bury grief. If you need distraction-free time to take care of yourself and process your feelings, get help with the moving process.

Professional Cleaners

Start by hiring a cleaning service to get your house in shape for selling. Clean homes tend to sell more quickly, because buyers are easily distracted or deterred by messiness. Plus, cleanliness helps potential buyers picture themselves taking over your space and making it their own.
 

Home Stagers

Home staging goes beyond cleaning. Professional home stagers arrange homes to make them appear more inviting and attractive to buyers. Staging transforms a space, allowing potential buyers to picture themselves living there. If you don’t have the budget to hire a professional stager, get some family members to help you declutter and depersonalize your home before putting it on the market.

Real Estate Agents

It’s important to work with a dedicated real estate agent. Maneuvering through the home-selling-and-buying process is tricky on your own. A realtor will take a lot of pressure off you so can you focus on healing from your loss. Fortunately, you can count on quality service and assistance when you decide to work with Blueprint Real Estate Group.

Consider Downsizing

There are plenty of good reasons to move to a smaller home. If you've just lost someone who contributed to your mortgage or took care of demanding household tasks, consider downsizing. Smaller homes are easier to maintain and more affordable. Plus, getting rid of clutter and minimizing the amount of possessions you own can help you focus on things that are meaningful in your life, which can be refreshing after a period of intense grief. People who have lost a spouse may also prefer to move into a condo or townhouse where they can be close to supportive neighbors. 

If you want to buy something new but aren’t sure what, you don’t have to rush. You can always move into a rental in the interim. This gives you the chance to work with your agent so you find the perfect small home or condo to suit your needs. When looking at Orlando rentals, focus on places that offer short-term leases (e.g. 6 months), as well as proximity to the neighborhood where you hope to buy. 

Saying Goodbye to ‘Stuff’

Whether you’re moving into a smaller space or not, this is a good time to go through your loved one’s belongings. Deciding what you’re going to keep and what you’re going to pass along to others can be emotionally draining. Before you get started, come up with a plan, and if possible, get a friend or family member to help you out. What’s Your Grief suggests sorting items into five categories: save for yourself, save for someone else, donate, sell, and throw away.

Be ready to face challenges as you sort. Try to remember that just because something belonged to your departed loved one doesn’t mean you have to assign sentimental meaning to it. Instead, focus on holding onto items that are truly personal, meaningful, and irreplaceable.

In the end, it’s important to do what feels right for you. Avoid feeling pressure to move or go through your loved one's things right away. Make these decisions at your own pace, and remember to take care of yourself during this difficult time.