Replacing Belongings, Contents Pack Out & Setting Up Your Next Home
Moving forward and staying grounded amidst the turmoil.
As this process continues, the lack of routine, the slow pace, and the mental load of constant decision-making can start to wear on you. This is often the point at which people feel an urgent need just to get it done and begin making rushed decisions.
This is also your cue to pause.
Take a breath. Staying grounded and moving steadily forward will serve you far better than racing toward the finish line. Now is the time to talk with your adjuster about transitioning from a hotel or a friend’s home to a longer-term rental. Gently accepting that this phase may last several months can bring more peace than rushing through it.
Begin making your new space feel like home. Slowly replace what you’ve lost. Focus on grounding yourself, family, and rebuilding daily rhythms. As you start replacing items, be sure to keep records of your purchases. Many clients find it helpful to shop at places like Target, Walmart, or Amazon, where purchases can be easily tracked through apps. This small step now can make the insurance process much easier later.
Moving slowly doesn’t mean you’re stuck—it means you’re taking care of yourself while you move forward.
What’s included in this toolkit
✺ What disaster survivors have to say ✺
“I was hesitant to buy new items for a temporary home. It felt wasteful, especially as I was already going into debt just trying to stay afloat. But then I understood that creating a comfortable space was part of the healing process. Having a place where my family and I could disconnect at night became a huge step in our healing. Slowly, my kids began to feel happy again.”
“We tried to rush to get back to normal and made big decisions too fast. Three months later, we knew the temporary home wasn’t right for our family.”
Journal Prompts
Journaling after a disaster can be a gentle way to care for yourself during an overwhelming time. Putting your thoughts and emotions into words helps your brain and body make sense of what you’ve been through, easing anxiety and bringing back a small sense of control. Even a few sentences or simple notes can make a meaningful difference in supporting your healing and emotional balance.
For adults: What are the parts of your life that you have control over right now?
How does this make you feel more present?
For kids: Download this “What Can I Control Right Now” activity sheet.
Have a question about your recovery?
You can call Our Front Porch at 720-593-8606 to speak to someone or email info@ourfrontporchco.org and one of our Disaster Recovery Specialists will get back to you within 48 hours.