How to Get Through the Loss of a Loved One by Moving

Whether it’s a spouse, partner, sibling, child, or parent, life can feel all the more difficult once you lose someone you love. Everyone handles the grieving process differently, and while it can be difficult to pick up the pieces, sometimes a change of scenery is in order. While moving on doesn’t mean forgetting— or that grief will end immediately — it can help from a mental health perspective. Just make sure you take the necessary measures to ensure the transition is organized so you don’t experience additional stress.

Things To Consider

• This may be a good time to consider downsizing your home. With the money you’ll be saving with a reduced mortgage and lower utility bills and property taxes, you’ll have a little extra cash to do something you enjoy.
• Ask yourself how far away you want to be from family and friends. Will the distance make you feel worse?

Research Your Moving Company

There are a lot of scammers out there, so make sure you do your homework when considering potential movers. For example, what are their reviews like, what do their rates include, will you be charged overtime, are they familiar with homes and high-rises, do they measure entryways in advance, etc.

What To Toss, What To Keep

While decluttering is a must, there’s no need to be hasty with a loved one’s things — though keep in mind the less you keep, the less you’ll have to bring with you. If you feel comfortable, discard and donate items like non-sentimental clothing, toiletries, office supplies, magazines, etc. Consider repurposing items to give your loved one a place in your new home — like a quilt out of pieces of clothing, for example.

Create A Timeline

In an effort to stay organized and a stress-free as possible, prepare a thorough timeline for the four weeks leading up to your moving day.

Gather Packing Supplies

Providing you’re not using a professional packing service to save you time and money (they’re liable if something gets broken or damaged), at least consider purchasing boxes (in assorted sizes and with covers) and packing supplies from your mover because it’s likely you’ll receive a higher quality product — pre-used boxes from the grocery or liquor store can break if not reinforced.

Label Appropriately

Provide direction for your movers by labeling boxes with words and phrases such as: Do Not Load, Load Last, and Fragile.

Hire Help

One way to save time is to hire a service to clean your home. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of hiring a one-time cleaning service in Destin ranges from $134 to $213.

Stay On Track, But Don’t Overwhelm Yourself

If you’re doing a DIY packing job, tackle one room at a time so you aren’t overwhelmed. Consider hiring a professional organizer to help you expedite the process while reducing stress. Designate a specific area in your home with all packing supplies (boxes, paper, foam peanuts, markers, scissors, razor cutter, plastic gloves, labels, etc.) so you/professional organizer can find everything easily.

Keep Records Of Everything You Pack

Number each box and record its contents and location so you know where it goes in your new home. Not only will this help with the move-in process, but it also helps you create a list for insurance purposes should you ever experience theft, a fire, or a natural disaster.

Plan Ahead For Your Plants

Some states prohibit the moving of houseplants, so check this out in advance of your move. If you do move plants, do it yourself — don’t let the movers handle them as they could become crushed.

There’s no timeline on the grief process, so only you will know when it’s right to move. Consider the pros and cons before making a final decision. If you decide to go for it, make sure you get the support you need to make the transition as stress-free as possible.