<p>^ Exactly missypie, Beware of making those major changes because even the college grads come home when they are making a good living, to save up and pay off loans. I have a friend whose son just came home because he lost his job after two years of work post graduation. The economy is tough and although the kids are grown and adult it is nice to reserve some space for them. A little redecorating is fine, but getting rid of a bed and turning a room into a completely different space is overly optimistic in todays world.</p>
<p>My dad is a minister, so my parents moved to a new church/city while I was in college…although there was a room with a bed I could use, it never really was “mine”. As for daughter’s – changed sheets, major dusting. Threw out the old expired shampoos, etc in her bathroom. Now I use her room as my cello practice space (I promised myself I’d do something just for me…and the cello is it!) When she comes home, I fold up my music stand and move the cello into my office…and it’s her space again.</p>
<p>When I came home for Thanksgiving freshman year my sister and her stuff had taken over. I was very unsettled by it, although it made sense since she’d shared a room with our little brother before I left. </p>
<p>Believe it or not, my sister’s room and both brothers’ rooms are still exactly as they were when they lived at home, with the exception of some “stuff” my mom threw in there for storage. My little brother left 20 years ago.</p>
<p>I have not touched my son’s room other than to vaccuum, dust and change sheets. I don’t think I’ll ever change it unless we move out of this house, or he graduates and gets an apartment and wants to take his stuff.</p>
<p>I didn’t change much the first few years they were away. Oldest took down posters before he left. I did buy new bedding that was more “guest room” looking, but he didn’t care.</p>
<p>Many kids come back…sometimes the ones you would have thought least likely.</p>
<p>My mother did turn mine into a shrine after I got married (at 20). She didn’t like the bare walls and huge bare bulletin board, so she pinned up pictures of me all over…and dried flowers from the wedding arrangements, invitation, engagement announcement. Hubby found it pretty creepy. They sold the house soon after so problem over.</p>
<p>When S left for school last year, I didn’t do anything ton his room for a few months. Then, I asked him if I could rearrange the furniture and he said he didn’t mind. But he is the kind of kid who wants a place to come home to. While I don’t want it to be a shrine. I think a more gradual change will be best. The more he becomes independent spending time away from home, the more I’ll change his room. If any of my kids will move home, it will most likely be him.</p>
<p>My D is leaving next fall and she has already agreed to give her room to her younger sister. So, she will most likely switch rooms with her before she leaves.</p>
<p>So, what about parents moving while their kids are away? DH and I are thinking about downsizing. That’s a bigger issue to tackle!!</p>