How empty nesting syndrome might actually improve your home life

It's that time of year again: the dawn of the empty nests.

As your children head off for university - or leave home, having already returned home once, for their jobs in the big city - your home is likely to feel just a little bit empty.

There are a few things you can do to fill the gaps in the hallway, though...

Try Airbnb

Not only will you make some money but you'll also find yourself having people over again. Which may or may not be exactly what you need

It's a good opportunity to redecorate

Those posters in your children's bedrooms that you hated but they wouldn't let you pull down? Now (with their permission) you have your chance. Live and let repaint!

Is it time to downsize?

Now your children have left home, do you really need all that space? This works even better if they've left home for the second time - having returned once - because it's possible they might have moved out 'properly'

Have you got more time for your hobbies?

Or could you take up a new one? Time is your new best friend now, empty nester. Make a bucket list of things you've always wanted to go - and do them

The future is yours

Yes, it sounds corny, and awful, and cliched, but it's true: now you can do anything you like! No more waiting around for your children to get home: they're at home, their new home. If you want to go on that holiday, you can go!

You can enjoy being part of a couple again

That is, if you want to. If not, then disregard. But lots of people suddenly find themselves back in a relationship that they had forgotten they were in when their children leave home.

It's time to enjoy work again

Or, if you're retired, you can really make your enjoyable retirement live out in front of you. If you're still working, could this be the moment to change careers?