When children move out, new opportunities suddenly arise in the home. The old child’s bedroom can, for example, become a guest room, home office, hobby room, or workout room. At the same time, you can keep the furniture and memories that matter, without them having to take up the entire room.
In this guide, we cover:
- How to get the old child’s bedroom ready
- Six ideas for using the empty room
- How to sort furniture and personal belongings
- What you can do with the things you want to keep
- How a storage unit can free up space at home
Start by sorting through the room
Before you decide what the room should be used for, it is a good idea to go through the contents together with your child. Some things can be thrown away or passed on, while furniture, photos, and personal mementos may need to be kept.
Feel free to divide the items into three categories:
- Things that should stay in the room
- Things that can be passed on or sold
- Things that should be stored for later
Once the room has been cleared, it becomes easier to assess the size, the light, and the possibilities the space offers.
1. Create a cosy guest room
An empty child’s bedroom can become a guest room where friends, family, and the child who has moved out can stay overnight. You do not necessarily need to replace everything. An existing bed or chest of drawers can often be reused and combined with new textiles, lamps, and more neutral colours.
If the room also needs to be used for other purposes, you can choose a sofa bed or a bed with storage. This gives you a flexible room that does not sit unused between visits.
2. Update the old child’s bedroom
Your child may still need a place to sleep when he or she comes to visit. Instead of removing everything, you can therefore create a more grown-up version of the former child’s bedroom.
Remove things that are no longer used, and update the room with calmer colours and more timeless furniture. This way, the room retains its connection to your child, while also being usable for other guests.
3. Create a home office or reading nook
If you need a quiet place for working from home, paying bills, or focusing, the room can be set up as a home office. A desk, a good chair, task lighting, and practical storage are often enough to get started.
If you don’t need a permanent home office, you could turn the room into a cosy reading nook. It provides a calm place where you can read or relax.
4. Make room for your hobbies
A hobby room makes it possible to leave materials and projects out, without them taking up space in the rest of the home. The room can, for example, be used for sewing, painting, music, model building, or other creative interests.
Consider furnishing it with a sturdy worktable, good lighting, and clearly labelled boxes. This makes it easier to stay organised and get started quickly when you have the time and the inclination.
5. Create a film, games, or cosy room
The extra room can also become a place for relaxation and entertainment. Furnish it with a sofa, a television, games, or a sound system—depending on what you enjoy.
A media or games room doesn’t need to be large. Comfortable seating, good lighting, and an inviting atmosphere are what make it a pleasant place to spend time.
6. Set up a home gym
With an exercise mat, dumbbells, or a few pieces of fitness equipment, an empty room can become a practical home gym.
Also consider the flooring, ventilation, and noise—especially if you live in an apartment. A mirror and practical storage for smaller equipment can make the room easier to manage.
Keep the memories without filling the room
Transforming the child’s bedroom does not mean that all memories have to go. Select the items that matter most, and pack them securely in clearly labelled boxes. You may also want to take photos of larger items that will not be kept.
Also talk to your child before sorting personal belongings. This makes it easier to decide what should stay in the family and what can be passed on.
Do you not have space? Rent a storage unit
If furniture, moving boxes, and memories still take up too much space, a storage unit can provide extra room. At Pelican, you can choose between different unit sizes and store the things you would like to keep until you need them again.
This way, you can give the old child’s bedroom a new purpose without having to make a quick decision about all the furniture and memories.