The kids have packed up, the house is quieter than ever, and you suddenly have all this free time on your hands. Welcome to your first year as an empty nester—a season of change, emotions, new opportunities and plenty of empty nesting tips to be had!

Whether you’re feeling lost, relieved, or a little bit of both, know this: you’re not alone. This transition can feel like a rollercoaster, but with the right mindset and a few practical strategies, you can turn it into something meaningful.

So, what should you expect? Let’s break it down.

The Emotional Rollercoaster: What You Might Feel

The first year as an empty nester can bring a mix of emotions—some expected, some surprising. One day you might be thrilled at the newfound freedom, and the next, you’re staring at an old soccer jersey in your kid’s closet, wondering where the years went.

Let’s start our Emtpy Nesting Tips with what’s completely normal:

1. The Grief Hits Harder Than You Thought

  • Even if you knew this day was coming, it can still feel like a gut punch.
  • You’re mourning the end of an era—school drop-offs, family dinners, weekend games.
  • Tears may come out of nowhere (like in the grocery store when you pass their favorite snack).

2. The House Feels… Weirdly Quiet

  • No more slamming doors, loud music, or constant activity.
  • Meals feel smaller, and the laundry pile shrinks.
  • Some people find the silence peaceful; others find it unsettling.

3. You Might Feel a Little Lost

  • Parenting has been your full-time job for years. Now what?
  • Your identity is shifting, and that’s a big adjustment.
  • The structure of your daily life changes, and you may not know what to do with yourself at first.

4. There’s a New Sense of Freedom

  • No more planning your life around school schedules.
  • You can travel, take up new hobbies, or even sleep in.
  • There’s an opportunity to focus on yourself—something you probably haven’t done in years.

How to Cope with the Emotional Shifts

✔ Give yourself permission to grieve—it’s part of the process.
✔ Talk to friends who’ve been through it. You’ll be surprised how many feel the same.
✔ Start a new routine to bring structure back into your day.
✔ Lean into the freedom—this is your time to rediscover you.

Relationship Shifts: Your Marriage, Friendships & Kids

One of the biggest changes in your first year with a empty nest is how your relationships evolve. With the kids out of the house, the dynamics shift—not just with them, but with your spouse, your friends, and even yourself.

1. Empty Nesting Tips | Reconnecting with Your Partner (Or Learning to Coexist Again)

If you’re married or in a long-term relationship, this stage can feel like a second honeymoon… or like two strangers trying to figure out how to live together again.

  • You suddenly have way more time together—no more driving kids around or coordinating family schedules.
  • The focus shifts back to your relationship, which can be exciting or a little awkward.
  • If things have been all about the kids for years, it may take time to rebuild that connection.

Ways to Strengthen Your Relationship

✔ Plan date nights or weekend getaways (without worrying about a babysitter).
✔ Try a new hobby together—cooking classes, hiking, or even just binging a new show.
✔ Have real conversations beyond “What’s for dinner?” or “Did you pay the electric bill?”

2. Empty Nesting Tips | Friendships: Time to Rebuild & Expand

Many friendships revolve around kids—school events, sports teams, parent groups. When they move out, some of those connections naturally fade.

  • Some friends may still be in the thick of parenting younger kids, while you’re in a new chapter.
  • It’s a great time to reconnect with old friends or make new ones through clubs, community groups, or hobbies.
  • If you’re feeling isolated, take the first step—invite someone for coffee, join a book club, or sign up for a class.

Ways to Expand Your Social Circle

empty nesting tips

Reach out to other empty nesters—they’re going through the same thing.
Join a group based on interest, not just life stage (gardening, hiking, wine tastings, art classes).
Consider a volunteer opportunity—it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

3. Empty Nesting Tips | Your Kids: Navigating the New Dynamic

Your role as a parent isn’t over—it’s just changing. The biggest shift? Learning to let go while staying connected.

  • Your child is now an adult-in-training—they need space to figure things out.
  • You might hear from them less than you’d like (and sometimes more than you expected).
  • Some kids adjust quickly to independence, while others struggle and call home constantly.

How to Stay Connected Without Hovering

✔ Set communication expectations—weekly calls, texts, or FaceTime sessions.
✔ Avoid guilt-tripping (“You never call!”). Instead, make reaching out feel natural.
✔ Respect their independence—resist the urge to solve all their problems.
✔ Plan visits wisely—give them space to settle into their new life before showing up at their dorm or apartment.

Lifestyle Adjustment Empty Nesting Tips: Routines, Hobbies & Downsizing

One of the biggest surprises in your first year empty nest is how different daily life feels. The little things—cooking dinner, grocery shopping, even the sound of the house—change in ways you might not have expected. But this shift also brings new opportunities.

1. Your Routine Looks Completely Different

For years, your schedule revolved around your kids—drop-offs, practices, school events. Now?

  • No more waking up early for school runs.
  • No more planning dinner around everyone’s schedule.
  • Evenings and weekends are yours again.

At first, it might feel like something is missing. But this is also a chance to create a new rhythm that works for you.

