When I think about an empty nest I see a cold empty bowl-like structure hanging high in a tree, with remnants of what used to be a family home. A feather here, a piece of wood there…maybe even an old seed that was forgotten. One big gust of wind and it’s gone. That is a very sad sight, right? Everyone gone, wind blowing through the holes in the walls, the emptiness of what used to be. Wow, this is not what we signed up for. And, it doesn’t have to be. Instead, we can plan ahead of time to prepare our nest to be inviting, loving, and ready for this next chapter. There are a number of redecorating ideas that can help you reinvent and reinvigorate your home after your kids leave the nest.

Redecorate Your Nest To Delight Your 5 Core Senses

Sight

Rearrange the space, look at things differently, not how things looked when the kids were living with you. Move the chair, get a new rug, change the layout. Having a more ‘mature’ version of your home will help you see that it’s still the same place, but better. Put your stamp on it and know that when your kids come home to visit, its still home, but better.

Sound

Play music on your speaker as often as you can – filling the home with music (music moves our emotions) or an audiobook or podcast that you like, well, need I say more? We were so used to listening to the kids, hearing their sounds and maybe the TV or their music.  It’s time to fill the home with what makes you feel good. Or maybe there are no sounds at all? Open the window and listen to nature or the bustle of the community that you live in. Either way, you might hear something new, you might learn something new and you might be moved in ways you didn’t have time to be before.

Smell

I love buying fresh flowers, burning incense or lighting a favorite candle. There is nothing better than the smell of sauteed onions in a pan when preparing homemade spaghetti. Treat yourself to new smells. They say that smelling our favorite smells can decrease stress, and help ground us.

Taste

We love ordering out. When the kids leave you can really eat anything you want, there is less stress about getting dinner on the table by a certain time. Popcorn for dinner? Why not? Creating new memories through food and gatherings, can help us see that the nest is really full of life and still abundant.

Touch

Finally, I am very tactile. As soon as my youngest left for college I began to connect with the animals more, afterall, they are our kids too! But with our human kids gone, cuddling with the dog or having the cat on my lap to pet while watching football has been very relaxing and is a new favorite pastime. If you don’t have pets buy a new plush blanket or pick up a new hobby that uses your hands, like pottery or crochet. I now have more time to enjoy the sensation of touch, with my animals which brings warmth and love. Taking these simple steps can make a huge difference in paving the way toward this new chapter in your life. As one door closes, another opens – and along with it, new opportunities.