What Empty Nesters Can Do With Their Homes

The kids have all flown the coop. Should you move? Stay put? Consider these different options for what you can do with your now empty nest.

by Andrea Norris-McKnight

What Empty Nesters Can Do with Home photo

Your kids are grown up and have moved out. You’re an empty nester. That four-bedroom, three-bath home suddenly seems very large. Should you move? Change how you use some rooms? Here are some ideas for what empty nesters can do with their homes when the kids move out.

It’s an interesting question. One that can have a major effect on your lifestyle and finances. To help us sort it out, we contacted Sharon Greenthal. Sharon writes about empty nest issues for several different publications. You can also find her at her website Midlife Boulevard, an online magazine for midlife women.

Q: Are most empty nesters making similar moves? Or is everyone doing their own thing?

A: Empty nesters are as varied as can be. Some stay in their family homes in anticipation of expanding families (grandchildren, caring for elderly parents). Some downsize to easily manageable condominiums. Some give up homeownership altogether and become permanent renters. Much of the decision depends on financial considerations and location.

Q: Is there anything wrong with living in a house that’s bigger than you need?

A: Not at all. If you have the means and the desire, why not enjoy a large home? Many empty nesters like to host get-togethers and need a larger home to accommodate a crowd. Just don’t get in over your financial limit.

Q: Can the extra space be used to provide income? Perhaps taking in a renter?

A: If you need extra income, renting space can be a great way to supplement. Also, if you are living on your own, renting a room can provide company and security. Consider the example of “The Golden Girls!”

Q: Are many empty nesters using spare rooms for hobbies? Which ones are the most popular?

A: From what I can tell, many empty nesters are using spare rooms not so much for hobbies but home office space. As more and more people are finding it convenient and cost-effective to work from home, converting a child’s former bedroom into an office becomes more and more useful. My husband and I have each taken a bedroom for this purpose.

Q: If you are moving out of your home, what steps do you need to take before putting up the “for sale” sign?

A: The best home improvement projects for getting your house ready to sell include sprucing up the exterior (painting, landscaping, fixing cracked concrete and walkways), decluttering and minimizing the use of closet space, and “depersonalizing” by taking down family photos and mementos. Replacing stained and worn carpet and flooring and painting the interior walls are also helpful.

Q: Should empty nesters stay in their home in case their adult children need to move back in?

A: No, no, no. Do not wait to change your lifestyle “just in case.” If your adult children need help, you’ll work it out.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake that empty nesters make when deciding where to live?

A: In my opinion, it’s a mistake to choose where to live based on where your children live. Career moves, life changes, and financial problems can all contribute to your children’s change of location. Empty nesters need to decide what their priorities are (weather, cost of living, friends, community) and then decide where to move when downsizing/retiring.

So, if you’re an empty nester, consider carefully where you want to live. The decision you make will have a major impact on your lifestyle and your finances.

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Reviewed December 2024