It can be a bittersweet moment when your last child moves out of the house, and you and your partner are suddenly there alone. On one hand, you’re happy to see your kids find success on their own. However, thinking about what comes next and what to do with all that space can be daunting. The solution may be to move into a smaller, simplified living environment.
This guide will help you ease into life as an empty nester and provide tips for transitioning to a simpler lifestyle.
Easing Into Life As An Empty Nester
Adjusting to life as an empty nester can be challenging if you let it. The best way to get used to this new way of life is to practice gratitude. Think fondly about the many years you had with a family at home and how proud you are to have grown children who have found a life for themselves with your guidance.
Once you feel more at ease with the changes, focus on now. Think about the things you can do with the kids out on their own. You can travel, set up your home your way, and have more control over your circumstances.
The more you think about it, downsizing is the ultimate empty-nester move. Moving into a smaller home means reduced expenses, which means more money for vacations and accomplishing the other goals you always had for yourself. Fewer belongings to keep and maintain typically result in less stress and a simpler life overall.
It will likely be challenging to declutter during this transition because it will require letting go of treasured memories and moments. However, one way to make that easier is to find alternative arrangements. So, that could involve renting a storage locker and keeping items there. You could also ask your kids if they want to keep some belongings in their home. Another solution is to talk to your kids about selling some of that stuff, and then you can split the profits, and they can use it to afford new memories.
Tips For Downsizing To A Smaller Home
If you plan to move to a smaller dwelling, you’ll likely have no choice but to declutter and reduce your belongings. You don’t want to live in a smaller home and be cramped and uncomfortable, or it will defeat the purpose of trying a simpler life.
Moving And Decluttering
To make your life easier, save money with a smaller move. The arrangement has many perks, including the fact that you’ll save money when it comes to gas costs. The heavier the furniture and boxes you have, the more that will cost. Also, the less you move, the less you’ll worry about losing.
Reducing your load can also make the actual move easier. You could pay a company just to pack up the boxes and put them on the truck, and you can drive it yourself. Since you have less, it won’t be so overwhelming.
Decluttering a large home can be challenging, especially when emotions are involved, but you just need to take things one step at a time. Go to each room, look at everything, and determine how attached you are before selling or donating your items. Consider if you’ll think about or remember this item a year from now. If you won’t, you can probably let it go. When in doubt, ask your kids if they want a particular item, and if they don’t, put it in the donation pile.
Making The Most Of A Small Space
Once you get into your smaller home, you’ll need to think about how to do more with less and consider different ways to repurpose your rooms. Start by rethinking your furniture. You can split a room in two using a bookshelf as a divider. If your kitchen is smaller and doesn’t have much counter space, you could bring in a bedroom dresser and use it as a countertop. Empty nesters who work can also use the kitchen table as a desk.
You can also look for ways to double your furniture as storage space. An ottoman can have a removable cover, and many coffee tables have lids that pop up to store your little trinkets.
Consider The RV Lifestyle
Many empty nesters leave the traditional home lifestyle behind and live their days in a recreational vehicle. If you want to use this time to see the world, this is the best way to do so without the added expense of rent or a mortgage. Another great perk of the RV life is being closer to your partner emotionally as you travel new horizons and become a part of the RV community.
Recreational vehicles are typically smaller than apartments, so decluttering will still be necessary. You’ll only want to bring the essentials and some items that you enjoy, like books and games. This is another case where a storage locker is a great place to keep everything you can’t bring along.
While there are significant benefits to this type of living, there are things to keep in mind when you’re traveling and living in an RV. For instance, you’ll need to plan and stick to a budget, especially if you’re retired and on a fixed income. Also, research local laws to determine where you can park and what you can have in your possession in that state. Since you’re living a minimalist lifestyle and won’t have paper mail coming to you while you’re on the road, consider mail forwarding services to a post office box or another prearranged destination. Also, scan important documents, including your licenses and insurance, and keep digital copies.
Downsizing as an empty nester may seem incredibly daunting, especially as you also navigate the emotional pitfalls. However, with a smart plan and the right mindframe, you can enjoy this new phase of your life to the fullest. Remember: you’ve earned this time to relax and explore. Have fun!
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About the Author: Miles is an independent writer with a background in business and a passion for tech, psychology, news, and simply helping people live happy and fulfilled lives. He has lived and traveled all over the United States and continues to expand his awareness and experiences.