So, the kids have flown the nest, and suddenly you find yourself with extra rooms. That is a big life change, and maybe even a little unsettling.
While it can feel bittersweet, it’s also an incredible opportunity to reinvent your home and create spaces that truly bring you joy. What fun (or joy) is in having spare bedrooms or a basement collecting dust or being used for storing stuff you do not need, use or want?
If you’re an empty nester in Southwestern Ontario (or anywhere, really), check out this friendly guide to fun, practical, and maybe even profitable ways to use your extra space. We’ve also included tips on costs, and which rooms are best suited for each idea. Ready to get inspired? Then keep reading!
Do you love crafting, knitting, painting, music, or photography? A spare bedroom is the perfect space to transform into a creative nook.
Cost – These kinds of rooms are mostly inexpensive if you use what you already have.
Spare bedrooms also make cozy spots for personal growth.
Cost - Inexpensive, especially if you repurpose furniture and décor.
Basements are fantastic for spaces that need more room or can be noisy:
Cost - Moderate to costly depending on equipment and setup, and what you already have.
Empty nesters may find themselves hosting more family and friends since there is now room. Make it easy and inviting for them to stay the night, a few days or even weeks.
Cost - Low to moderate, depending on furniture and décor upgrades.
No backyard? No problem. Both basements and spare bedrooms can host indoor gardens consisting of houseplants, herbs, succulents, bonsai collections or even micro greens and salad greens. All you need are plants, plant pots, soil, and lights. While bedrooms benefit from sunny windows, basements may need additional lighting or special lighting.
Cost – Mostly inexpensive, but can be costly, depending on the plant type, plant pots and lighting you choose.
Extra rooms don’t just serve you - they can serve others too. If you’re a social butterfly or want to become one, this may be the ideal way to use the extra space!
Cost - Very low, as mostly just organization and supplies are needed.
We hope you’re feeling inspired – we sure are! It can also be a tad overwhelming trying to decide what to do with this space. Here are some rules of thumb and advice to help:
Empty nesters often have a golden opportunity to reclaim their homes. Whether it’s a quiet sanctuary, a lively entertainment hub, or a productive creative space just for you, the extra rooms in your home are blank canvases.
If you’re feeling limited by clutter or just need a little extra breathing room, consider a storage rental from Storage Solutions. By moving items you don’t use every day (like seasonal decorations, keepsakes, seasonal clothing or extra furniture) into a secure and affordable storage unit, you can free up even more space in your home to turn a spare bedroom into a craft studio, a basement into a home theatre, or any other dream space you’ve been imagining. It’s an simple way to create the room you need without tossing anything you love. It’s also cheaper than a renovation or a new home!
Why rent from Storage Solutions? That’s easy to answer! We’re a small, family-owned business that genuinely cares about our customers, and we personally manage our locations so that they are clean, accessible, and safe. We also understand that life changes and we will work with you to find a storage solution that meets your current and future needs.
Our customers love us because we make renting self-storage simple, easy and no hassle:
If you have questions about renting storage, contact us! We have lots of tips, advice, and knowledge on self-storage – we’ve been in business since 1997, so like or follow us on Instagram & Facebook.
Your next favorite space is waiting to be created, so dust off that spare bedroom, explore the basement, and maybe even rent a self-storage unit.
Your friend in self-storage,
Storage Solutions
