Considering selling your home? Whether upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, leaving a familiar place where you have forged memories can be traumatic. This is especially true when one spouse strongly favors a move or when circumstances beyond one’s control force a sale, such as a death. But there is great hope in knowing that you can come through the challenge stronger than before. Here are some tips to carry you through emotionally:
- Acknowledge your feelings. Talking about a move with a loving partner, trusted family member, close friend, or therapist can offer emotional support. Address your true feelings. Do you worry about missing friends, fitting in, or having to make new ones? Sometimes opening-up to someone you trust can provide comfort and make a world of difference. Perhaps they have their own experiences to share. Their life encounters and moral support can be great sources of inspiration and encouragement.
- Create a plan. If you are the type of person who dislikes uncertainty, grab the bull by the horns. Take charge of your move by being involved in decisions. This can increase effectiveness and provide empowerment to handle challenges that may come your way. Should you be worried about the move, rather than stress about it, hire a reliable moving company, or line up friends and family to help. Have a yard sale to get rid of unwanted items. Or take charge of packing and labeling boxes. Should you be worried about your children’s new school or getting to know your new town, plan a tour, meet the teachers, and drive around to discover the quickest route to your new grocery store, church, gym, bank, and more. Seizing control can tremendously ease stress.
- View yourself as strong. When times get tough, we tend to have pity parties and focus on our weaknesses rather than our strengths. Instead, center your energy on your assets and abilities. Focus on challenges you faced recently where you succeeded. Write a list of things you like about yourself, such as organized, or friendly, or a good cook or storyteller. A positive mindset can take you a long way in building self-esteem, loving yourself, and succeeding.
We live in a world where life conditions are always evolving. A new job, a new baby, a marriage, or divorce, or a growing family may make a home no longer fit our needs, budgets, or lifestyle preferences. Regardless, we must look positively ahead, embrace life experiences, and forge on to create new memories.