When people are faced with the prospect of moving-transferring themselves and their belongings to a new residence- most feel over whelmed, sad and scared. What would it take for the person moving to feel in control, grateful, and ready to embrace the new?
Three (4) key strategies can help accomplish this shift:
1. Take charge of your move.
2. Don't wait till you have to move. The whole move is experienced differently when you are proactive about it. Plan your move and move your plan.
3. Create a context. Think of your move as an opportunity to reflect on the past and evaluate the present, and set a course for the future. See it as an inner as well as an outer journey, a transformation as well as a transition.
4. Take small steps. Give yourself plenty of lead-time. Take time out during a routine day to go through just one drawer, or a shelf of a closet. Decide who can use the things you no longer need or want, and arrange for them to get where they're going.
Don't just move- move on.
Deciding Not To Decide Can Move You
Barbara Z. Perman, PhD
If you and your partner disagree about making a move, there is much you can do to make progress. Start with these steps and you will find the process to be much simpler.
1. Start home sale preparation. Assess what needs to be done in the house to prepare it for sale. Start removing clutter and downsizing. Get rid of things both of you agree you don't need anymore.
2. Get needs out on the table. Instead of starting with solutions, "I want to live in Florida...I want to stay here", say, "I'm concerned about slipping on the ice, or "I miss the sunshine". These can lead you to more options.
3. Do research. Get the facts about your options. Make visits to local retirement communities. Visit condos, apartments and other living spaces. Think about spending time in another location for a month or more. Ask someone you know who has internet access to explore options with you on-line.
4. Create a mission statement. The values-based statement will help clarify the purpose and values you have at this stage of your life. If you and your partner each create a mission statement, you have a basis upon which to communicate what is important to you now.
Completing these tasks can assist you the way a lantern does when you are walking in the dark. Even if the destination is unclear, they will give you the light you need to take the next step.
