Hi @frog - I'm sure we've met on another thread. Stumbled across this one and just want to lend my support to you. I can empathise with you on the home situation. I, too left my home of over 20 years through a marriage breakup. This house was built from scratch and recently renovated when things fell apart.
I left and moved interstate. My ex stalked me there and I had to move again. After a year, I left Australia and lived in three different places. In the meantime, my ex decided he needed the money and wanted the house sold. I couldn't afford to buy him out. My children were living with him. He moved into rental accommodation with them and shortly after kicked my daughter out which was a terrible and traumatic situation for her. She ended up in a share house and after a while that was sold.
I ended up signing a lease on a townhouse with her so that I would have a place to stay when I visited instead of relying on friends. There was no way that my family would have me at their homes; neither did they help my daughter when she was left homeless. That in itself was a big deal. The paperwork was horrendous. References and proof of income made more difficult because I wasn't working, only had money in the bank.
My mother passed away recently. She had moved into aged care prior to that and her home was vacant but again the siblings who had power of attorney would never contemplate me living there. They are supposedly trying to sell it. They would rather see me on the street and destitute than do something helpful. My sister even refused me to keep a few boxes of my belongings at her place whilst I was OS and wouldn't let me keep them in Mum's empty garage. My ex threw out most of my stuff when I was away. Apart from a few personal belongings and some clothes, I left everything behind.
Six months ago I returned to Australia and so now my daughter and I live together. This hasn't been without its challenges. I do miss my former home. My son still lives with his father but I try to see him once a week. I usually lure him with the promise of a meal.
I have no idea what the future holds and at times that scares me, less so now than it used to a few months ago.
So, yes, it is difficult to up and leave especially having been in one place for a long time. Are you moving out of your neighbourhood? I gave my car to my daughter when I left as hers was written off when a 4wd backed into it. She needs it to get to work and I haven't purchased another one, being careful with my finances and also not really needing one so much as I don't go out much.
Try to think of it as a cleansing and a chance to declutter. It really is amazing how little you need to function on a day to day basis. I wish you well. I know it's scary but you can get through it.