Although the negotiations may not yet be finalized nor the divorce papers signed, many couples going through a divorce are ready to begin the healing process.
Relearning your old habits or reinventing yourself as an independent, single person is an essential part of the divorce process. For many people, walking through a house full of memories can make it difficult to move on.
Replacing a few key items post-divorce may spark your imagination and represent a new beginning.
The Bed
For many, changing the bedroom is numero uno on the to-do list. The bed is the site of many memories, both good and bad, that might be painful to constantly revisit.
Switching up the bedroom decor creates a safe haven for you to enjoy as a newly single person. Consider the type of bed you’ve always dreamed of.
Perhaps it’s time to upgrade to a king-sized bed or to get the Tempur-Pedic mattress you want, which could be priced from around $1,200 up to $4,000, depending on the style and size.
If a new bed isn’t in the newly slashed budget, opt for a pair of new 800-thread count cotton sheets.
That “Special Something” You Always Wanted
Everyone has that special splurge item they have been secretly lusting after for years. One of the best ways to reclaim your life after your divorce is to set out to create your dream home.
This doesn’t mean spending thousands of dollars or squandering your savings. Instead, target one key item that you’ve always wanted. Perhaps it’s a fantastic piece of art to hang above your mantel or a huge new flat screen TV with a stellar audio system.
Treating yourself to something special can rejuvenate your spirit and make the post-divorce process easier. Before you decide on a purchase, set yourself a strict budget (maybe $700 for a new flatscreen from Best Buy) and stick to it.
If you don’t have the cash immediately, start saving a small amount each month until you reach your goal.
Redo the Living Space
Perhaps you and your ex-spouse had vastly different tastes when it came to interior design. Now that you’re divorced, let your house become a reflection of your personal taste.
One of the best ways to transform a living space is to invest in a new sofa. Interior designer Thom Filicia thinks of a good sofa as the anchor of the living room, making it essential to find one you love. Look to buy sofas at Macys.com for a wide selection of options that range from $700 to $1,600.
After finding the perfect sofa, accessorize with throw pillows, end tables, and other smaller items that add a touch of “you” to your living space.
If you’re on a budget, checking out yard sales or thrift shops can be a great way to score inexpensive side tables or accessories.
Renovate the Kitchen
If you and your ex loved to cook together, entering the kitchen may bring back a flood of memories. Remodeling the kitchen is a strong investment in your home, with the average homeowner recouping 65 percent of the renovation budget upon selling the home, according to Remodeling magazine.
If you don’t have the money to do a total renovation, consider making smaller changes. Just repainting the cabinetry and changing the hardware can totally transform the way your kitchen looks for just.
Doing it yourself with supplies from Lowe’s or Home Depot could cost less than $150, while paying a professional might cost $300 or more.