Ways to Build a New Routine

✔ Set a consistent morning routine—without the chaos of getting kids out the door.
✔ Schedule regular social plans so the days don’t feel empty.
✔ Block out time for exercise, hobbies, or self-care (things that got pushed aside before).

2. The House Feels Different (and So Does Your Space)

It’s wild how much space one or two kids can take up—and how quiet things get when they’re gone.

  • The fridge stays full longer.
  • Laundry piles are smaller.
  • Some rooms might feel too empty.

At some point, you might ask yourself: Do I need all this space?

3. To Downsize or Not to Downsize?

Some empty nesters jump straight into selling the family home, while others keep it for years. The right decision depends on what feels best for you.

Signs It Might Be Time to Downsize:
✔ The house feels too big and empty.
✔ You want less maintenance and lower costs.
✔ You’re ready for a fresh start somewhere new.

Reasons to Stay Put (At Least for Now):
✔ You love your home and the memories in it.
✔ You want a place for the kids to visit.
✔ You’re not sure what’s next yet (no rush!).

If you’re undecided, give yourself time—you don’t need to make big decisions in the first few months.

Financial Considerations: Planning for the Future

Our Year One Emtpy Nesting isn’t just about emotional and lifestyle changes—it can also have a big impact on your finances. With the kids out of the house, your expenses shift, and it’s a great time to rethink your budget, savings, and long-term goals. Here are some financial empty nesting tips for you to ponder:

1. Your Expenses Will Look Different

Some costs go down, while others… not so much.

  • Lower Costs:
    • Groceries shrink when you’re not feeding a teenager.
    • Utility bills drop without extra electronics and showers running non-stop.
    • School-related expenses—tuition, activities, and supplies—disappear (unless you’re still paying for college).
  • New Expenses to Consider:
    • College tuition—even if your kid has scholarships, there are still living expenses.
    • More travel—whether it’s visiting your child or finally taking that trip you always talked about.
    • Home projects—maybe it’s time for renovations, upgrades, or downsizing.

2. Time to Rethink Financial Goals

This is a great moment to take stock of where you stand financially and what comes next.

Smart Money Moves for Empty Nesters:

Revisit your budget—where can you reallocate funds now that daily parenting costs are lower?

Boost your retirement savings—now’s the time to max out contributions if you haven’t already.

Review insurance policies—you may no longer need certain coverages, or you might want to increase long-term care planning.

Think about future housing costs—will you stay put, downsize, or move somewhere new?

3. Planning for the Unexpected

With a little extra financial breathing room, it’s smart to prepare for future surprises.

  • Consider meeting with a financial planner to assess long-term savings.
  • Start a “fun fund”—whether it’s for travel, hobbies, or personal growth.
  • If you’re paying for college, have an honest conversation with your child about who’s covering what to avoid financial surprises.

This is a season of life where you can regain control of your finances and set yourself up for future freedom.

Staying Connected with Your Kids Without Hovering

One of the trickiest parts of your first year empty nest is figuring out how to stay close to your child without overstepping. You want to be supportive, but you also don’t want to be that parent—the one who texts ten times a day or shows up unannounced.

The key? Balance.

1. Give Them Space, But Stay Available

Your child is stepping into their own life, and they need room to figure things out. That doesn’t mean they don’t love or need you—it just means they’re growing up.

  • Avoid the urge to check in constantly. Let them reach out sometimes.
  • If they don’t respond right away, don’t take it personally. They’re adjusting, too.
  • Let them handle their own problems before jumping in to fix things.

How to Stay in Touch Without Overdoing It:

Set up a weekly check-in (a Sunday call, a text thread, whatever works).

Use shared interests to stay connected—watch the same show, read the same book, or share memes.

Send care packages or handwritten notes—it’s a small way to show love without being overbearing.

2. Visits: When & How to Plan Them

It’s normal to want to visit, but be mindful of your child’s schedule.

  • If they’re in college, avoid showing up unannounced.
  • Plan visits ahead of time—ask what works for them instead of assuming.
  • Keep visits low-pressure—sometimes just grabbing a meal together is enough.

3. Accept That Your Role Is Changing

This might be the hardest part. You’re still their parent, but the way they need you is different now.

  • They don’t need daily reminders to eat vegetables or finish homework.
  • They might turn to you for life advice instead of daily decision-making.
  • Your relationship can evolve into something deeper and more meaningful.

Instead of feeling like you’re losing your child, think of it as gaining a new type of connection—one built on mutual respect, support, and trust.

Creating a Fulfilling Life Beyond Parenting

Once the kids leave, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost your sense of purpose. But here’s the truth: this is your time now. The first year as an empty nester is the perfect chance to explore new interests, set fresh goals, and figure out what makes you happy outside of being a parent.

1. Reconnect with Your Passions

Think back—before carpools, soccer games, and school fundraisers, what did you love doing?

  • Hobbies you put on hold—painting, writing, playing music, photography?
  • Things you always wanted to try—gardening, woodworking, learning a new language?
  • Physical activities you enjoy—yoga, hiking, cycling, or even dancing?

