What Now? 11 Homemaking Activities for Pre-Empty Nesters

The pre-empty nester stage is such a unique season. It’s that transition time when your kids are in their last few years of high school or just stepping into adulthood, and the house is starting to feel a little quieter.

So, what now? I’ve got 11 homemaking activities for pre-empty nesters that I think will inspire you. Let me know what has helped you navigate this season in the comments below.

You’re navigating this new normal and trying to figure out what to do with your time. Let’s talk about homemaking—because whether the house is full or the kids are heading out the door, being a homemaker is still vitally important.

11 Homemaking Activities for Pre-Empty Nesters

Here are 11 homemaking activities perfect for this stage of life, along with a little encouragement to help you embrace this season with joy and purpose.

1. Rearrange and Repurpose Furniture

Now is a great time to breathe new life into your spaces. Try moving furniture around, giving a room a fresh layout, or repurposing an old piece into something functional and fun. That dusty corner desk could make the perfect coffee bar!

2. Experiment with New Recipes

Pre-empty nesting is the perfect time to dust off those cookbooks or finally try that Pinterest recipe you saved three years ago. Make it fun—test recipes for two, or invite your adult kids to cook with you when they’re home.

3. Tidy Up Sentimental Spaces

Use this time to organize keepsakes like baby books, school artwork, or old photos. Not only is it a walk down memory lane, but it’s also a great way to clear up space while preserving memories. Really look at them and think, do I need to keep this or not. This is going to sound brutal, but when you’re gone is anyone going to want these things? Get rid of it. It’s okay. 

4. Start a Homemaking Hobby

This is your time to explore new ways to add personality to your home. Try something like candle-making, creating your own wreaths, or dabbling in watercolor painting for cozy wall art. Homemaking doesn’t have to be just about cleaning—it’s about creating a space that feels like you. I started blogging during this season. I am so thankful that this hobby came into my life during this time.

5. Make Time for Connection

With a little more quiet time in the house, this is a great time to focus on meaningful relationships. Plan a regular date night with your spouse – whether it’s a dinner out, a movie at home, or tackling a home project together. You could invite a friend over for coffee and catch up in your repurposed space. Homemaking is more fun when you’re creating memories with the people you love. 

6. Take Stock of Family Contributions

Let’s talk about what others in your house are already doing—and appreciate it! For me, my husband always makes the bed, my college-age son keeps the dishwasher empty, and no one expects me to clean their rooms anymore. It’s a relief and a reminder to say “thank you” often.

My boys buy their own meals if they go out, they pay for their own gas, and buy their own gifts for people. We love treating them to dinner after church or if we go out! Something else, my oldest even pays for my meal if my husband is out of town or if it is just he and I. My youngest will pick up items for me from the store and it is a huge time saver.

Yes, I am so thankful!! Many hands make light work and I am so blessed to have a husband and two young men who pitch in and make homemaking easy for me.

There have been a lot of years of work behind this moment. I don’t want it to sound like this just happens. Intention parenting, practice, and walking alongside each other has gotten us to this point. We are not perfect, we are helpful, diligent, and willing to work together. We are a team.

7. Declutter and Simplify

Use this season to minimize clutter. Tackle closets, donate what no longer serves you, and embrace the joy of less. It is okay to let it go. 

8. Create or Get Rid Of Seasonal Decor

Get creative with homemaking by crafting seasonal decor. Swap out wreaths, add cozy throws, or make a centerpiece for the dining table. Small touches can transform a space and make it feel fresh. Start thrifting and see what you can find. Don’t buy what you don’t love and what you can’t use. No since bringing in clutter. You really don’t even have to buy anything, just enjoy looking and finding neat things. 

9. Reorganize Your Kitchen

The kitchen often becomes a dumping ground over the years. Now’s a perfect time to reorganize cabinets, refresh your pantry, and maybe even try out that spice rack you’ve been eyeing.

10. Set Weekly Homemaking Goals

This is a great time to create small, achievable goals. Maybe this week is all about deep cleaning the bathroom, and next week is about sprucing up the yard. Little by little, you’ll feel accomplished and motivated.

11. Prioritize Your Relationship with God

One of the most meaningful homemaking activities is caring for your family spiritually. Use this season to deepen your relationship with God—pray for your family members by name, ask for wisdom in this new stage, or join that Bible study you’ve been considering. This is a perfect time to reflect on how God has carried you through the busy years and lean on Him as you embrace this new chapter. A homemaker’s heart starts with a foundation in faith, and your prayers set the tone for your home.

