It can be difficult to go through a divorce, and you may find that one of the things that makes you feel better about moving forward is downsizing. That can be a task worth doing, but you want to make sure you do it the right way. With these downsizing tips, you can focus on what you really need to do in order to make sure you keep what actually matters and get rid of the rest. Not only will that give you less clutter and a space you’re happier with, but it will also give you peace of mind, and that can be very important during and after a divorce.
1). Should you keep what they gave you?
If you’ve been married for a number of years, you probably have a lot of things your spouse has given to you. Those could be both practical and emotional things, and deciding what to keep is a difficult thing when emotions are running high. You don’t have to keep everything (or anything) your spouse gave you, but consider usefulness and practicality. Take some time to think about the item, instead of the person who gave it to you. If there was no tie to your spouse related to that item, would you keep it? Was it something you would buy for yourself? If you like the item and would buy one on your own, you may want to keep it.
2). Is a yard sale a good idea?
For all those things you have that you just don’t want to keep, no matter where you got them, it’s important to decide the best way to get rid of those items. If you’d like to make a little extra money, you can have a yard sale. You and your spouse can hold the sale together, or sell your group of items at different times. There’s really no right or wrong way to do things when you have a yard sale. That’s especially true when it comes to a divorce. While the legal requirements and implications may be the same, the process and the emotions that go with it could be very different for each person.
3). Can you come to an agreement with one another?
By being fair about dividing up items, you can downsize more easily and with less stress. Not every divorce is going to work that way, but for the ones that do it can be a good option. In an amicable divorce, you can work with one another to divide your possessions. Once those items have been divided and agreed upon, then it’s up to you what you do with the ones that belong to you. Keeping them, donating, or choosing something else is completely up to you. By dividing things, you automatically downsize.
4). Is it a good idea to sell your current home?
Many people who get a divorce downsize by selling the home they shared. If you plan to hold an open house and get your home sold, you can buy a home that’s smaller and more suited to your new, single life. The agreement you come to with your spouse, or through the court system, will dictate how the proceeds of the house are to be distributed. If you have a big mortgage you may not even get any money from the home’s sale. What you will get, though, is the option to move to a different, smaller location. Whether you buy or rent, you can choose something that suits you better.
5). Should you consider more than just material things?
When you downsize from a divorce, it’s not all about the house you lived in and the items that were located there. You can also consider all the things that were a part of your married life. Many divorcing couples lose friends, because the friends have to take sides or they just drift away. Some are also concerned about social media, because they might see pictures of their ex with someone new, or other things that upset them. Downsizing a circle of friends and a social media presence are both common things during a divorce, but make sure you keep a b support system in place.
6). Should you make your downsizing decisions right away?
If possible, don’t start downsizing everything as soon as you have filed for divorce. Take some time to separate the items and the people in your life from the emotions that are caused by the divorce. By doing that, you can still reduce the things you have and determine if you need to let go of some of your friends or your social media accounts. As you focus on what really matters to you, you’ll be better able to decide what to keep and what is going to continue to be important in your life.
7). Is it time to get some people to help you?
If you’re downsizing and selling your home as a result of a divorce, one of the things you can definitely do is get some help. Everything from movers to therapists are available to you, and you should make use of the services that you feel you need. As far as your home goes, don’t try to handle everything yourself. A divorce can be emotionally draining, and that can also take a lot of your physical strength with it. Get movers, people to help you pack, and people to help you stage the home. Then you can get through the logistics of the divorce more easily, and handle your downsizing in the best way for you.
2 Point Highlight
You don’t have to keep everything (or anything) your spouse gave you, but consider usefulness and practicality.
By being fair about dividing up items, you can downsize more easily and with less stress.
