Kids Leaving Home? Here’s What to do with the Spare Room

If your children are headed off to college next semester, you might be wondering what to do with all that empty space. Fortunately, we have plenty of inspiration to offer! Check out these awesome ideas to help you turn that spare room into a beautiful DIY project.

What To Do With A Spare Room

There’s no denying that kids grow up fast; one minute you’re teaching them how to tie their shoes, and the next, you’re buying furniture for their dorm room. But after sending the kids off to college, moving forward can help to process some of the emotions that come along with this change — so why not turn their old bedroom into a more functional space for the whole family?

Turn it into a guest room

Since this space is already functioning as a bedroom, it won’t be much of a stretch to turn it into a cozy spot to host your overnight visitors. And the best way to switch things over to a guest room is to invite your child to help with the redesign, so they feel included (not forgotten) in the process.

You can work with your college-bound child to select new paint colors or furniture pieces and even hang on to some sentimental items for their holiday visits.

Give yourself a hobby room

When you become an empty nester, you’ll likely have more time on your hands than you did when your kids were living at home. If this rings true for you, why not invest some of that time into your favorite hobbies?

Maybe you enjoy sewing, woodworking, or painting, but you’ve never had a dedicated space where you could unleash your creative side. Take this chance to turn the spare room into your hobby paradise!

Create a home fitness center

If you love fitness or need a more convenient place to work out, try turning the spare room into a home gym. Whether you have a stationary bike, free weights, or a yoga mat, this room has the potential to accommodate whatever activities you like to do.

You’ll need to store bigger furniture somewhere safe, but any additional alterations are really up to you! You could opt for a new wall color or purchase a few full-length mirrors or floor mats — whatever makes you feel comfortable and motivated to use this space regularly.

Make it a home office

With the kids leaving for college, it’s a great opportunity to turn their old room into your personal home office. If you’ve been working remotely but don’t have a designated office space in your home, this might be the perfect time to make it happen.

This transition can be quite simple, actually; you can move your child’s bed and dresser into storage (like an attic or basement) and then replace these pieces with a desk, chair, bookshelves, and a daybed!

Create a space for relaxing

While dens and family rooms are typically where everyone gathers to hang out and relax, who says you can’t have a bonus room for the same purpose? Flipping the spare room into a quiet spot to unwind is something everyone can benefit from.

Create a space where your family can sneak away to read a book, listen to a podcast, or simply rest their eyes for a moment. Much of the current decor may be able to stay, as well. It might be that you only need to add a few pillows or soft lighting to really set the mood.

Design a home theater

Designing your very own home theater can be much easier than it sounds. If you keep an eye out for deals on electronics, you might find a great offer for a big-screen TV or a home projector to help with this revamp.

Plus, if you swap out your child’s furniture for a comfortable daybed or sofa bed for movie watching, it’ll make an excellent spot for them to sleep whenever they’re back for a visit.

Steps for Implementing Your Room Makeover

For your DIY venture to look as great as you’ve imagined, it’s going to require some planning and preparation. Follow these four simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to having a space you’re excited to use and proud to show off.

1. Evaluate your options

Before you jump into a major redecorating project, take time to review the list above, and evaluate all of your potential options. Be intentional with your decision-making, and consider which transformation will be most useful for those still living in your home. For example, if you prefer outdoor exercise (like running or biking), a home fitness center probably isn’t practical.

2. Check in with your child

Besides considering how your family will use the repurposed room, it’s also best to check with your child before making any changes or getting rid of their belongings. While you might be anxious to start cleaning and decluttering ahead of the makeover, you don’t want to toss something that may be valuable to them.

Welcoming your child into the process can make the transition a bit easier for both of you. If possible, you might even leave some closet space for them to use, just in case.

3. Establish a budget

Setting a budget is a necessary step with any type of home improvement, and it’s a good idea when you’re switching your spare room, as well. It’s too easy to become overzealous with your purchases, but a well-defined budget will help you stay on track and guide you in determining what you can buy right now versus what you need to save up for.

One of the smartest ways to save is by purchasing discounted furniture sets or bundles, like those from CORT Furniture Outlet. When you shop with CORT Furniture Outlet, you can find affordable, gently used furniture to help bring your spare room dreams to life!

4. Execute your decision

After thinking through your options, discussing everything with your child, and establishing a budget you feel confident with, it’s finally time to execute your decision. This is where you really get to have some fun as you explore all the possibilities of paint colors or wallpapers, window treatments, furniture arrangements or accent pieces, and so much more.

Re-vamp That Empty Nest

Shop affordable, gently used furniture at CORT Furniture Outlet and bring your spare room dreams to life! Purchase furniture sets to maximize your savings and bring home the perfect pieces for your space.

Find Furniture