WOMANSDAY APRIL 2020 33
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR STUFF/ Home
HAVE A VISION
Before your child moves out, think
about what you want the room
to become. A painting studio?
A yoga room? A home office? This
stage of life opens up more time
to explore creative interests you
might have put on the back burner
while you were raising kids, so now
is your chance to get creative.SET BOUNDARIES
One of the biggest challenges of
an empty nest is that it can feel
like unfinished business, what with
all the stuff kids can leave behind.
First, decide how much space
you’re willing to devote to their
overflow. Then lay out clear rules
to them about how much you’ll
store and for how long.RESIST THE SPREAD
It’s OK to temporarily use a kid’s
old bedroom as a sorting station,
with receptacles for items to
donate, fix, and sell, but don’t
allow it to become a junk room. As
you organize other spots in your
home, move the excess into the
spare room. When each container
is full, take steps to empty it.A wall unit is a
genius storage
solution and a
spot to display
Anna’s beloved
bags and other
objects. Each
becomes part of
a rotating “show”
she can change
up as she pleases.The Kids Move Out
When children leave home, you’re left with an unusual conundrum: what to do with
all that extra space. Here’s how to ease the transition and use those rooms for good.ORGANIZING CHALLENGE #1
After
Before
Ahh, a
cozy spot
to rest!