How to Set Up the Empty Nest Your Way

The day our youngest son moved out on his own, my wife cried on and off most of the day. Not me. I cleared everything out and started painting. I filled in all the holes and pulled the nails from where is sports plaques and pictures use to hang. Within two days, I had converted it into my own private television room.

Each year there are more "Baby Boomer's" having their children leave for college, marriage, or just starting their own careers. This offers a great opportunity to spruce up your house the way you want it. Life is too short not to enjoy your surroundings. Especially if you have worked hard to pay down on the mortgage. Some couples decide to down size and move into a smaller house or apartment. However, there are some that work to improve and enjoy the space that has been created by the younger family members moving out.

You will notice many things when the youngsters move out. Your water bill and grocery bill shrinks dramatically. Actually that can be said about a lot of expenses. Things are quieter around the house. There is less picking up of things. No more moving the cars that are blocking the driveway first before you pull out. You can walk around in your BVD's. There is food in the refrigerator. You have more time to use the computer and write articles for Associated Content.

You can now use the extra money for other things that you sacrificed before. You might think about adding money saving lawn, water, and fuel ideas to your home. Maybe new windows are in your future. Get rid of the old curtains from the kids room and put in new curtains that you like. You might think about a new television. Maybe now is the time for the plasma or high def television. A new sound system for entertaining guests. A wine closet to hold your favorite beverages.

If your wife is into scrap booking, the old room could be set up for that. Your wife would appreciate having her own private room to work on her hobby. If it isn't for scrapbook, maybe it could be for quilting. the possibilities are limitless.

You might want to convert the room into a bedroom. This would be handy if guests or relatives are visiting. You might want to set up a room for the grandchildren. A friend of mine did just that. He converted the room to a bedroom for his grandson. He put in a small chest of drawers, a large toy box, a little bookcase, and a recliner along with a small bed. He then decorated the walls with pictures of jets and airplanes.

CNN Money says that a lot of people are making travel rooms. These are rooms where they keep their luggage stored and ready to go. This helps to prevent the hassle of trying to stuff things into closets. Some even store their clothes for certain trips in them. Some people are setting up rooms for conditioning during the extreme heat of the summer and cold of the winter. they are converting the rooms to miniature fitness centers. They put their Nordic Trak or weight benches and treadmills in them.

Regardless of what you put into your house, it can help add to the golden years of you and your spouses life. It's okay to fret for a bit once the house is empty, however it is also a great time to take action and enjoy something that you have invested a lot of time and money in.