How to Pare Down After Your Kids Move Out

It can be challenging for any parent when their last child moves out of the family home. After years of living in a house full of laughter and smiles (and maybe a few tears, like at our house), it can be hard to adjust to the newfound silence. Many parents find themselves clinging to their kids' old things "just in case" they need them someday, but if you're honest with yourself, chances are there are many things you can get rid of. Here are a few tips on decluttering after your kids move out.

Make a list of items you want to keep.

This may seem like an obvious first step, but it's essential to be specific about the items you want to keep. Maybe certain pieces of furniture or art have sentimental value, or maybe there are certain items that you know your kids will want back eventually. Whatever the case, list these items and put them aside. Everything else can be considered for donation or disposal.

Side note: This is a tough decision for most parents. You might not know what to do with your child's belongings or don't want the hassle! I suggest telling your young adult that you'll let them keep whatever they still care about by a specific date, but after this point, it will be given to someone else who needs these things or sent to the dump.

Donate items in good condition.

If you have items in good condition but no longer need or want, consider donating them to a local charity, thrift store, family member, or friend. When our second daughter moved out, we gave her bed and dresser to her cousin. If you're overwhelmed with all your child's clothes they left behind, consider donating them to a local charity or thrift store. You can make a massive difference in the lives of your local community by donating to community outreach centers, such as Planned Parenthood, YMCAs, and nursing homes, among others. The best way is to contact them directly for information on what types of clothing they require.

Throw away damaged or broken items.

We all have those pieces of furniture or knick-knacks that we've been meaning to fix for years but never quite gotten around to it. If your kids have moved out and you're still holding onto these damaged or broken items, now is the time to let them go. Send them off to the dump so you can finally have that clean slate you've longed for. Even better: If an item is damaged beyond repair or unusable, don't add it to your landfill! See if there's a local recycling center that can take it off your hands instead.

Once your kids move out, it can be tempting to try and hold onto everything they've ever owned "just in case." But if you're honest with yourself, chances are there are many things you can get rid of—you need to know how to do it. And, if you're like my family and me – saying, "I can't believe he left his room such a mess!" – how many bags of trash did you end up with? Let's compare notes. Haha!