After a divorce, your main goal is likely to let go. Find what makes you happy, and be done with the rest. This is a new time in your life, what better way to celebrate that than to cleanse and purge? Our main suggestion? Downsizing. In every sense of the word, it is time for you to simplify. So we’re going to help you. From the closet, all the way to the home itself— it’s time to re-set and make that weight on your shoulders feel ten pounds lighter.
Downsizing After Divorce: Simplifying For Your Sanity
Start with the Stuff
Belongings have a way of storing memory and taking up a ton of space in your life. So, kill two birds with one stone and start to let go of the physical belongings that clutter your life. Haven’t worn those three sweaters in over a year? let it go. Those shoes you love but have a hole in the sole? Sorry babe, it’s time to boot them. Set a time limit for yourself, such as ‘if it’s been six months…’, and use that as your gauge for what to keep and what to toss. Same goes with books, blankets, jewelry, and the likes.
Consider a smaller house, or maybe a condo or apartment
The smaller the space, the cozier it can be, and let’s face it— if you’re doing this whole ‘downsizing’ thing correctly, filling a big space can be a challenge. You want to come home to somewhere that’s warm, inviting, and comfortable for you. You don’t need much space to do that, and when you’re living alone, I can guarantee you wont really want it.
Also, if you decide to live in an apartment or condo— you’ll have a lot less to work about, which is a dream at this stage. Apartment complexes often offer a great number of amenities— things you couldn’t have if you purchase a home. From trash pick up, to gyms, to pools, to when something breaks (hint: they’ll fix it for you). It’s worth taking some time to consider, because it will certainly save you a headache or two— especially if your AC breaks.
Quality versus quantity
It might seem counterintuitive, and someone will get angry at me for saying this— but replace a few of the things you toss with higher quality, warmer, homey-er things to create your new home. Find a color scheme, something that makes you happy, and re-decorate. Downsizing and simplifying also comes in finding what you want, and sticking with it to create a home that feels unique to you. There’s no shame in replacing, or re-vamping some of your old things.
The key here is comfort, and to make you excited to walk in the door. it’s easy to avoid the home when you’re fresh out of a divorce. Half the time, no one puts effort into it because it has a ton of painful memories. But, if you can bear it, dedicate a weekend to purging the old. Then, dedicate another weekend to updating the new. Invest time into your home and I guarantee, you’ll love yourself for it.