The term “empty nester” refers to a parent or parents whose children have moved out of the family home, often for college, work, or independent living. This stage of life is becoming more common as households evolve, and many parents are now redefining what their home and lifestyle look like after their children leave. Most children move out when they attend college, get married, or decide to head out into the world on their own. This newfound freedom can be exciting for parents, as it provides the opportunity to focus on their own needs after years of prioritizing their children.
According to the United States Census Bureau, there were approximately 22.5 million empty-nester couples as of 2014, and that number continues to grow as lifestyles shift. The average age of an empty nester is around 55 years old, although it can vary depending on when you had your children and when they moved out.
If you’re an empty nester, it’s a great time to consider making changes to your home. This guide offers practical home renovation ideas for empty nesters, along with tips to repurpose unused spaces and create a home that better fits your lifestyle. For many Ohio homeowners, this phase is also when options like personal loans for home improvement in Ohio come into focus, especially when planning upgrades.
How to Adjust to Empty Nest Life
The term “empty nester syndrome” refers to feelings of grief, loneliness, emptiness, or confusion when your children leave home. While not everyone experiences this, it’s a natural adjustment period for many households. Here are some ways to help you adjust and cope with the change:
- Accept the fact that your children are now adults and respect their decision to move out of the home. Don’t compare their timing to yours, but instead support their decision and cheer on their success.
- Stay in touch with your kids often so you can feel connected. Whether through phone calls, emails, or messages, this will give you peace of mind and help you feel less alone.
- If you are a single parent transitioning into an empty nest lifestyle, you can find a group of empty nesters with people going through the same process. Connecting with others in a similar stage of life can make the transition feel more manageable.
- Keep a positive mindset and use this time to focus on yourself. It’s also a great time to reconnect with your partner if you have one. Give yourself a chance to do some of the things you’ve always wanted to do on your own and as a couple. Many empty nesters find this stage empowering, as it allows them to reset priorities and explore new interests.
What Do Empty Nesters Want in a Home?
Now that your nest is empty, it’s time to think about what you really want out of your home. Priorities often shift from function for a growing family to comfort, convenience, and long-term livability. Here are some of the things that many empty nesters are looking for:
- Luxury touches: Consider upgrading your flooring to a high-end material like hardwood or renovating your kitchen with updated cabinetry and stone countertops. Empty nesters may downsize, but many choose to invest in higher-quality finishes, upgraded bathrooms, and modern appliances.
- Low-maintenance living: Many empty nesters prefer a home that requires less upkeep. Consider updating systems like HVAC or plumbing now so you can enjoy them for years without frequent repairs.
- Pet-friendly features: Many empty nesters adopt pets, so adding features like feeding stations, durable flooring, or built-in pet areas can improve daily living.
- Accommodations for family visits and gatherings: Updating former bedrooms into comfortable guest spaces is a practical upgrade. This is also a great time to refresh living and dining areas for entertaining.
- Multi-functional spaces: Rooms that can serve as a home office, guest room, or hobby space are increasingly valuable, especially as lifestyles become more flexible.
Do Home Renovations Make Financial Sense for You?
So close to retirement, it’s not always wise to invest all of your cash into a renovation unless you plan carefully. With that in mind, the first step is to review your financial goals and weigh your options with a financial advisor if needed.
Consider the following questions before renovating:
- What do I need and why?
- How will the remodel improve my daily life?
- How much will it cost, including unexpected expenses?
- How do I plan to pay for it?
- Will this renovation improve my home’s functionality and long-term comfort?
If renovating as an empty nester makes sense with your financial plan, you have a variety of options to make your renovation goals possible. Some options include using savings, credit cards, personal loans, refinancing loans, or home equity loans that allow you to leverage the value built in your home. Working with a direct lender can make it easier to explore structured repayment options that fit your budget.
Home Revamp Tips for Empty Nesters
Once you determine what you want to get out of your space, it’s time to plan your updates carefully.
- Set up a budget: Plan your renovation with a clear budget in mind. Review how much you’re willing to spend and prioritize projects accordingly. You may want to consult a contractor if you’re making major upgrades like remodeling a kitchen or bathroom.
- Don’t downsize too much: While downsizing can reduce upkeep, leaving enough room for guests or returning family members is important. Many households now see adult children temporarily move back home, so flexibility matters.
- Plan for the future: Make upgrades that will continue to work for you over time. Consider features that support long-term comfort and accessibility.
- Make spare bedrooms multipurpose: A spare room can function as a guest room, office, or hobby space depending on your needs.
- Organize smartly and save space: Improving storage can make your home feel more open and functional. Consider closet systems, shelving, and storage solutions.
- Upgrade strategically: Small changes like lighting, flooring, or fixtures can make a noticeable difference without a full renovation.
- Choose quality materials: Higher-quality materials often last longer and reduce maintenance over time, making them a practical investment.
Spare Room Renovation Ideas
Now that you have extra space, you can transform it into something that reflects your interests and lifestyle.
- Upgrade the primary bedroom with new furniture, lighting, or storage.
- Expand and modernize the bathroom with updated fixtures or a walk-in shower.
- Create a walk-in closet for better organization.
- Add a wine storage area or wine fridge.
- Design an arts and crafts or hobby room.
- Create an entertainment or media room
- Set up a home theater or streaming space.
- Build a meditation or relaxation room.
- Add a home gym with basic equipment.
- Design a reading nook or personal retreat.
- Refresh a guest bedroom for visiting family.
- Create a suite for aging parents if needed.
- These updates not only improve comfort but also make your home more aligned with your current lifestyle and long-term needs.
Empty Nesting and Home Insurance: Adapting Your Coverage
As your household changes, it’s a good time to review your home insurance coverage.
Why Reevaluate Home Insurance
- Changing risks due to fewer occupants in the home
- Adjustments in personal belongings and coverage needs
- Changes in how rooms and spaces are used
Adjusting Your Home Insurance
- Review your current policy and identify areas that may need updates
- Reassess coverage limits for property, belongings, and liability
- Ask about potential discounts for smaller households
- Update coverage for valuable items
- Evaluate liability coverage based on your current lifestyle
Upgrade Your Home with Flexible Financing in Ohio
If you’re ready to bring your renovation ideas to life, we’re here to help you take that next step. At America’s Loan Company, we offer personal loans for home improvement that can be used for repairs, upgrades, or remodeling projects, without tapping into your savings. As a licensed direct lender serving Ohio since 2004, you work with us from start to finish, not a third party.
You can apply online in minutes with a soft credit check, get a fast decision, and in many cases receive funds efficiently once your contract is signed. With loan amounts from $100 to $3,000, flexible 6 to 60 month terms, and options for less-than-perfect credit, we make it easier to move forward with confidence.