Kids Moving Out? What Can You Do With Those Empty Rooms?

After living for years with kids, you get used to some of the bedrooms being off limits. But when the kids move out, and you enter the ranks of empty-nesters, suddenly those spaces are fair game. Some people choose to leave the rooms as-is, but many start to dream about everything they can do with those empty rooms.

After kids move out, transform their bedrooms into something that benefits your new empty-nest lifestyle. Consider your current needs and desires to determine if a home office, gym, or a rental suite is the best option. You may decide to transform the room into a guest room or one day dedicate it to a playroom for the grandkids.

One thing is for sure: when your kids move out, it opens the doors to possibilities of what could be. Instead of letting their rooms stay the same, gathering dust, you can convert them into something that adds value to your life. Not sure what that might be? Here are some suggestions to get you thinking.

Before Converting Empty Rooms, Acknowledge The Emotions

This article isn’t trying to push you into calling in a demolition crew as soon as your child moves away or starts college. There are many layers to think about, many of them emotional.

Your child’s bedroom holds plenty of memories along with the years and years of stuff, like books, posters, old toys, trophies, and childhood mementos.

Therefore, it’s natural to feel some hesitation about changing things. You might even find that you’re more stubborn about decluttering items than your kids.

There’s nothing wrong with acknowledging these emotions and giving yourself a little time to process. This time can also benefit you in terms of deciding what’s best to do with the room. 

Therefore, take the time to work through the feelings of having an empty nest. Think about what would make your life better, and go from there.

To help move through the process, select several key pieces from your child’s room that mean the most to you and create a memory box. This way, as you start to make changes, you can recognize that transforming the room doesn’t mean you’re erasing precious memories.

15 Practical And Smart Ideas For Repurposing Empty Rooms

Some people simply assume that once the kids move out, they’ll turn the space into an office or guest room. But what if you don’t need a space like that? Maybe a craft room or a reading room makes more sense for your lifestyle.

Here are several ways to reimagine your child’s bedroom, so that your home can serve you in the best possible way.

1. Guest Room

One of the most common go-to room transformations after kids move out is a guest room. Parents feel it’s a good balance between keeping the room ready for when the kids come home for a visit and still making some changes.

Swapping out childhood furniture for more grown-up pieces sets the room up for family and friends who want to visit. You could also add a few touches to utilize the room for other purposes when it’s not in guest room mode. For example, a cozy chair in the corner for reading or a desk to double up as a home office.

2. Home Office

Remote work is a popular option for many people these days, so a dedicated home office makes a lot of sense. A desk, comfortable work chair, proper lighting, and storage set the stage for a functional office space. If you have enough space, add a futon or sofa bed, and the room can double as a place for overnight guests.

3. Gym Or Yoga Studio

Save money on gym fees by converting your newly empty bedroom into a home gym or yoga studio. Add some free weights, a treadmill, exercise mats, and any other fitness equipment you enjoy.

A wall mirror helps open up the space and allows you to check your form. A small mini fridge with water and a shelf for towels and various workout supplies is also a nice touch.

4. Craft Room

If you’ve been trying to pursue your favorite hobbies at the kitchen table for the past 20 years, having a dedicated craft room can feel luxurious. An empty bedroom can become an excellent place for a sewing room, scrapbooking space, or workshop.

Make sure to install adequate storage and lighting and sufficient workspace. The bonus of this transformation is that you’ll reduce clutter in other areas of the house that were once used for these endeavors.

5. Reading Room Or Library

An empty bedroom gives bookworms a big reason to smile. Imagine filling the room with wall-to-wall shelves full of your favorite novels. Add a comfy armchair, warm lighting, and a small table to hold a cup of tea. Now you’re ready to escape into a whole new world with a good book.

6. Rental Opportunity

When adult children fly the coop, the odds are good that you’re nearing your retirement years. Sometimes, this comes with a need to generate some extra income, or maybe you just miss having someone in the house.

