The thought of becoming an empty nester can bring overwhelming mixed emotions. Opinions about the situation can vary from excited to terrified. One common bond however, is that you now have an empty room in your house.
There really is no right or wrong answer when it comes to how soon you should clean out that newly vacant room. It is your house and you should do what makes you comfortable. Take the time to ask yourself (and answer) a few important questions about the empty room. You will then be able to easily decide when is the right time to clean out that empty room.
How long will the room be empty?
If a child leaving home is the reason for an empty room, think about how long they will be gone. Sometimes, children can be indecisive and it may be a good idea to wait a few months before tossing all their items in boxes in the garage. Short-term vacancies are usually not worth the time it takes to clean things out only to have to move them back in again.
What was the room used for?
If the room belonged to a loved one and tragedy happened, it won't be easy to get rid of the memories. At the same time, whenever you pass the room, painful memories are likely to resurface. Cleaning out the room can be a therapeutic part of the grieving process. This doesn't mean that the previous occupant will be forgotten, it only means that you can move on when you are ready to.
Do you have a purpose for the room?
If your dream has always been to have your own office or workout room, now is the time to make your move. Use your desire for a haven of your own to help you get in the mood to clean things out. There is no better time than the present to make your dreams come true.
Can someone use the items in the room?
Are there perfectly good items in the room collecting dust? If this is the case, then you should clean things out and donate those things to people that need them. The world is full of poverty. Why not help out as much as you can? Donating items that you or someone else is not using will give you a great feeling deep down inside, and it could brighten someone's day too.
How visible is the room?
If your newly emptied room is a trashed out eyesore in the front of the house and you worry about the mess when entertaining guests, then you may want to work towards cleaning out as soon as you are able to. If it is a room that can be easily closed off and is unneeded, then you are free to work on it when you see fit.
Are you in a financial bind?
Empty rooms can be turned into money if you desire them to be. One common way to make money off an empty room is a thrift sale. Rather than donating all items to charity, you can sell them online or out of your garage.
Another option for making money from your empty room is to rent it out. You could have a weekend bed and breakfast out of your home, advertise for a roommate, or take on a border.
Do you have the time to clean it out?
Sometimes, time and energy is an issue. If you just don't have the time, there is no need in trying to rush it. The mess and the empty room will be available when you are able to focus on it.
Do you have someone to help you?
There is no rule that says you have to clean out a newly emptied room on your own. Enlist the help of family and friends and the process will go by a lot quicker and can be a lot less stressful. In fact, if cleaning the room out is difficult for you, then getting someone else to do it all together could be the way to go.
How important is getting the room cleaned out?
When thinking about cleaning a room, think about not just when but also why and how. Consider all aspects of the cleaning process and decide when the best time for you would be. You don't have to do it all in one day. You can break it up into a project spanned over a few weeks if need be. You are the empty nester and it is your choice how long your nest will be empty.