Ask Erin: Make the Most of Your Empty Nest

article by Erin Sharplin Love

With a five and three-year-old at home, I can’t imagine a day that my children will not be living with us. However, I know that one day they will leave to have their own careers and families. Many of you will experience this “empty nest” as graduation and wedding season quickly approaches. This summer is sure to be full of changes as you begin to help your children pack up and move on to the rest of the amazing life you’ve prepared them for. Are you ready?

If not, let me make the idea of having an “empty house” a little easier for you – It is time for you to make the most of the situation. It is time for you to start taking care of YOU! Hop onto the self-love bandwagon and let’s prepare your home to nurture you as you have nurtured your children.

Your child’s old room has so much opportunity lurking in it; you just have to find the perfect way to utilize it. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
• The War Room – Are you extremely spiritual and/or religious? Do you often seek out a quiet space to think, read, or pray? If so, a war room would be perfect for you. Make it special by incorporating pictures, books, memorabilia, statues, and other pieces that are a representation of your faith.
• The Library – Do you love to read, but never seem to find the time nor the right spot to relax and delve into that good book you’ve been dying to read? If so, you might want to consider turning that old bedroom into a library. Take a cue from your favorite bookstore and organize your books by type (fiction, nonfiction) and in alphabetical order. Be sure to create a cozy reading nook and include a coffee/tea station for your enjoyment. I can’t imagine why you would ever want to leave this room ever again!
• The Closet – HA! If you know me, you know that I once utilized our guest room as a closet – then I had children and that closet was history. You too, can turn that extra room into a closet! But, don’t think that you have to re-make the room totally to make this happen. You can simply purchase some inexpensive rolling racks and space them neatly around the room; incorporate an old bookshelf to store shoes, and reuse an old desk as a vanity and voila! You have a closet. The final touch should be a full-length mirror.
• A Craft Room – Having an empty nest means that you will have more time to devote to a hobby, so why not create the perfect space to sew, scrapbook, or DIY until your heart’s content? You might even be able to make a few extra bucks by selling your wares. Sounds like a win-win to me!
• The Movie Theater – Now this could be fun for the entire family! Invite your children back home for a visit, and you all can enjoy the revamped room. Purchase a large, flat screen TV, or you could really invest by purchasing an entire home cinema system. You can even DIY a simple platform for a seating area similar to a real movie theater. Don’t forget a popcorn machine and snack station!
• A Home Gym – Now is the perfect time to get healthy and fit! A home gym can be created inexpensively by purchasing a few necessities such as an adjustable bench, a set of dumbbells, a stability ball, ankle weights, etc. A quick trip to your local sporting goods store will get you fixed right up. As with all of the other rooms, convenience is key. Make sure you have all of your work-out necessities within arm’s reach. You can do this by incorporating a small fridge for water, a snack station (for when you need a quick pick-me-up), a place for gloves and towels, etc.

Hopefully, these ideas have made parting a little less sorrowful, but the possibilities are endless! How will you make the most of your empty nest? Please share with me!! erinlove@panachebyerin.com