Three things are certain in life: death, taxes … and undue stress caused by moving. Moving is stressful whether or not you hire a realtor to help you navigate the waters of the uncertain buy-and-sell processes. There’s little you can do about it. We’re not just talking packing and paperwork. Moving is an emotionally charged process. You may be trying to calm down your children while you are also reassuring yourself that you will meet people in your neighborhood, that you have bought the best home within your budget, and that the new school for your kids will be good.

While we’re dealing all these jitters, it’s easy to overlook the fact that moving can be an exciting adventure. It can also represent a chance for growth and a new beginning. After the dust settles, you will be entering one of your most memorable moments. You’re lucky if you’ve hired a Realtor, who is familiar with both the obvious and the insidious stresses. You should be able rely on your Realtor for more than closing the deal, depending on your relationship. Your Realtor should also be able calm your fears by providing you with the support you require. This includes giving you information about the new school district and reassuring that your nervousness is perfectly normal. They should also provide you with as much information as possible about your new home, increasing your familiarity.

During the entire process of selling and buying, it’s important to make time for your family and yourself. It is not a waste, but an insurance policy to ensure your happiness and sanity. Stress can sneak up on us, as we have all learned. Stress can be a killer during the most happy times of our lives, as any major life change is stressful. It can cause havoc on both an emotional and physical level if it is suppressed. There’s nothing worse than moving across the country with a grumpy, angry family. To maintain family unity, consider the following stress-relieving methods:

Remember that it is perfectly normal to be unsure about your decision at this moment. You’ve made a big commitment. We all have those last-minute “What in the world did I do?” worries after signing contracts or making life-changing choices. Reframe your decision to be a chance to start anew in a new environment. This is a perfect example of the old saying, “When one door shuts, another opens”. Ask as many questions as necessary throughout the process. Your Realtor is there to help you.

Keep an emergency fund if you can. You may run into unexpected costs. You’ll be ready if your buyer requests repairs after the home inspection. You may not agree with all the buyer’s demands, but you will avoid the stress of not having enough money to make the repairs if you save up some extra cash. You might set a goal of $2,500. It is probably best to not try to guess the repairs that a buyer will want and then fix them before the sale. It’s because buyers tend to isolate areas of your house that you would never have thought of repairing, and they don’t even notice the ones you expected. Save yourself money until you know what they want.

While we’re talking about finances, you should also prepare yourself for the initial costs that you will incur upon moving in. Accept that you will feel like you are holding your wallet upside-down during the moving process. This will be true for everyone involved — the movers, the contractor, the buyer, etc. The windfall is sat below, and everyone wants a bigger share. Remember that this is a long-term investment in your family’s future, and that the costs are an inevitability.

Remind yourself why you are moving. Is it a job transfer or a voluntary decision? Your outlook will be affected by whether you had any control over the decision. No matter what you answer, gather as much information about your new hometown as possible. What cultural offerings are available in the city/town? What are the city’s natural and historical attractions? Once you’ve settled, research some day trips that you could take with your family. If you live near state borders, you can easily explore other parts of the country.

Imagine your new home. Where will you put the furniture? Remember the main selling points of your home. Will you have more space in the home? More closets? A large backyard or swimming pool? What is the look of your new street? Are there many young families living in the area? Your children will likely be reassured if this is the case. Try to imagine yourself and your family adapted to the new environment as often as you can.

Enjoy yourself occasionally. Even if it feels like you have no money left, you can still have fun. Take the whole family out for a meal, a movie, or a picnic. Do anything to get everyone out of the house, away from boxes, paperwork and emotions. Make a “date” with your family to go out regularly — every Friday night before the move, for example. For a few hours, forget about your stress and remember that your family is also feeling the same emotions. Stress is often a companionable emotion, so take advantage of your time together. Remember that this stress will not last forever. The move will take place and everything will fall into place, no matter how you feel right now. The journey into the unknown can be rewarding. Trust your Realtor’s expertise, and your family’s resilience. Look forward to the adventure ahead.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1015764-20180312-how-to-handle-the-stress-of-selling-your-home?rtmpage=