Parents ask me, “What do I do with my children’s stuff now that they are out of the house?”
ASK THEM AND SAY WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO WITH IT.
Let them know you won’t be the storage unit for them. You want to have open space and a new nest for yourself that includes them when they return home.
You may be launching a new business and need part of the room for supplies.
Don’t let go of the bed so fast.
You can offer they sell on eBay. They get to keep the money for themselves.
Donate.
Garage sale where you negotiate who gets how much money from the sales since you are doing the work.
Keepsakes that you will keep for a year in the garage or basement.
If they are Freshman, the choice might be too soon to move things out or sell it off.
It is better to wait until Sophomore year to hold a tighter line of keep, toss, donate, sell.
Parents have regretted converting their child’s room and tossing everything.
Oh the act of patience.
Paradox is , if you have children that don’t care what you do with their stuff or room, go for it.
Parents sometimes have the challenge of letting go more than the children.
If you want to keep memories for grandchildren or simply the joy of it, then keep them.
Begin your sorting.
Take a break until the next day and then ask, “Do I want to keep this or let it go?”
Some families are divorced. If an ex-spouse has more room, that is an option to store things there. Let the child negotiate that with them or ask grandparents or aunts and uncles for help with storage.
You know yourself and family best. Make time to walk with your questions.
Take good care,
Natalie
Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@lifeintransition.org
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