There is a bittersweet transition that occurs in many homes at this time each year when our kids head off to college, and parents start their own new journey as empty nesters.

Are you one of the thousands of parents navigating the emotional and physical transition to an empty nest?

Perhaps, like many others, you are completely overwhelmed by the amount of stuff they left behind for you to deal with.

Perhaps you are wondering where to start the process of decluttering and reimagining their bedrooms, work areas, and play areas so that you can reclaim your home and begin this new chapter of your life.

It’s emotionally challenging because part of you wants to leave their space untouched so that you can hold onto the memories of them growing up.

But there’s another part of you that wants to move on, excited about the opportunity to create something new and have a fresh start to the life ahead of you as an empty nester, free of the jam-packed schedules of picking up and dropping off your kids at various events.

Do you want to embrace this newfound freedom, declutter your home, get organized, and reclaim your space?

You want to reimagine and redesign the space to reflect your new lifestyle and stage of life.

Even if you are conflicted, the good news is that you can actually have both! You can hold onto some of their things so you can cherish the memories, and you can also declutter and repurpose their rooms and your home to suit the needs and wishes of your new lifestyle. This way, you can embrace this exciting new chapter of your life, making your home a place you love to come home to.

The Downsizing Designer’s Top 7 Tips for a Successful Empty Nest Makeover and Transition

1. Engage your kids to declutter their spaces.

It’s important for your kids to know that this will always be their home too, but as your lives change and they go off to college to start their new life, you are embarking on a new life too.

      Let them know that you intend to repurpose their rooms and spaces and that you would like their help with assessing which items they would like to take with them, dispose of, or store for when they have their own apartment.

      It’s important to let them know there are limits on what they can store in your home and that they understand they will need to pick up their items within an agreed-upon timeframe.

      Get them involved in the decluttering process before they head off to college. Let them know that you will be redesigning their space for your own needs and lifestyle, but also let them know there will always be room for them to visit on holidays and breaks.

      2. Identify all of the areas you want to declutter to make your own.

      • Kids’ bedroom and closets
        • Kids’ home office/work area
        • Kids’ game room/entertainment space

      3.   Brainstorm ideas and goals for how you can best repurpose these spaces according to your current wants, needs, and wish list.

      • Library/home office/sitting area
        • Adult lounge area/workspace/TV area
        • Master bedroom suite/extension of existing master bedroom
        • Meditation/yoga/exercise area
        • Craft room
        • Glamorous guest room/suite
        • Grandchildren play area
        • Large walk-in closet
        • Multipurpose room/guest room/home office

      4.   Measure and inventory any existing furniture to be reused. Select new furniture as needed.

      • Take measurements: Measure each room and note the dimensions of any furniture you plan to keep.
        • Assess condition: Check the condition of existing furniture to determine if it fits the new design or if it needs to be updated or replaced.
        • Consider functionality: Think about how the furniture can be repurposed to suit the new use of the space. Can a desk become a crafting table or a bookshelf transform into a display case?
        • Shop wisely: If purchasing new furniture, choose pieces that complement your style and serve multiple purposes, such as storage ottomans or fold-away desks.

      Taking inventory and making thoughtful decisions about furniture can ensure that your redesigned space is both functional and beautiful.

      5.   Create a minimum of three-floor plans to explore the best use of the spaces.

      Analyze all 3 plans. If needed, create a revision that incorporates the best of all 3. Develop a lighting plan based on the final floor plan.

      • Determine the look and feel of the room you are designing.
        Select and coordinate all finishes, including flooring, paint, wall covering, fabrics, and decorative lighting.
      • Implement and enjoy your new space.
        Whether you hire a qualified contractor or choose to do it yourself, use the plans and finishes you created to complete your new space.

      Then get ready to embrace this new chapter of your life!

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