Encouragement for Pre-Empty Nesters

This stage of life can feel like a mix of relief and confusion. The house is quieter, routines have shifted, and you’re left wondering, “Now what?” It’s a perfect time for personal growth, new hobbies, and embracing the slow moments.

Being a homemaker in this season still matters. You’re creating an environment that’s not only comfortable but also welcoming and homey. Your role may look different, but it’s just as important.

What Is Pre-Empty Nest Syndrome? Do I Have it?

Pre-empty nest syndrome is that bittersweet feeling when you realize your kids are almost grown, and the days of a full house are winding down. It’s a big adjustment, but here are three tips to help lighten the mood:

1. Laugh at the Little Things – Like the fact that your grocery bill has magically dropped but you still can’t stop buying snacks.

2. Plan Something Fun – A family game night, a short weekend getaway, or even just a movie marathon can help everyone feel connected.

3. Focus on What You Love – Whether it’s gardening, reading, or learning a new skill, now’s the perfect time to rediscover your passions.

Appreciating Shared Responsibilities

One of the best parts of this stage is seeing everyone pull their weight. When your kids pitch in and take ownership of their chores, it lightens your homemaking load.

That’s when you realize you have time for those little extras—like decorating a cozy reading nook or making homemade bread just because you want to. Now is the time for more sourdough and copycat crumble cookie recipes! 

You may actually have the time to try out one, some, or all of these homemaking activities for pre-empty nesters.

Hobbies for Homemakers During The Pre-Empty Nest Phase of Life

If you’re looking for hobbies that double as homemaking activities, here are a few ideas:

• Sewing throw pillow covers or curtains. What new activities are you willing to try? 
• Starting an indoor herb garden.
• Start visiting local thrift stores. New places are fun to check out. 
• Learning floral arranging for simple, beautiful centerpieces. Who knows what new opportunities might come your way. 
• Learn how to make sourdough bread, homemade Kefir, or Kombucha! 
• Make a family cookbook. 

Adjusting to the Extra Time: A New Chapter in Homemaking

When the last child starts spreading their wings, it’s a season full of new challenges and new experiences. For the first time in years, your schedule isn’t ruled by sports practices, carpooling, or last-minute school projects. It’s a good thing, but it can also leave a profound sense of loss. What do you do with this extra time? These homemaking activities for pre-empty nesters might be just the thing you need!

First, let yourself feel all the things. Missing the chaos is normal. After all, maybe you’ve been in the trenches as stay-at-home mom life with young children, and now your youngest son is asking for advice about college rather than help finding his shoes. It’s okay to feel a little lost.

But here’s the good news: this is a good time to embrace different ways of homemaking and personal growth. Use your living space to reflect where you are now—organize, refresh, or create cozy corners that feel inspiring. Set new goals for yourself, whether that’s diving into a creative project, enjoying the friendships that have developed with your adult children, or building relationships with new friends.

Taking care of your mental health is essential, too. A slower pace is an opportunity to rediscover what makes you feel alive and excited. Whether it’s deepening your faith, tackling home projects, or finding joy in the small details of your day, this season is full of possibilities. Maybe your morning routine, evening routine, and every day routines are ready for a bit of a change during this new chapter of life. 

My husband and I created a new routine this past year that involved going to Thortons every Saturday for an ice cream cone and a donut. Cheap, close to home, but it’s us and we love it. It’s part of our “self-care” routine:) 

New things don’t have to be big, time consuming, or expensive. What works for you and your family? 

Time to Be a Doer & Start One of These Homemaking Activities for Pre-Empty Nesters

This stage is your reminder that homemaking isn’t just about keeping a house running—it’s about shaping a home that grows and changes with you. Is there another family member or friend that you know of who is also going through this life transition? Reach out to them. Connecting on this common ground is a good way to realize you are not alone.

This pre-empty nester season is a great time to embrace your role as a homemaker in new ways. Whether it’s rearranging furniture, trying new recipes, or diving into a creative hobby, there’s so much you can do to make this stage meaningful and enjoyable. And don’t forget—you’re still shaping a home where memories will be made for years to come. It’s not over, it’s just shifting. Love it, learn during it, and embrace it. 

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