Moving is such sweet sorrow. There’s the joy and anticipation of settling into your new space and the pain of leaving the old one behind.

Over on Houzz, they’ve come up with some easy steps to make letting go a little less hard. Take lots of photos, of course—but you already knew that. How about taking a bunch of shots when the place is a total mess? They’ll likely help you recall the true everyday vibe of the home you’re leaving behind way better than those pristine listing photos do. Such untidy, antistaging pictures will “provide a more meaningful record of your house and how you used it,” they write.

Another idea: Fete the home in style with a farewell party, no matter the number of boxes strewed about. “String up some lights, play some music and enjoy the house with the family and friends you’ve shared it with over the years.” And don’t forget to raise a glass to your soon-to-be former abode. They also suggest leaving a little something behind, perhaps a little talisman of sorts, even if it’s hidden in the attic. OK, that’s beginning to sound a bit weird…

As for your new home, if (your pets) are coming along, ease them into the new place, too—don’t underestimate their feelings. “Cats should be kept inside the house for a week or so,” they write, “to prevent them from trying to return to your old home.”


 

Original Post from Realtor.com by Lisa Selin Davis

Photo: Stefanie Aumiller/Getty Images