It’s something you wouldn’t wish on anybody, but it happens more likely than you’d think. Getting a divorce is never easy, but it is manageable. If you were to pack up and move to a new place, even if your spouse is the one who has already moved out, no one would blame you. Homes carry memories with them and sometimes you need a fresh start with plenty of space for new memories and no strings attached.

Tips For Moving (and Moving On) After A Divorce

Should you decide to move to a new place, following these tips can help make the process smoother.

Don’t Do It By Yourself

In the states, there’s approximately one divorce every 36 seconds. While this statistic may be shocking, look at it this way: you are far from alone. Although right now it may feel that way, it’s not the case. You have thousands of people who have gone through or are going through some of the same things you’re dealing with. Try and connect with some online or reach out to your friends to get support while you’re going through this breakup. One of the best ways you can work through this is by talking with likeminded people. Having someone to talk to while you transition to a new place will be beneficial for you in the long-run.

Try To Keep Things Civil

Should you have children, staying civil with your spouse is a big deal. Unfortunately, keeping civil with your spouse isn’t always the easiest thing to do once you’ve decided a divorce is necessary. Sometimes, it’s simply not possible. It can be incredibly hard. Giving yourself the time and space to heal before rushing back into conversation is imperative, but for your children’s sake, some conversations will need to be had.

One of the most important conversations to have with your ex-spouse is custody. If you have custody, children will spend 277 days with you out of the year, leaving very little room for time with the other parent. If you’re moving far away, that time will likely be even less. It’s something to consider, for the sake of your kids if you have any, to stay nearby if possible.

The Move

It’s time. You’ve found the perfect place to create a better life for yourself and all you have left to do is get all your things there. Make sure you’ve organized your boxes so unpacking can go as smoothly as possible! This is probably the most important part of the whole moving process. Packing “like” things together and labeling your containers may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s very easy to forget.

Should you have a trailer, you’ll want to pack as much as you can closest to the tow vehicles hitch. In fact, between 12% and 15% of the weight should be rested there. If you don’t have a trailer for your things, look into renting a moving van to streamline the moving process. They’re affordable and readily accessible, so you should be able to find one at any point in time.

Take Care Of Yourself

At the end of the day, you’re all you’ve got. So taking care of yourself is an essential component to coping with your divorce. Make sure not to repress any emotions or feel guilt or shame. Give yourself the time to grieve and find peace with what’s happened. In some cases, talking to a therapist or a mental health professional can be the best way to come to terms with your new situation. It’s easier said than done, but you can do it!