HomesbyLewis Blog

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How New Surroundings Can Be Healing After a Major Loss

We normally think of home as a warm, inviting place.  However, after a major loss, you can feel very lonely in your own home, as those once happy spots become sore reminders of who isn’t there. If you’re considering a new home to help you heal, the process involves a few steps to ease through the transition.  Read on for important advice for those rethinking their environment following a major loss.

Grief, details, and organization

As Refuge in Grief explains, griefcan make simple, everyday living challenging.  Losing someone you love can leave you feeling disoriented, and sorting details and timelines can be challenging at best, so getting organized has particular advantages.

Selling a home, buying a new one, and moving can be complex under the best of circumstances.  There are many details to manage along the way, and getting off track can mean delays and lost opportunities.  With that in mind, start planning, organizing, and preparing for the actual move well in advance of making the transition.  When making your plans, bear in mind the various factorswhich can directly affect your move day, such as weather, the availability of movers, and finances.  By organizing from the beginning, you set a path toward your goal.  

The decluttering dilemma

Declutteringis considered to be a top priority when it’s time to sell a home. However, for those struggling with grief, it can be a painfully daunting process.  If you haven’t already sortedyour loved one’s possessions, Next Avenue suggests beginning by picking out a few personal treasures which are meaningful to you.  It can be anything - a few favorite neckties, bottles of perfume, handmade pottery, or whatever trinkets move you.  

If you need help sorting, reach out to a friend - maybe someone who has been through a similar process - and ask for companionship and support.  If you’re experiencing some of the physical effectsof grief, consider some healthy coping methods.  Soothing teacan settle your nerves, crystalized gingerappears to soothe your stomach and heart, and meditationcan help you to relax and focus.  

Sometimes, people are very bothered by the idea of discarding their loved one’s things. Consider donating items to charity so someone else can enjoy them, and to amp up the positive feeling, pick out an organization meaningful to your special someone.  You might be surprised at how much some charities need.  If the best choice isn’t an organization which takes household goods, you can have a yard sale and send them the proceeds.  

Once your loved one’s items are sorted, you can get to work on the rest.  Remember, your end goal is to set yourself up for a successful move, so as you declutter, start packingand cleaningso the house will be ready to show to potential buyers.  

Think about your future

Your next home should be a place where you can find refreshment and hope.  With that in mind, develop some search criteria that gives you something to look forward to.  You might feel guilty or sad, but bear in mind your loved one would want you to be happy and healthy, so think about what would help with those objectives.  Do you want to be closer to family members?  Would downsizingbe a financial boon?  The more you can define your priorities, the more you can frame a path to reach your goals.  As Psychology Today explains, arranging plans for your future is a key to weaving hopeback into your days.  A realtor can help you find the perfect property meeting your criteria, and you’ll be on your way into your new home in no time.  

Losing someone you love is an extraordinarily painful, life-changing event. Sometimes, a fresh start can mean reframing your life and feeling whole again.  When you find your next home, all the organizing, decluttering, and cleaning will pay off, helping you to rekindle your hope, heal, and start anew.