May a person move into a new home during the period of mourning for an immediate family member, or may he have his home painted or renovated during this period?
Rabbi Shemuel Pinhasi (contemporary), in his work Haim Va’hesed (14:12), writes explicitly that moving into a home or renovating a home is permissible after the observance of Shiva (the first seven days of mourning). Even while a person is still within Sheloshim (thirty days since the family member’s death), he may move into a new home or have his home painted or renovated. No difference is made in this regard between mourning for parents and mourning for other family members. The reason for this leniency is that the restrictions of mourning apply only to the mourner himself, as not to his spouse or children. Generally speaking, when a person moves or does work on his home, he does so for his own benefit as well as for the benefit of his family. Halacha therefore allows moving, painting and construction during the Sheloshim period, as the other family members need not have their plans delayed on account of the mourner’s status.
During the Shiva period, however, it is forbidden to move into a new home or have one’s home painted or renovated. Although Halacha is lenient regarding the Sheloshim period, such activities are forbidden during the first seven days of mourning.
Summary: It is forbidden for a mourner to move into a new home or to paint or renovate his home during the Shiva period. These activities are allowed immediately after Shiva, even within the first month after the family member’s passing.
