Sending Your Children Off to College: How Does This Change Your Home?

As a realtor, I often help families navigate the transition from being a full house to an empty nest. This can be a time of great joy and excitement, as well as some sadness and adjustment. One of the most noticeable changes is the way the home feels.

Here are some of the most common changes that families experience when their children go off to college:

• The noise level decreases. No more kids running around, playing music, or having friends over. This can be a welcome change for some parents, but it can also be a bit strange and quiet at first. If you’re used to a busy household, you may need to adjust your expectations and find new ways to fill your time.
• The bathroom is less crowded. No more waiting in line for the shower or the toilet. This can be a huge relief for parents, especially if they have a large family. However, it can also mean that you have more bathrooms to clean.
• The house feels empty. It’s strange not having your kids around all the time. This is a natural feeling, and it’s important to give yourself time to adjust. You may find yourself missing the sound of their voices, the smell of their laundry, and the general hustle and bustle of a busy household.
• You have more space. This is one of the biggest changes that families experience when their children go off to college. Suddenly, you have all this extra space that you didn’t know what to do with. You may decide to downsize to a smaller home, or you may use the extra space to create a new hobby room, office, or guest bedroom.

No matter how you choose to adjust to the changes, it’s important to remember that this is a natural part of life. Your children are growing up and moving on to new adventures, and it’s your job to support them. The empty nest may be a bit lonely at first, but it’s also a time of new beginnings. Enjoy this time with your spouse and make the most of your newfound freedom.

Tips for Empty Nesters

Here are a few tips for empty nesters who are adjusting to their new home:

• Take some time for yourself. This is a great opportunity to relax and recharge. Do some of the things you’ve always wanted to do, but never had the time for.
• Spend time with your spouse. This is a great time to reconnect with your spouse and rekindle your relationship. Go on dates, take trips, and just enjoy each other’s company.
• Make new friends. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and expand your social circle. Join a club, take a class, or volunteer for a cause you care about.
• Decorate your home to reflect your new lifestyle. Now that you have more space, you can decorate your home the way you want it. Get rid of the old furniture and decor that reminds you of your children, and replace it with things that you love.
• Travel. This is a great time to travel and see the world. You don’t have to worry about taking care of your kids, so you can be more spontaneous and adventurous.

The empty nest can be a time of great change, but it can also be a time of great joy. Embrace this new chapter in your life and make the most of it. Regardless of how the feel of the house changes, make sure that it feels like home.