*Collaborative post
Divorce can be draining on a person, especially if you’ve had to drastically change a lot of your life, from where you live to sharing custody of children. It can be a lot to adjust to and often leaves a person feeling out of sorts as you get used to living separately.
Those living in the UK may seek the help of divorce solicitors in Winchester, London, or wherever else, they leave to help settle the legalities of the divorce process, but what happens next? A fresh start may not always seem possible when residing in the family home without your ex-spouse.
That said, there are steps you can take to give the place a new fresh feel to help you cope with your new status. Here are seven tips for uplifting your family home after a divorce…
1. Have a Good Clear Out
Every year brings new ‘things’ to the house, and years spent with someone can mean you have accumulated a lot of stuff you probably now don’t need or want. On a day you’re feeling bold, have a brutal sort out and put things to one side that you no longer need.
Not to say you must chuck anything into the trash. Instead, you could always donate or sell items online and then treat yourself and the family with the proceeds perhaps. Decluttering can feel amazing; you’ll be glad you’ve done it once complete.
2. Take the Minimalist Approach
Once you’ve decluttered, take the minimalist approach and keep surfaces clean and empty. This can give a room a whole new feel and allows you the chance to think more clearly about how to possibly redecorate in future.
Having clearer surfaces also means rooms are typically easier to clean, setting a good example to your children about how to keep a home tidy.
3. Update Family Portraits Around the House
Not that you have to pretend your ex-spouse didn’t exist, but changing the family portraits and pictures that are on display to updated versions can have a positive effect on your mental state.
Looking around your home, you don’t need to be reminded of the past with pictures involving your ex-spouse. It’s better to start a new chapter and have new ones put up of you and your children along with family and friends you still cherish in your life.
4. Redecorate a Room
Not only can changing the appearance of a room make your home more attractive and add value to the property, but it can also have a positive effect on your mood, post-divorce. Redecorating a room could include:
- Removing clutter
- Changing furniture
- Re-painting the walls
- Adding decorative ornaments
- Upcycling the current furniture
- Adding new lighting
These are all simple effective ways to change the appearance of a room. As it can sometimes take a while to complete, we’d recommend you start with one room at a time to make the process smoother.
5. Replace Your Bed
There are plenty of health benefits to replacing your bed and mattress, but physiologically it can do you the world of good too. You don’t have to throw anything out that’s of good use necessarily. For example, if you enjoy your bed frame you could simply try replacing the headboard or painting it to give it a new look.
This not only now turns what was once a marital bed into a more personal space, but can give your bedroom a whole new look. This way, you’re not be reminded of who used to reside there with you.
A new mattress can accommodate your personal needs without the need of a second person’s approval too, making it more personal to you.
6. Create a Space Just for You
Perhaps your ex-spouse had an office space that’s now vacant or garage space that now doesn’t need to accommodate another car. If you find yourself with a spare room or space in your family home, why not create a space just for you and your hobbies?
This could involve turning a room into an office space, art or music room, or perhaps even a home gym. Whatever you turn the space into, make sure it’s all about you and what would improve your ease of living.
7. Add New Colours
A splash of colour can really uplift the mood of a home, whether it’s giving the house a fresh lick of paint or changing cushions on your sofa or bed. It can be the littlest changes that give a home a whole new feel and look.
You only need to look online or places like Pinterest for inspiration on how to give each room a splash of colour effectively and with minimal costs.
Uplifting your home after a divorce…
No one can deny that remaining in your family home after a divorce can sometimes feel a little weird at times without your ex-spouse there. But take the opportunity to recreate the space for yourself and your needs, as well as your family’s.
By making the changes listed in this article, you could see an improvement in your mood and happiness on a day-to-day basis without even realising that your home was affecting you previously. Look online for inspiration before you start to set yourself on the right path of redecorating.