3 Tips for Empty-Nesters: Transition to Your New Life with Joy

No time to read now? Click here to download as a PDF.

These tips for empty-nesters will help you make the transition to your new life with a positive outlook. They are among the first things you should do when your children have moved out.

It may be bitter-sweet, but there’s a lot to celebrate and look forward to.

So, begin your empty-nest years on the right foot.

Find out how, below.

CONTENTS – In this article, you will learn tips for empty-nesters, along with some of the first things to do when you become an empty-nester:

First Steps as an Empty-Nester
Plan a Celebration
Make Changes at Home
Plan a Care-free Vacation
Final Thoughts on Tips for Empty-Nesters
Next Steps

The First Things You Should Do When You Have An Empty Nest

Lots of parents don’t quite know what to do when they have an empty nest.

Yes, your little birds have finally flown away to live their own lives.

It can be a sad time, but don’t let yourself wallow in self-pity.

Instead, let it be a time for celebrations! You’ve raised your children and they’ve become (somewhat) independent. Parenting is quite an accomplishment, when you look back!

So, you should rejoice a job well-done and the prospect of an empty nest ahead. It can be a very enjoyable stage in your life.

For starters, here are some of the first things you should do the moment your nest is empty.

1. Celebrate!

Yes, give yourself some time to celebrate this achievement. It’s is a pretty big deal!

Yet, it’s one of the most overlooked tips for empty-nesters.

Think back to all the celebrations you have planned for others in your family: birthday parties, graduations, anniversaries, new jobs, and more.

This time, it’s time to plan your own party!

Because if you have an empty nest, it means you have succeeded as a parent. You have successfully raised your kids to the point where they are now capable of looking after themselves.

No doubt, sometimes it wasn’t easy. But you did it!

You should take some time and reflect on this very proud moment. At minimum, it deserves a glass of bubbly and a nice meal out!

Don’t wallow in the sadness of your child finally growing up.

Sure, you might feel a little melancholy. That’s natural. Allow yourself to have “all the feels.”

Then, embrace a new beginning with open arms and celebrate!

2. Get your House in Order

With kids in your home – even when they’re adults – it’s hard for you to do things to your house that you’ve maybe been planning for years.

You’ve always wanted to renovate part of your property, but you’ve never really had the time.

And how could you?

With all the soccer games, kids coming and going, school projects, driving lessons, and keeping everyone fed…Let’s face it, those years were a whirlwind!

Now, you can finally start working on all of the projects you’ve shelved for so long.

When you have an empty nest, you can make your life all about your home.

That means, you can do all the renovations or home improvements you dream of, making your living environment better than ever before.

This is good because it gives you a house you’ve always wanted. You don’t have to move; just make some improvements.

Or, you can make your home ready to sell if you plan on downsizing to save money – which is an excellent idea, too.

Either way, spend some time thinking about what you want your living circumstances to be.

Will you stay where you are, or live someplace you’ve always dreamed of? Will you embrace a travel lifestyle?

Moving ahead with a clear vision is one of the most important tips for empty-nesters

The bottom line is, it’s time to make changes at home that suit your new vision.

3. Go on Holiday

The kids are gone, and it’s just you and your partner. Or maybe you’re solo and you finally feel like the pressure is off.

So, what better time to plan a wonderful vacation?

Having an empty nest gives you so much more freedom. It may be something you’ve never had before – at least not for decades.

Honestly, you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes!

You think that adult children don’t really run your life, but it’s shocking how much you tend to depend on them – and they depend on you – when they’re home.

Now, you can do things without worrying about how others will be affected.

You don’t need to plan your vacation around anyone else’s schedules.

It doesn’t matter if the fridge is full, or there’s enough laundry detergent. You’ll be taking everything you need with you, and the kids are off doing their own thing.

So, set off on a gorgeous beach vacation!

Then, you can relax and enjoy one of the many benefits of having an empty nest. Of course, this is one of my favorite tips for empty-nesters.

Aside from these positive approaches to empty-nesting, it’s normal to feel a bit lost. Look to these empty nest ideas for adjusting to your new life for additional tips for coping.

Final Thoughts | Tips for Empty-Nesters

The biggest joy in life is seeing your little ones grow up in front of your eyes. As such, it is such a special moment when they finally fly free from the nest.

Of course, you will feel emotional when it happens. But it’s important to realize that it’s natural to feel some pangs.

Look beyond those moments to discover there’s a lot to enjoy when you have an empty nest.

In fact, the fun is only just beginning!

Don’t forget to save this article to Pinterest for later!

Couple enjoying a dream vacation after becoming empty-nesters

Happy couple celebrating their empty nest

Empty nesters enjoying home improvements

Next Steps

Continue reading to find more helpful empty-nesting tips to transition to this new phase of your life:

To make changes to your home or downsize as an empty-nester, look here:

For empty-nest vacation inspiration, check out these articles next:

Congratulations, and “Cheers” to the new chapter!