11 Ways to Emotionally Detach From Your Home Before Selling

It is often said that ‘home is where the heart is.’ For many of us, our home is not just a physical structure; it is a place where we have made memories, raised families, and built our lives. So, when the time comes to sell, it can be hard to emotionally detach from your home.

As the pencil marks on the wall marking your children’s growth start to fade and you begin to think about all of the special moments you have shared in your home, it is normal to feel a little insecure and even sad about the decision to sell.

However, it is important to remember that a house is just a physical structure and that your memories will always be with you, no matter where you live. And, to help guide you through an emotionally turbulent process, we have put together this guide on how to detach emotionally from your home before selling.

1. Are You Truly Ready to Sell? Or, Is It Too Soon?

If you have lived in your home for a long time, it can be hard to imagine life without it. When the time comes to sell, it is important to be sure that you are truly ready. So, it is important to give yourself time to adjust to the idea of selling.

There are many reasons why people choose to sell their homes, such as job relocation, downsizing for retirement, moving closer to family, or wanting to live in a different area. But, if you find yourself feeling hesitant or unsure about selling, it may be because you are not truly ready.

Ask yourself why you are considering selling. If the answer includes a significant life change recently, such as losing a loved one, going through a divorce, or experiencing a job loss, it may be too soon to make such a big decision. It is important to give yourself time to heal and adjust to the change before making any major decisions, such as selling your home.

2. Focus on the Future

Try to focus on the future and what this move will mean for you and your family. For example, if you are downsizing, think about all of the extra time and money you will have to spend on your hobbies or traveling. And, if you are upsizing, think about all of the new memories you will make in your new home.

Change is inevitable and, sometimes, change can be good. As you embark on this new journey, try to remember that life is a journey and that this is just one stop along the way. Embrace the change and look forward to the new adventure ahead.

3. Make Peace with the Stressful Parts of Selling

It is important to remember that selling your home is a business transaction. So, it is important to be prepared for the stressful parts of the process, such as showings, open houses, and negotiating with buyers.

To help make peace with the stressful aspects of selling, try to remember that this is just a temporary situation. Once your home is sold, you will be able to move on and enjoy your new home stress-free.

4. Consider Selling Your Home to Your Child

If you are having a difficult time emotionally detaching from your home, one option to consider is selling your home to your child. This way, you can be sure that the memories you have made in your home will stay with your family and that your home will be well taken care of.

To do this, you will need to have a serious conversation with your child about their ability to afford the mortgage and maintain the property. Once you have made the decision to sell your home to your child, be sure to consult with a real estate attorney to ensure that the sale is legal and binding.

5. Your Home is an Asset. You’ve Always Known This.

What have you been told your entire life? Real estate is an asset. One that can help you secure your financial future. And, your home has done just that. It has fulfilled its purpose and now it’s time to move on.

It is important to remember that your home is an investment and, as with any investment, there is always risk involved. But, if you are able to detach emotionally from your home, you will be in a much better position to make sound decisions during the selling process.

6. You’re Not Selling Your Memories

As you go through the process of selling your home, it is important to remember all of the good times you have had in your home. From family gatherings to holidays and birthdays, your home has been a part of some of your most cherished memories. But, you’re not selling those.

Your memories are yours to keep and, no matter where you go in life, they will always be with you. So, as you say goodbye to your home, take comfort in knowing that your memories will always be a part of you.

One way to help alleviate this feeling as you close the previous chapters of your life is with a memory book or box. This can be a place where you collect all of the special mementos such as photos, cards, and letters that will forever remind you of your home. You could even rip up that chunk of concrete in the back patio where the kids wrote their names and pressed the handprints when they were little.

Whatever helps you keep those memories close to your heart. Having these physical reminders of your happy memories will help you to keep them close, no matter where you hang your hat.

7. Talk About Your Feelings

If you are finding it difficult to detach emotionally from your home, talk about your feelings with a friend or family member. It can be helpful to talk about the happy memories you have made in your home and to also share any fears or concerns you have about moving. Talking openly about your emotions will help you to better process them and will also make you feel more supported during this time.

8. Hire a Professional

Hiring a professional to help you sell your home can be a great way to detach emotionally from the process. A real estate agent will be able to handle all of the paperwork and marketing for your home, which will take some of the stress off of you. And, having a professional involved will also help to ensure that you get the best possible price for your home.

If you’re retiring and considering downsizing, be sure to speak with a Realtor that has the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation. As a member of the National Association of Realtors, agents with this designation have specialized training and access to resources for seniors who are transitioning their homes.

9. Stay Busy During the Process

One way to Detach emotionally from your home is to stay busy during the selling process. This can be difficult if you are working from home, but there are many ways to keep yourself occupied, such as taking up a new hobby, going for walks, or meeting up with friends. Staying busy will help to take your mind off of the sale of your home and will also make the time go by more quickly.

10. Don’t Rush

If you are feeling pressured to sell your home quickly, it is important to remember that there is no rush. Take your time to declutter and deep clean your home and also get your finances in order. Rushing the process will only add to your stress levels and could result in you making a decision that you later regret.

11. Remember, It’s Just a Physical Structure

It is important to remember that a house is just a physical structure and that your memories will always be with you, no matter where you live. If you find it difficult to detach emotionally from your home, try to focus on the happy memories you have made there and on the exciting future that awaits you in your new home.

When You’re Ready, FastExpert is Here to Help

It is completely natural to feel attached to your home and to have some reservations about selling it. But, by following the tips above, you can successfully detach emotionally from your home and make the best decision for yourself and your family.

If you are ready to sell your home and are looking for a professional to help you through the process, try FastExpert today. FastExpert is designed to give people like you the opportunity to browse for local real estate agents in your time.

We make it simple to thoroughly evaluate agent profiles, read reviews from previous clients, see specializations, and request contact information, all for free. With FastExpert, you can choose the right agent for your specific needs without any pressure.