For *** children, taking the step of moving out of the house, whether it’s to go away to college, get married, or start a career of their own, is a little nerve-racking, but mostly exciting. It’s a new adventure and one most kids take on eagerly as they finally achieve that independence they’ve been craving.
Move-out day has a different meaning for parents, however, especially when the last child moves away. Yes, they’re excited for their children and ready to see them succeed, and yes, it’s nice to finally have the house to themselves, but it’s also a time of mourning and nostalgia for a full house and fun family memories.
Moving on to the next phase
Empty-nesters are also faced with a number of questions about their new lives. If the kids have all moved away, is it time for you to move, too? Should you downsize? If not, what do you do with all the empty rooms? What will you do with your time now that there are no kids at home to care for?
Re-evaluating your lifestyle
First of all you should decide on whether you’ll keep the house at all. Evaluate your health and the layout of your home: will you be able to navigate the house as you age? Are all the necessary rooms (master bedroom, laundry, kitchen, etc) all on the ground floor? How about the entrance to your home—is it split level, split entry? Would it be easy to construct a ramp up to the front door if necessary?
Also consider whether having extra space outweighs the hassle of paying higher heating and cooling bills, time spent cleaning, and yard maintenance. If you’re ready to simplify your life, now is the time to make a change.
Fulfilling your lifelong dreams
You may be a young empty-nester or anticipate many years of good health ahead of you. If so, having an entire house to yourself might seem like a dream come true. Now you can finally turn all those extra bedrooms into the hobby rooms you’ve wanted your whole life. Make a list of possible options, such as craft room, home office, trophy room, guest room, sewing room, man cave, etc. Determine which of these options is most feasible, which ones are within your budget, which ones will get the most use. Then commence planning your renovation.
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Source: tennessean.com/story/money/real-estate/2015/03/27/get-creative-empty-nest/70490042/
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Re-imagining your lifestyle as an empty-nester
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