by Jennifer Scott
Spiritfinder.org

We all experience ups and downs in our lives. However, instead of looking at the downs as a low point, you can look at them as springboards that propel you in your future. It is not always easy to overcome things like divorce, job loss, or other personal tragedy, but doing so can help you find new things in your life that will help you become a better version of yourself. If one of these is moving to a new location, you are one of the lucky ones that get to experience a clean slate and a new life. Today’s suggestions from Pathways to Self-Realization are for you.

Why Move Now?

Changing your environment after a significant setback is a great way to re-motivate yourself. Plus, you may be able to save money on rent/mortgage, your commute, and utilities by simply changing ZIP codes.

Choosing Your New Address

If you have yet to decide where, exactly, you will now lay your head each night, take a look at your needs and lifestyle before you make the choice. If you’re moving with children, for example, make sure your new hometown has an excellent school system and plenty of amenities for the kids. Have pets? Not all cities will be as welcoming to paws and claws as you may like. Your budget is another concern, and you want to look ahead at everything from rental prices to the average over-asking price real estate closings before you decide where you go.

Starting a Business

Launching a new business can be particularly empowering after a negative life event. Plus, it will give you a greater opportunity to get out within your community and get to know your new neighbors. Start with a business plan, which can help you decide how you will succeed by giving you a strategy on everything from funding to business structure and marketing. You also need to check local regulations on whether you can run a business from home or if you will need to rent commercial space.

Moving is a major undertaking, and if you run a business and you don’t already outsource essential tasks, now might be the time to look into your options. Fortunately, you can go online to find qualified talent if you’d like to outsource. Freelancers and companies that can handle any number of tasks – be it data entry, phone support, lead generation, or other time-consuming jobs – are available and can usually start right away. Use a robust job portal platform to quickly access these professionals and you’ll be setting up interviews in no time.

Who Can Help?

Moving is not a one-person job. It requires the combined efforts of you, your family, your visitors, and other professionals, including:

• Locksmith. When you are buying a new house, one of your first acts should be to change the locks. Look for a highly-rated locksmith that offers a full warranty and can prove that they are licensed, bonded, and insured. Remember, as Great Valley Lockshop notes, without a new set of locks, you have no guarantee that someone else does not have keys to your new home.
• Real estate agent. Your realtor is one of your greatest allies in the moving process. They can help you locate affordable homes in safe areas. Read reviews and confirm that your agent closes enough transactions each year so that you know they are current with market standards.

• Senior move manager. If you’re well past your retirement years and moving as part of a downsize effort, consider hiring a senior move management service. A senior move manager does not necessarily physically move your goods, but A Place For Mom points out that they will have experience and they’ll help you downsize and save money. Plus, the right organization may even be able to donate your excess home goods to help you get a sizable tax deduction.

• Mortgage broker. Your mortgage broker can help you decide how much home you can afford based on your income, assets, and DTI.

Although making one major life change after another can be nerve-racking, remember, your blank slate is waiting, it will not be found at your current location. Don’t be afraid to move ahead, even if it means starting a new business while you also look for a new living arrangement in a new town. Remember, no matter the tragedy, life must move ahead, and you cannot stay where you are to get to where you are going.

Brigitte E. Lifschitz, LCSW of Pathways to Self-Realization uses an approach to psychotherapy that goes beyond talk therapy, involving a variety of techniques such as Ericksonian hypnotherapy, EMDR and EFT. Contact Brigitte today for more info! 212-877-1931