Tips for Downsizing After Divorce
Divorce can be a very emotionally complex and difficult time for everyone involved. It can be hard to cope with the changes that divorce brings, and it can be tough to deal with the emotions that come along with it. divorce can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, and it can be hard to know how to handle everything that is going on. There are a few things that you can do to help make the divorce process a little bit easier for yourself and your family.
Make the Best of It
This is a complicated time for everyone, no matter how brave a face is put forward. To make the best of what you’re going through, try to keep communication open with your spouse. This can be difficult, but it is important to try to communicate as best as you can. Whether through a mediator or a lawyer, communicating expectations needs to happen as you work on uncoupling and potentially dividing assets.
While there may not be any such thing as a friendly divorce, you can be as amicable as possible, especially if children are involved. Remember to be understanding and patient with your kids since they’re going through a lot as well. Divorce can be very confusing and difficult for them, so try to be there for them as much as you can or make arrangements for counseling services to help all of you respectively.
Downsizing Personal Belongings
Divorce can often mean downsizing your life in a big way. If you are moving from a family home to a smaller place, you will need to get rid of some of your belongings. Similar to Western Elite’s tips for moving, suggestions for downsizing after divorce are as follows:
SORT
First, try to be ruthless when you are going through your things. It can be hard to let go of items, but it is important to remember that you don’t need everything you own. If something doesn’t bring you joy or isn’t practical, get rid of it. This will help you to simplify your life and make the moving process easier.Â
SELL
It can also be helpful to have a garage sale or sell things online. This can help you to get rid of things that you don’t want, and it can also give you a little extra money to help with the move.
DONATE
Finally, try to donate as much as you can. There are many people who are in need of clothing, furniture, and other household items. If you have items you no longer need or want, consider donating them to a local charity or thrift store. This will help you declutter your life, and it will also be a great way to help others in need.Â
Remember that you don’t have to get rid of everything you own, but if it brings up painful memories of your relationship, you have the freedom to choose what goes. There may just be something cathartic about tossing the trash into a rented dumpster; it can symbolize throwing away a broken relationship and starting fresh.
Tips for Downsizing Children’s Belongings After Divorce
It will undoubtedly be more tricky to downsize your children’s belongings when you get divorced from your spouse. You may be tempted to get them two of everything, so they always have what they need in each household. However convenient that may sound, what will your children do with everything when it’s time for them to move out on their own? Here are some tips for downsizing your children’s belongings after divorce.
First, let the kids take the lead. They should be the ones who decide what they want to keep and what they want to get rid of. This will help them to feel in control of the situation and will allow them to keep the items that are most important to them.
Second. If you do decide to sell or donate items, let the kids keep the money and choose where they donate. Allowing them to reap the financial and emotional benefits of this part of the process can help them with their sense of self-worth during difficult time.
Finally, figure out a system that will work for your family to keep track of items if the kids will be dividing their time between two households. Be willing to go the extra mile, literally, if your kids forget something in those first few months and need you to make another trip to bring it to your ex’s home for them.
Protect Your Family During and After Divorce
It’s important not to be vindictive when going through your assets during a divorce. Try not to use personal belongings as a method for hurting your spouse. If you do find yourself in a contentious divorce, whether related to assets, alimony, or child custody, Rulon T. Burton and Associates have some tips for protecting yourself.
- Document everything
- Consult an attorney
- Cancel joint bank accounts
- Maintain residency at your family home
- Take inventory of all joint assets
- Store personal assets in a safe place
- Contact law enforcement if a restraining order is necessary
There are a wealth of resources available to those who feel unsafe while getting divorced, so be sure you’re taking care of yourself and making use of what’s out there.
SAMHSA
Have you heard of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)? They have free helplines, directories, and support organizations to help anyone encountering homelessness, domestic violence, or mental health issues.
SAMHSA can help you find resources local to you and provide advocates to help you through the process of some of the things that may accompany a divorce, including lack of adequate housing, suicidal thoughts, or domestic violence.
It’s never easy to make such a big change in your life and the lives of your children, but there is the potential to come out of the experience of divorce stronger and ready to start fresh.
