Seeing your children move out can be a bittersweet experience. While watching them leave can be difficult, you also want them to be independent, grow, and excel. Although it isn’t easy, you have to find ways to adjust, cope, and happily move on with your life. Here are things to do after your children move out:
1. Clear the clutter
While decluttering after your child has left is emotionally challenging, its the only way to keep your home free of clutter and create more space. Sort through these items and decide what to keep, and hold a garage sale for anything youd like to sell. You may also donate to the less fortunate and organize a Salvation Army donation pickup. If there’s anything you want to hold on to, be sure to carefully pack it and store it.
2. Consider downsizing
When you downsize, your space becomes more manageable to maintain. You save on utility costs and time you would otherwise spend cleaning empty rooms. It also makes it easier for you to cope with your kids’ absence. However, the decision to downsize shouldn’t be made in haste. Take your time and weigh all of your options before making a decision.
3. Take your time
When your kids move out, the transition process may be overwhelming and saddening. Give yourself time to deal with the sudden change and start finding ways to cope. Avoid making life-changing decisions within the first few months of your kids moving out.
4. Find new challenges
Finding new personal or professional challenges is a good way to divert your thoughts and ease the sense of loss you feel when your kids move out. Consider redecorating or renovating your house, or take up activities you previously didnt have time for. You may also volunteer at a local organization or find new interests and hobbies.
5. Stay in touch
Once your kids move out, its important to stay in touch, although you may not be able to talk as much as you used to. Resist the urge to check in on them too much to ease the transition process and to assure them of your trust. Let go and let your children make mistakes, learn from them, and grow in their independence.
6. Get support if necessary
For some parents, empty nest syndrome can be a period of grief and fear, especially if they are undergoing a stressful patch that makes it difficult to cope. In such a case, don’t try to cope with the situation alone; seek support from family, friends, or a counselor.
7. Reorganize your finances
Now that the kids have moved out and you have a little less responsibility, you may have some extra finances at your disposal. Consider investing or saving for your retirement. If you have a challenge managing your money, consult a financial advisor for guidance.
Endnote
When kids move out, a new chapter for both your lives begins. Consider adjusting to your new role, and let your children spread their wings and craft a new path for themselves.
