When you’re going through a divorce, you undoubtedly have a million things on your mind. If your breakup was messy, you might be dealing with things like lawyers and financial issues. You may even be fighting for custody arrangements or financial support.
Even if your split was amicable, a divorce is never easy. It’s normal to be hurt. It’s normal to grieve. Unfortunately, most people don’t think about some of the “little things” that get overshadowed in a divorce that can be just as difficult. One of those things is trying to figure out what you’re going to do with all of the “stuff” in your life that was accumulated throughout your marriage. Decluttering after divorce can be a therapeutic and helpful way for you to move on. Here’s why.
Why Decluttering After Divorce Is Important
Again, you probably have so many things on your mind that you’re not sure where to begin. You might think decluttering your space can be put off for a while as you tend to other aspects of your divorce. But don’t put it off for too long.
While it might be painful to declutter and get rid of things that were a part of your marriage, it’s better to do it now rather than having to live with all of those old memories sitting around for months or years. Plus, if you decide to clear things out later, those memories will once again get stirred up and it may be harder to deal with them.
Managing your home environment is incredibly important after a divorce. A clean house will help you to feel better. It will also help to “clean your mind.” Even having more space after getting rid of a few things can help you feel less confined so you can harness a sense of freedom.
4 More Benefits of Decluttering After Divorce
There are many other benefits to decluttering, including:
- It reduces stress and anxiety.
- You can rid the home of allergens.
- You can discover lost things (some may even hold good memories!).
- It empowers you to enjoy the things you truly care about more.
Because decluttering after divorce can also help you let go of your past, it allows you to find new pieces you love. By making sure everything has a place where it can be stored, you’ll see different areas where you can keep the things you enjoy without having to worry if that style works for your spouse. Out with the old, and in with the new!
How to Clear Your Home and Your Mind
Divorce can be overwhelming. When you’re looking around your house, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to cleaning and decluttering. Thankfully, decluttering doesn’t have to feel so much like a chore. Instead, it should be something that feels good, useful, and practical.
You may have years of memories together under your roof, but that doesn’t mean you can’t tackle the decluttering process and make a big dent in it very quickly. Keep these tips in mind to make it easier on yourself:
- Purge things that take you back to the past. When you hold onto those things, you’re also holding onto the memories associated with them.
- If you can’t bring yourself to get rid of something just yet, hide it away for the time being. It’s okay to feel a connection to certain items. But, if they’re triggering bad memories, it’s better to have them out of sight for the time being.
- Get creative when it comes to making your space your own. Getting rid of things like furniture can be therapeutic, but it isn’t always practical. Divorces are expensive, and you might not have the funds right now to replace everything in your home. So, get rid of some things, keep others, and work to find ways to make your space your own.
The end goal for decluttering after divorce is to make it feel fresh and different. That might mean you need to clear away everything. Or, you may be able to keep some things but change them in a way that fits your needs and style. Go with your instincts when it comes to decluttering.
Starting a New Chapter
Again, decluttering your space (and your mind) can allow you to feel free from the confines of your relationship. Even if you love the space you shared with your former spouse, letting go of the things that might trigger bad memories or make you feel sad and lonely is important.
There are plenty of people who choose to stay in the marital home after a divorce. Most of the time, one person in the marriage will legally retain the house, especially if that person has custody of the children. Other times, it’s ordered that the house be sold and the profits split.
But, you may find yourself wanting to move out and move on, anyway. Selling your house can work as a launching pad to the next chapter in your life. Find out the value of your home as quickly as possible so you can list it on the market, and take the time to properly prepare it to sell. Making a few upgrades and making sure the home is in top shape will help it to sell faster.
Once you do sell, you can focus on moving into a new home and starting from a clean slate. Lifting the burden of a home you don’t want can also help you to focus on other things like working with your attorney on child support or custody arrangements. Once the divorce is final, you can start to feel like you’re starting over, and you have more control over how your life looks and feels. And after a divorce, that can make a big difference to your mental and emotional health.
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