Congratulations! Your baby’s left for college. Well, they’re not exactly a baby anymore, but it might feel just like yesterday that you sat with them in their room, reading their favorite story or singing them to sleep.
However, now that room is empty, and once you’ve gotten over the shock of your kid moving out, you’ll start eyeing that space and thinking about the possibilities—it could be a guest room for family and friend visits, an office for work-from-home days or an artist studio for you to explore a new hobby. Whatever your ideas, emotions are still attached to the room, which are both a symbol of your now-adult-child’s growing independence and your new reality as an empty-nester.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are about 22.5 million empty nesters in America, so you’re not alone. And instead of downsizing, many empty nesters choose to stay put. So perhaps you want to redesign or renovate instead of packing up for smaller digs.
But the feelings tied to your child’s bedroom are likely as strong for your college student as they are for you. It’s not just a bedroom; it’s the place where your child grew up, where memories were made and where their presence still lingers.
Whether you’re thinking of making a few changes or throwing yourself into a complete overhaul, here are tips that take all the weight of the moment into consideration.
Acknowledge the Emotions
It’s okay to feel sad or hesitant about making even small changes to the room. And your college student might be an adult but that doesn’t mean they won’t be emotional or shocked at the idea that their childhood bedroom will be repurposed. These feelings are normal, and there’s no need to rush the process. Before diving into a renovation project or even a subtle refresh, give yourself (and your kid) some time. This is a significant life transition for everyone.
Have a Chat with Your Child
Before diving in on a redesign, check in with your child. This room is still theirs in many ways, and while they may not be living in it full-time, they probably still consider it their personal space, especially when they come home for breaks. Have an open conversation about the changes you’re considering, give plenty of warning before making alterations and find out whether there are certain items or decorations they feel strongly about keeping.
Don’t Limit Your Thinking
The room was a bedroom, yes, but if you’ve decided to rethink the space, you don’t have to think small. You can turn it into a guest room or office, of course, but you can also create a meditation room, a game room, a library, a home gym, an art studio or a craft space. The only real limits are the size of the room and how much time and money you want to invest in the redesign. One financial consideration to keep in mind: Removing the bedroom entirely to add space on to another bedroom, closet, bathroom or other room probably won’t add value to your home (and, in fact, could reduce the value when you’re ready to sell).
Be Multifunctional
Think about making the space adaptable for multiple uses. Perhaps it’s your child’s bedroom when they’re in town but doubles as a guest room, home office, reading room or music room when they’re away. A well-thought-out design can strike a balance between a welcoming space for your kid or guests and a practical room for daily use. Consider adding multifunctional items like a daybed that can also be a sofa, a murphy bed that folds into a wall or built-in cabinet, or a desk that is large enough to use as a crafting or art space.
Donate or Sell Instead of Toss
After you’ve talked to your college student and decided what to keep on hand, consider donating or selling what’s left over instead of throwing it away. Emotionally, it might be helpful to think about other kids getting enjoyment and use from in-demand items like sports gear, sturdy toys like wooden train sets and well-maintained collectibles. Be realistic about what prices the stuff will bring, though. Check resale sites for an idea of what the going rate is for similar items and donate what you can’t or don’t want to sell.
Keep the Memories
One way to honor your child’s connection to the room is by incorporating some keepsakes, even if you decide to change the bedroom’s purpose. Keep a small section of the room—like a shelf or wall—dedicated to photos, memorabilia and other treasures. This could include their childhood art projects, graduation photos or a collection of family pictures.
Make a Home Office Work for You
If you want to turn the room into a home office, think functional and tidy. Store most items and papers in baskets or drawers, keeping only essential items within arm’s reach. Make sure the lighting is good and organize your desk to take advantage of any available views of the outdoors. Invest in a good filing system—whether digital or physical—to manage paperwork. Use vertical space wisely by installing shelves or wall organizers to free up the desk’s surface area. Cable management tools can help keep power cords tidy and prevent distractions. All of that organization will pay off when your child comes home and their bedroom isn’t cluttered.
Deciding what to do with your child’s bedroom after they leave for college is tough. It’s okay to feel torn, sentimental or even reluctant to make any changes. But by taking it slow, acknowledging everyone’s feelings and balancing sentimentality with practicality, you can create a space that honors the past while still giving you the freedom to explore your family’s future.