Either way, that empty bedroom can become a rental opportunity for short-term guests or someone wishing to rent a room long-term. Check out platforms like Airbnb or your local zoning laws to see what’s the best way to approach this option.

7. Meditation Space Or Zen Zone

Need a place to unwind and relax? An empty bedroom can become the perfect quiet zone to reflect and meditate.

Keep the decor minimal, and use neutral tones and soothing colors. Additionally, incorporate opportunities to add pleasing scents and sounds, like wax warmers and a small indoor fountain.

8. Ultimate Walk-In Closet

Is your house short on storage? Or maybe you’re a clothes horse with an overflowing closet? 

Once the kids set out on their new adventures, why not reimagine their old bedroom into the ultimate walk-in closet? Add clothing racks, shelving, or wall-mounted closet systems. Install proper lighting, a mirror, and a few luxurious touches to create the closet of your dreams.

9. Game Room

Longing for a space to get together with friends for the big game or hang out and have some fun? Consider turning your kid’s empty bedroom into a game room.

Depending on the size, you could add a foosball table, a large TV with gaming consoles, a dart board, and a table and chairs for board game marathons. Set the space up to facilitate your favorite activities.

10. Music Room

If music is a big part of your life, set up a dedicated place to play or enjoy music. Soundproofing the room creates a place where you can rock out without disturbing the rest of the household.

11. A Place For Pets

Your kids moved out, but what if your fur babies are still at home? Some families love to pamper their pups and kitties, and after the kids move out, the extra space might go to the dogs, literally. To create a pet-friendly room, set up play areas, comfy beds, and food and water dishes.

12. Art Studio

Are you a creative person who loves to paint or sculpt? Turn your child’s old bedroom into an art studio with easels, pottery wheels, or anything else that fits your talent.

Add storage for supplies, and install necessary lighting to make the space as functional as possible. Include a place to display some of your art, too.

13. Play Room For Grandkids

Your kids might have moved out, but what if they plan to start a family of their own? You might have the pitter-patter of little feet in your home once again, thanks to grandchildren.

That empty bedroom could become a future playroom for the littles. Include toy storage, soft flooring, and kid-friendly finishes. A small bed or fold-out sleeper is great for when they want to spend the night at gran and gramp’s place.

14. Home Theater

Movie buffs find the idea of a home theater appealing. Hang blackout curtains or shades, so you can make the room super dark, giving you a movie theater vibe even during the day.

Add comfy seating, a large TV, surround sound if you want to splurge, and fun movie memorabilia decor. Other fun touches are snack baskets, a popcorn machine, and a mini fridge for cold drinks.

15. Flex Space

Don’t stress if you can’t make up your mind about what to do with the empty bedrooms when your kids move out. Instead of settling or rushing to turn the room into something you won’t actually use, set up a flex space.

The room can serve multiple functions if it has a fold-out desk, sofa sleeper, and versatile storage options. You can go from home office to guest room to hobby shop within minutes.

Three Tips For A Smooth Transition

To make the transition from your kid’s bedroom to something new as smooth as possible, keep these tips in mind.

• Talk to your kids first and let them know your plans. Don’t let them find out when they return home for the first time and discover their old room completely changed.
• Declutter with your kids before you start redesigning.
• Set a realistic budget and plan to make changes over time if you have lofty goals.

When Your Kids Start Their Next Chapter, So Do You!

When your kids leave the nest, it can feel as if a huge part of your life is leaving with them. However, you’re embarking on a whole new chapter as your kids turn the page toward their next adventure.

Empty rooms don’t need to be a constant reminder of what once was. Instead, they’re an opportunity for reinvention, creativity, and possibly even extra income. A guest room, home office, gym, art studio, and pet palace are all potential options for this new space in your home.

When in doubt, a flex space gives you a way to use the room to enhance your life as you try to decide what comes next. It’s a whole new world out there for your grown children, and that means it’s a whole new way of life for you.

Related Guides:

• Home Design Ideas For Empty Nesters
• What Can You Do With Two Living Rooms?