The loss of a loved one can leave a hole in your life, but moving can help you change your outlook. When you move to a new home, you’ll have the opportunity to rebuild your life and find your strength. In order to make your move stress-free, you should ask yourself these questions, presented below by Proace International.
How Will You Finance Your New Home?
In addition to sorting through your late loved one’s finances, you will also need to research your home finance options before searching for your new home. A conventional loan may be the most accessible option for purchasing a new home, and you should be able to find a low-cost conventional loan that fits into your budget. However, Investopedia warns that conventional loans require a higher credit score and down payment than FHA loans. And depending on how your current home was financed, you may need to prove your ownership prior to selling.
Some mortgages will allow you to choose an adjustable-rate or fixed-rate interest setup, but you will need a minimum 20 percent down payment to avoid the added expense of mortgage insurance. If you plan on applying for a conventional home mortgage, you should factor this down payment into your financial plan. You may choose to use life insurance money to cover your down payment, so verify when and how any proceeds will be paid to you.
Will You Rent or Sell Your Current Home?
Before you move, you will need to decide whether you want to rent your home out to someone or sell it. Selling your home will put a lump sum of cash in your pocket while renting will boost your monthly income. There are pros and cons to both. If you decide to rent, you will have the responsibility of acting as a landlord. That isn’t for everyone and can include a lot of work, but renting can also make you a lot of money. Over time, it might make you even more income than selling your home. Also, staying busy and involved can help you stay motivated, which is something that is a struggle for many people after losing someone they love.
You might also decide to rent if you have a personal attachment to the home and don’t want to lose it completely. On the other hand, selling can help you get a fresh start. Only you can decide what will be most meaningful for your situation.
How Will You Manage Your Move and Stress?
There’s no getting around it; moving is stressful. One simple way to greatly reduce the stress of moving homes and packing up belongings is to hire local movers. You can check out online reviews and rates to pick professionals in your area, but also consider whether you need full-service moving help or just a couple of extra hands to load items into your own vehicle. That last part is important because a full-service moving company will come with a higher price tag, so keep your moving budget in mind when setting up services.
If you feel like the stress of moving coupled with grief is just too much to handle, don’t give up! There is help available for those who are struggling with stress and loss. If you qualify for Medicare, check out the resources that are available to you–often for little or no cost.
How Will You Sort Through Your Belongings?
Decluttering is a must when you are moving for a fresh start. Because dealing with clutter can lead to added stress and emotional tension, leave yourself enough time to clean up your current home. After a death, this process can feel especially complicated and difficult, which makes starting ahead of time smart.
If the work feels overwhelming, you can also reach out to professionals for help organizing your possessions and cleaning your home. For example, you can bring in a maid service or professional carpet cleaner to clean your house. Outsourcing these tasks allows you to focus on self-care and finding the right new home–big pluses during a challenging time.
How Will You Adjust to Your New Home and Life?
If you still feel lost and alone after your move, you may need to look for ways to forge connections in your new community. MAS Medical Staffing recommends going to the library, volunteering, or joining a gym class! If you find yourself living far from friends and family, you can maintain those connections through virtual calls and visits.
Moving can help you deal with grief so long as you plan ahead and prepare for potential challenges. Above all, know that you can overcome this difficult time and enjoy your life once again–just like your loved one would want you to.
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