Considering renovating your home post-divorce?
Even if things end amicably, a divorce isn’t always easy. That can be especially true if you’re staying in the marital home after the divorce is final.
While “getting the house” in the process can be a good thing, having to live there with lingering memories can feel heavy and make it harder to move on. Thankfully, now that the place is fully yours, you can renovate it to your liking.
The first thing to do after getting divorced, though, is to understand you’re not alone. Feeling depressed, lonely, or like a failure, because your marriage didn’t work out can keep you from truly starting the next chapter of your life. Divorce is very common, with 42-45% of marriages ending in it.
There are so many different reasons why people divorce, too. Maybe you got married young and one of you experienced a quarter-life crisis. Maybe infidelity was involved. Maybe you just couldn’t get along anymore.
Whatever the case, a divorce can take a psychological toll on you, and it’s important to be able to start fresh and move forward.
So, now might be the perfect time to do things to your home that you’ve always wanted! Some studies have shown that home renovations often cause conflicts between couples, whether it’s about money, control, or personal preferences.
Look at this time as an opportunity to turn your marital house into the home of your dreams, and take advantage of the benefits that come with it.
Here Are Some Tips On Renovating Your Home Post-Divorce
Out With the Old
One of the most therapeutic ways to start renovating your home post-divorce is to get rid of things you no longer need, or things that are heavy reminders of your relationship. Donating items like housewares and decor to your local thrift stores is a great way to clear some space and make way for your own design ideas. Getting rid of those constant marital reminders will also make it easier to keep looking ahead.
Then, consider what you can do yourself. You don’t necessarily have to have a lot of home improvement experience to tackle some DIY projects. If you’re not sure where to start, look at your kitchen. It’s often referred to as the “heart of the home,” and it’s likely a place you spend a lot of time.
Something as simple as painting your cabinets or walls can give the room a completely different look. Doing things yourself can help to give your self-confidence a boost. It’s easy to lose a bit of that confidence in a divorce, especially if there was frequent arguing or even cheating involved. Give yourself a pat on the back for the things you’re able to renovate on your own.
You might be on a tight budget after your divorce, which is another reason to DIY and donate as much as possible to change the look of things. Also, don’t rush things. While it can be tempting to want to change the look of things right away, this experience is supposed to be somewhat therapeutic, not overwhelming.
Take your time and go at your own pace when it comes to renovations, so you can enjoy the process. Giving yourself extra time can allow you to save money, build a bigger budget, and even talk with contractors, designers, or friends with experience in home repair who can give you ideas and suggestions.
In With the New
Try investing in one big project or major change to your house. Focus on a room that you can completely change the look of, even if you can’t do it on your own. You can plan ahead for the changes you want to make, then have a consultation with an architect or contractor about how to turn that dream into a reality. Even if you’re only to change one room, it can make your house feel like a totally different space. More importantly, it’ll make your house feel more like you.
You can also bring in new furniture and new decorations to change the look of your space. Changing out the appliances is a great way to give your home an upgrade, especially when you choose energy-efficient, water-conserving appliances and fixtures like new toilets, faucets, etc. Not only will it change the way your home looks and feels, but these upgrades will add value to your house if you ever wish to sell it in the future.
Not sure what to do while going through major renovations? You don’t have to pack up and move somewhere else. If you have an RV, utilize it as a guest space for yourself and your kids, the same way you might let family and/or friends use it if they’re staying for the holidays. It can be a little home away from home while your house is undergoing a facelift.
Creating a Happier Home
By reinventing and renovating your home post-divorce, you can actually start reinventing yourself. When you’re with someone for a long time, it’s easy to feel as though you lose a piece of your identity.
Working through renovations can help you find yourself again, one coat of paint or piece of furniture at a time. Start small, work on one room at a time, and create your own system for how you want things done. When you do that, you can find comfort in your freedom and feel at peace in your home once again.
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