For those that have been here before welcome back. We are your hosts, BJ 'n Cindy. We own and operate this site as well as the sister sites. Losing a loved one can be immensely difficult, both emotionally and financially. It can be tempting to stay in the home you shared together, as it might bring some comfort or familiarity. But taking a big step and moving somewhere new can also bring a sense of peace and closure. If you’re thinking about a move after losing a loved one, consider these MilitaryWives.com network tips before taking the leap.
Downsizing Your Home
One of the biggest advantages of moving is that it involves downsizing from your current residence into something smaller and more manageable. Depending on your needs, this could mean anything from a studio apartment to an RV or even a tiny home. Downsizing means less maintenance for you, and it frees up time that you once spent on household chores to focus on yourself and other important aspects of life.
Navigating the Home Selling/Buying Process
There’s typically a lot of paperwork involved when making any move. This is especially the case when you’re selling your current residence or buying a new one. Make sure you have an experienced real estate agent to guide you through all the steps of the process; they’ll help ensure everything runs smoothly, so you don’t have to worry about any details getting missed or overlooked.
You’ll also want to take your time researching the housing market in your desired area. Use online listing sites to compare homes with the features you need in the price range you can afford. For example, the average house in Oak Harbor, WA is selling for $440,000 ($276 per square foot).
Moving Your Belongings
Once you’ve sold your home, it’s time to pack up your belongings and get ready for the move itself. Hiring professional movers is the best approach — not only will they take care of the heavy lifting for you, but they’ll also come equipped with all the packing materials and tools necessary for safely transporting furniture and other delicate items. Plus, most professional movers offer insurance coverage if something happens to go wrong (which is highly unlikely).
You’ll want to take extra measures if you have a business that’s moving with you. Planning your move at least a few months ahead of time, strategically labeling your boxes, and working remotely during the transition will help you and your company remain on solid ground during the move.
Sifting Through Belongings
After losing someone close to us, going through their belongings can be an emotional experience. But it’s also necessary if we want to keep mementos that remind us of them while still lightening our load for our eventual move. Deciding the items worth keeping versus donating or discarding can be challenging; try to look at each item objectively instead of letting emotions cloud your judgment. When in doubt, err on the side of caution; it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Investing in Quality Products
When the move date comes, having high-quality products on hand makes all the difference in ensuring that things go smoothly. This includes everything from sturdy boxes with quality tape (no falling-apart cardboard boxes here!) to heavy-duty straps designed specifically for securing furniture during transport. Investing in these types of products will give you peace of mind, knowing that your belongings are taken care of throughout the entire process.
You’ll also want to consider investing in items that can keep your family safe as you transition into this next chapter. Perhaps you could purchase a new vacuum to keep your living environment (and vehicle) clean or an indoor air quality monitor to test the air quality in your new home. Be sure to consult unbiased online sources for trustworthy product reviews before making any purchases.
Conclusion
You may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of moving after losing someone close to you. But you can make the process a little easier (and a lot smoother) by planning ahead of time and finding a smaller, more manageable home. Also, remember to hire an experienced realtor and moving company to help along the way. And take your time as you determine which items to take with you and which home products are worth investing in.
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submitted by Lucille Rosetti