5 Steps to Downsizing After the Loss of a Loved One

A Change of Scenery:  5 Steps to Downsizing After the Loss of a Loved One

The profound grief one feels after the loss of a loved one makes it difficult to think clearly. Lots of decisions have to be made, and people usually need some time before making the more impactful ones, such as whether to remain in their home or downsize and move on.  For many people, grief makes it an easy decision: the thought of returning to an empty home is too painful to contemplate. Every new day brings the same bittersweet memories of a life that’s forever changed; yet life has to go on. As wrenching as it can be, a fresh start and a change of scenery can bring healing.

Once you’ve thought through the financial, logistical, and emotional ramifications of moving, the idea of beginning again in new surroundings and with a different routine can be very liberating and open up possibilities for personal growth you’d never considered before. It can also be empowering to find that you’re capable of handling things on your own and of leading a fulfilling new life.

Don’t rush it

Being in a bereaved state means you need time to heal. If you’ve decided to downsize, there’s no need to rush into all the demanding and detailed arrangements or the emotional ordeal of deciding what to do with all of your loved one’s possessions. It may be months before you’re ready to begin in earnest. Sorting through a house full of belongings is an overwhelming task for anyone, so take it slow and reach out to family and friends for help. Consider starting small; take it a room at a time and focus on things you know you won’t need. Sometimes, beginning with small, manageable goals can make it easier to continue with the task. First and foremost, you should concentrate on caring for yourself after such a painful loss. You’ll know when it’s time to get started.

The selling process

Fortunately, the home-selling process is pretty consistent, regardless of your circumstances. The first step is to determine whether market conditions make it inadvisable (or impossible) to sell right away. If the value of your home is less than what you still owe on your mortgage, now isn’t the time. If it’s a go, your house will need the fixes and upgrades necessary to make it attractive for a prospective buyer. Obvious things like loose shingles or leaky plumbing will require repairs. Talk to a realtor about simple, affordable improvements you can make to your house. Unless significant renovations are needed, such as a new roof or new siding, fresh paint and new lighting can be some of your best options when preparing to sell.

Tidy and well-ordered

Decluttering is one of the most important things any homeowner can do when preparing to sell. The need for more physical space is one of the leading reasons people decide to move. A cluttered, disorganized home gives the impression that space is a problem and may discourage people who want a space they can grow into. The physical impression you want to leave is one of roominess and an interior with lots of options.

Curb appeal

Making a good “drive by” impression is also very important. Take some time to give your home’s exterior a fresh, well-cared-for look. Give the trim a new coat of paint, plant some flowers, put in a new mailbox if yours has seen better days, and keep the lawn mowed. Remember that people often decide whether or not to consider a house based on an instinctive, gut-level feel they get just passing by.

Easing the transition

Moving on after the death of a loved one is always hard. Deciding to downsize and move to a new home, while difficult, can be just what you need to stay engaged and find new avenues to personal growth. Preparing to sell the home you and your partner shared for many years can be challenging, but taking your time and following a realtor’s advice can help ease the transition you’re about to make.

Courtesy of Pixabay

Thank you to Lucille Rosetti  of the www.TheBereaved.org, for her input

Carol Gilles, of the RealEstate Group, has been helping buyers and sellers for over 37 years, including a focus on working with those who have lost loved ones and are downsizing.  Carol can be reached at 310-864-9738 or Carol@CarolGilles.com