It’s time for me to adapt my home for my next stage of life. My twins just graduated from high school so this summer I am transitioning to being an empty nester. Since we moved to our current home when the twins were six, the upstairs has been the kids’ haven - a bedroom each for all 3 kids and a large playroom and a bathroom for all 3 to share. My oldest moved out three years ago, actually buying his first home last summer (You can follow how he did that by clicking HERE). His old bedroom was first a guest room and then became a little den where my daughter and I would hang out and watch TV together. With my younger son already moved out and his twin going to live in UGA dorms in August, I have the whole upstairs to reconsider. Whether your family is adding children or you are starting to work from home, here are some ways for you to adapt your home to your changing needs.

1. Get rid of stuff. My grandparents’ depression era legacy for the need to hold on to everything runs deep in our family. What if I am going to need this later? If you don’t know what you need it for now or a definable time in the future, get rid of it. If you aren’t sure, box it up and store for 6 months. If you haven’t used it by then, get rid of it. Each of my children have a large rubbermaid that they can put anything sentimental which I will store in our basement. I am saving some old toys for future grandchildren. Everything else has to go.

2. Shop your home. One of my favorite things is repurposing decor and furniture I already have. I love finding a piece that isn’t really needed in one room and moving it to another room. I also have that pile of pretty things that I pick up in my travels that doesn’t really have a specific place to land. This is the first place I look for decor if I am redoing a room.

3. Decide what’s most important and stick with it. As I have been figuring out the best use of the rooms upstairs, I keep going in circles in my mind. Should Ethan’s old room be a guest room and a tv room or just a guest room? What big pieces of furniture should I get rid of? I decided that what matters most to me is having a beautiful room for guests. I also will be using the large playroom as my new office. Once those decisions were made, it was easier to figure out the best way to use the furniture I had and what I needed to get rid of.

4. Buy the most adaptable home you can. As a realtor, I try to help buyers think through the next five to ten years of their lives and what they might need in a home. A slightly bigger home might allow you to stay in the home longer because it can adapt to the next stage of your life. Open concept is great, especially when you have friends over or if you have small kids. As kids get older though, you might want to have a separate space for them to hang out with their friends. A space that makes a great office right now as you work from home, might be the perfect spot in the future for your parents to stay as they get older.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes you just get stuck. An extra set of eyes and ideas can make all the difference. Call your best friend or a family member. Carve out time with your partner to really think through the spaces together. At C. Tucker & Co. we are also here to help you think through the best use of your space. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

As I continue the process of adapting our upstairs spaces I’m choosing to look at my kiddos moving out as a fun opportunity to decorate some rooms and have a much larger office. I’m working hard to get rid of the things we don’t need and donate them so other folks can enjoy them. I am so grateful that I have a home that has the space to reimagine. I’ll also be sharing some before and after photos on Instagram and I would love for you to follow along.