When your kids move away to start their own lives, you might wonder what to do with all the extra space in your home. Rather than leaving rooms dormant or allowing them to collect clutter, it’s a smart idea to put furniture and other items in self-storage and convert the vacant areas into functional spaces. Refer to the following guide to help the downsizing process when your children move away. 

4 Downsizing Tips for Empty Nesters

1. Pace Yourself

One of the biggest reasons why people put off downsizing is because of how overwhelming it can feel. Remove some of the stress by taking the project at a manageable pace. Focus on one room at a time, and limit the work to one to three hours per day. 

2. Put Items Into Categories 

Make separate piles of items you want to keep, donate, and discard. For the furniture, clothing, decor, and accessories you decide to get rid of, host a yard sale to make some extra money for home improvements, moving, or renovations. Donate any leftover items to local charities or shelters. 

3. Rent a Storage Unit

When you encounter items that you don’t want to sell or discard, box them up, and rent a self-storage unit to house them. Doing so will declutter your home and provide you with blank canvases to convert into rooms that you and your guests will be able to use. You can place old trophies, kids’ furniture, and winter gear and clothes in the facility, as well. 

4. Transform Spaces

Transform your kids’ old rooms into guest rooms for when they visit. You might also want to turn these areas into home offices, a study, exercise rooms, or home theaters. If your kids are planning on starting a family of their own, this extra room can be useful to host sleepovers and activities with your family. 

If you need a secure place to keep your extra furniture, decorations, and other belongings, get in touch with International Self Storage. For over 30 years, they have provided climate controlled self-storage solutions along with airport parking to clients throughout Anchorage, AK. Call (907) 563-3287 to ask about sizes and rates and visit them online to take advantage of special offers on self-storage units.