Ways to Find Your Next Passion:

Try one new activity per month—see what sticks.


Join a local class or online course to develop a skill you’ve always wanted.


Say yes to things outside your comfort zone—you never know what you’ll love.

2. Travel More (Even If It’s Just a Weekend Getaway)

One of the best perks of an empty nest? You can finally travel without planning around school breaks.

  • Take a road trip to a place you’ve always wanted to see.
  • Plan a weekend getaway with your partner or friends.
  • If solo travel excites you, book a retreat or an adventure that’s just for you.

Even if you’re not into big trips, exploring new places locally can be just as exciting.

3. Get Social Again

If your social life revolved around kids’ activities, it’s time to build a community just for you.

  • Reconnect with old friends you lost touch with.
  • Join a club, group, or class—book clubs, hiking groups, or fitness classes.
  • Say yes to invitations—sometimes the best experiences come from unexpected moments.

4. Find Meaning in Giving Back

If you’re looking for purpose beyond your own interests, volunteering or mentoring can be incredibly fulfilling.

  • Help at local charities, food banks, or community organizations.
  • Mentor younger adults—share your life experience with someone who needs guidance.
  • Get involved in causes you care about, whether it’s the environment, education, or animal rescue.

Giving back can make a big difference—not just in others’ lives, but in yours, too.

Coping Strategies & Advice for Navigating the First Year

The first year as an empty nester can be a mix of excitement, sadness, and uncertainty—but the good news? You will adjust. The key is to be intentional about how you handle this transition.

Here’s how to make the most of this new chapter.

1. Shift Your Mindset

It’s easy to focus on what’s missing, but try flipping the script:

  • Instead of thinking, “The house is so empty,” try “I have space to do what I want.”
  • Instead of “I miss being needed,” remind yourself “I raised an independent adult—that’s a success!”
  • Recognize that this isn’t the end of parenting—it’s just a new phase.

2. Create a Daily Routine That Brings You Joy

Without school drop-offs or packed family schedules, it’s easy to feel unmoored. A structured daily routine can help you feel grounded.

Ideas for a New Routine:

Start your mornings with a walk, meditation, or journaling—something just for you.
Plan time for learning, hobbies, or personal projects each week.
Schedule regular social outings or self-care activities so your days don’t blur together.

3. Stay Connected Without Clinging

It’s natural to miss your child, but avoid making them feel guilty about moving on.

  • Send a simple “thinking of you” text instead of long emotional messages.
  • Celebrate their independence—ask about their new experiences rather than just saying you miss them.
  • If you’re feeling really down, lean on a support system instead of placing all your emotional weight on your child.

4. Try Something New Every Month

Small, intentional changes can help you rediscover yourself.

Sign up for a class or workshop—painting, writing, cooking, anything!

Explore a new place—a different café, a new hiking trail, or a weekend trip.

Challenge yourself to do something outside your comfort zone.

New experiences keep life exciting and help redefine your sense of purpose.

5. Know When to Ask for Help

If feelings of loneliness or sadness linger for months, it’s okay to seek support.

  • Talking to friends who’ve been through this can be reassuring.
  • A therapist or coach can help reframe your emotions and guide you through the transition.
  • Joining an empty nester group (online or in-person) can connect you with people who get it.

There’s no shame in struggling with change—what matters is how you choose to move forward.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Empty Nest Life with these parting Empty Nesting Tips

Your first year empty nest is a huge adjustment, but it’s also a chance to redefine what life looks like for you.

  • Give yourself grace—some days will be harder than others, and that’s normal.
  • Try new things—whether it’s a hobby, a trip, or a social group.
  • Enjoy your freedom—this is your time to focus on you.

Most of all? Trust that things will get easier, especially with the empty nesting tips shared here. One day, you’ll wake up and realize… this new chapter? It’s actually pretty great.

FAQ: Empty Nesting Tips Year One

1. How long does it take to adjust to being an empty nester?
It varies for everyone, but most people take a few months to a year to fully adjust. Emotions like sadness or loneliness tend to lessen as you find new routines, hobbies, and ways to stay connected with your kids.

2. How can I deal with feeling lonely in an empty house?
Try filling your time with activities that bring you joy—like hobbies, volunteering, or meeting up with friends. Creating a new daily routine can also help. If loneliness persists, reaching out to a support group or therapist can provide valuable help.

3. Should I downsize my home now that my kids are gone?
Not necessarily. Take your time to decide what’s best for you. If the house feels too big or like a burden, downsizing could be a good option. But if you’re not ready, there’s no rush—focus on what feels right for your current stage.

4. How do I stay connected with my child without being overbearing?
Set expectations for communication early on, like weekly calls or texts. Respect their independence but let them know you’re always available. Care packages and thoughtful messages are also great ways to stay connected without hovering.

5. How can I rediscover my purpose now that parenting isn’t my full-time role?
Explore hobbies, classes, or activities that interest you. Try something new each month to see what lights you up. Many empty nesters find fulfillment in volunteering, traveling, or even starting a new career or side hustle. This is your chance to focus on you.