Remaking an Empty Nest: Making the Most of Your Kids’ Old Space

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As parents, life is full of bittersweet moments, like waving goodbye on your child’s first day of kindergarten, watching your youngest grow from an infant to a teenager, and then seeing them walk across the auditorium stage to receive their high school diploma. During these many landmark events, you truly understand how quickly time passes by. When your last little bird has flown the nest, there are usually two basic responses. The over concerned parent, who cries uncontrollably and says something like, “My baby! Call me everyday so I know that you’re okay!” Or the response of the parent who’s ready for them to leave, saying, “Here’s an emergency credit card. See you later,” while thinking, “This is great! Now should I turn their old room into a home gym or office?”

While Dolly can’t help you cut those apron strings (sorry Mom), we can help you to transform your now empty nest into a place to exercise, work, or host guests. Think of us when it’s time to load up the old furniture to take to your child’s new apartment or if you need help to pick up that awesome new desk or treadmill from the store. Here are some fun ways for empty nesters to use these newly vacated rooms:

Turn Your Empty Nest into a Home Office

A home office is one of the most practical ways that an empty nester can utilize this new space. Just imagine: no more evenings carving out a space to work on the cluttered kitchen table. You can close the door and have some peace and quiet while you work on a business project or when you balance your checkbook. Or maybe you’ve been dreaming of having your very own desk where you can spread out important papers and documents without worrying about cleaning up every night. It’s these little luxuries that make a home office so valuable. Consider looking into buying small office furniture and your dream can quickly become a reality.

From Your Child’s Home Away from Home to a Home Gym

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Going to the gym can be intimidating and inclement weather can impede a regular workout schedule. A simple solution is to make this newly emptied space an exercise room. In fact,  studies have shown that exercise boosts memory and brain function. It also reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and more. Most of all, exercise keeps you feeling and looking young. Consider these home equipment options that are perfect for empty nesters:

  • Look for a recumbent bike with an an ergonomic seat and lumbar support. This is a great way to stay in shape because the smooth motion is easy on your joints and the back support will cradle your back to promote good posture.
  • Ellipticals also are a great way to get a full body workout without putting stress on the joints.
  • Treadmills are also a popular choice. Walking is one of the easiest and best ways to exercise, and a treadmill is a great option to stay healthy during those cold winter months when you can’t go outside.

Be sure to talk to your doctor or physical therapist about which exercises and equipment are most suitable for your needs and health concerns. Also, some equipment could be covered by insurance, so empty nesters may want to look into this potential benefit. But don’t pull a muscle bringing your new exercise gear home. Learn the proper way to move a treadmill, elliptical, or other equipment, and get heavy lifting help from Dolly.

Transform the Empty Nest into a Guest Suite

Just because your child has moved out doesn’t mean that they won’t be visiting the old empty nest on holidays and other vacations. A guest room is perfect for those occasional visits and can also serve out-of-town guests visiting to take advantage of your empty nester status. Consider doing a room makeover by stripping down posters of teen rock stars or athletes off the walls, tossing out that stained bedspread, and giving the room a thorough cleaning. Next, choose a neutral bedspread and use the colors from this inspiration piece to decorate the rest of the room. Refinishing the furniture can be a fun project to tackle or maybe take a trip to a store like Big Lots to find quality, well-priced pieces to bring your guest room space to life.

Make Some Cash Off the Empty Nest with Airbnb

Dare we go one step farther with your guest suite? Have you thought about making this spare empty nest space into an Airbnb rental? This could be a great way to generate extra income to pay for college tuition for your little bird that flew the nest or to get the funds for that family cruise you’ve always dreamed of. Just make sure you do everything you can to be a stellar host – experience matters!

Finding a fun new project is an excellent way to take your focus off of your now empty nest. You’re not losing a child… you’re gaining a room full of possibilities! Thankfully, Dolly’s here to help with your moving needs. When it’s time for your son or daughter to move, our Helpers would love to load our truck up with with their treasures and unload it at their new home or apartment. We’re also available to help you whenever you need us, whether it be to pick up a treadmill you found on Craigslist, or to deliver that perfect sofa that won’t fit in your Audi. Our pricing is guaranteed, so there’s no hidden fees: you know exactly what you’re paying for. From first apartments to empty nesters, change can be a good thing and Dolly is here to help you every step of the way.