It’s time to reclaim your home after the kids move out! When they leave, they often leave behind boxes of trophies, school uniforms, and old furniture, filling up space you could use for yourself. Tackling this leftover clutter may seem daunting, but it’s a great opportunity to reshape your space. With these five simple steps, you can transform your home from a storage area into a sanctuary that reflects this new chapter of your life.
Step 1: Set a Deadline (and Stick to It)
Give your kids a clear deadline to collect their belongings as part of reclaiming your home. Let them know, kindly but firmly, that it’s time for these items to find a new home—preferably with their rightful owner!
Or, if they’re local, make a weekend of it! Invite them over for tea, snacks, and a laugh-filled trip down memory lane as you sort through old school projects and trophies together. This way, they have the chance to decide what’s worth keeping, and you both get to share some precious memories before choosing what stays and what goes. It’s a sweet way to approach a big task, and it makes sure that their stuff doesn’t just disappear without a chance to sort through it together.
Step 2: The “Are You Sure That’s Not Yours?” Test
Now, some kids will say, “Oh, that’s not mine!” when faced with a pile of their old things. One of my clients once laughed as she told her son, who denied knowing anything about the boxes of old architecture books in her garage, “Well, you’re the only one here who studied architecture!” A touch of humour can go a long way here—it helps you lighten the mood and makes it clear that these items aren’t a permanent fixture.
Encourage your kids to go through each box and claim what’s theirs. And if they’re still unsure? Let them know that the items are going somewhere—just not in your home!
Step 3: Choose What’s Worth Keeping, Donating, or Tossing
Once it’s clear what belongs to whom, set up three simple categories:
- Keep: Special items with meaning that you or your child want to hold onto.
- Donate: Useful items that could benefit someone else. Find donation centers in your area for items that could benefit others.
- Toss: Outdated textbooks, broken items, and anything that’s no longer valuable or usable.
The process becomes much more manageable with these categories. And it’s easier for your kids to see that this isn’t about throwing their memories away—it’s about keeping what matters most and making room for a fresh start. Plus, this simple sorting method helps keep you from getting stuck as you go through each box.
Learn more about how to let go of sentimental items in a meaningful way
Step 4: Bring Out Your “Nostalgia Filter”
It’s easy as a parent to feel that every little memento is precious, but remember: decluttering isn’t about letting go of memories, it’s about honouring them in ways that work for you now. For bigger items that you can’t keep forever, try taking photos to create a digital keepsake. Or put together a small memory box for those one-of-a-kind treasures, like handmade Mother’s Day cards or that adorable finger-paint masterpiece from preschool.
One small, thoughtfully chosen box can hold so much more value than a room full of unorganized items. By selecting just the most meaningful keepsakes, you’re celebrating the memories without letting them clutter up your space.
Step 5: Reclaim the Space for You
Once you’ve pared down the remnants, it’s time to reclaim your home after the kids have moved out. Maybe this newly cleared room becomes your own reading nook, a mini home gym, or a guest room. Whatever it becomes, let it reflect your current needs and wants, rather than those of your kids who have now moved on.
Reclaiming your home is not just about saying goodbye to the past; it’s about saying yes to the present. After all, you’ve spent years building a warm and loving space for your family. Now, it’s your turn to enjoy it!
The Final Reminder: Your Home is Yours
As you go through this process, keep this in mind: your home is for you now. You’ve raised your kids and sent them off to build lives of their own. Now it’s time to let your home reflect your next chapter—a place that brings you peace and joy, without all the extra “stuff” from the past. This is about giving yourself a little space to breathe, enjoy, and truly feel at home.
Still too hard?
We’re Here to Help! If sorting through all this feels like a mountain you don’t want to tackle alone, don’t worry! At Space and Time, we offer hands-on help in Melbourne and Geelong. We’ll bring a fresh perspective, a gentle nudge, and plenty of encouragement to help you work through those sentimental items. And if you’re a bit further afield, we offer online sessions too, providing moral support and guidance wherever you are. Let’s make this space-clearing journey one that’s meaningful and memorable—together!