- 23 Sep, 2026
- Posted byRonnie King
The car’s been unpacked, the goodbyes said, and somehow the house already feels quieter. Upstairs, their bedroom is looking unusually tidy. Or perhaps they’ve left you three mugs and a mountain of washing as a farewell gift.
When a child leaves for university, deciding what happens to their room can bring mixed feelings. You might want everything to stay exactly as it is. You might also be working at the kitchen table while a perfectly good room sits empty.
There’s no universal answer, and certainly no rush. How often they’ll return, what everyone needs and how they feel about changes all matter. Here are five situations you might recognise, with ideas to help the space work for your family.
1. You’re Not Ready to Change a Thing
If they’ll be home most weekends, or you’re still getting used to them being away, we’d say there’s no hurry to change a thing. Their favourite hoodie is behind the door, their pictures are up, and knowing they can settle straight back in is comforting for everyone.
Someone might jokingly call it a “shrine”, but you’ve had enough change; any little organising jobs can wait until you’re both ready. Much as we love planning bespoke bedroom storage, it’s completely your call – sometimes leaving well alone is the right answer.
2. You Could Use a Little More Cupboard Space
If they’re away during term time but still home regularly, you’ll want to keep their bedroom ready for them. But if the landing cupboard is overflowing and there’s unused space in their room, borrowing a little of it for storage could make perfect sense.
We’d start with a chat about what can be shared. An unused shelf might be all you need, leaving their everyday drawers and hanging space free for whatever comes back with them.
If you need a bit more, at Kingfield Bedrooms, we could make use of an empty recess or the space above the wardrobes. Higher cupboards can give spare bedding a home, while a shallow fitted cupboard could be just the spot for those towels currently threatening to topple out onto the landing. Where there’s room, a window seat with storage underneath could tuck away blankets and give them somewhere to sit with a book when they come home.
Whatever you choose, agree on what’s going in first. A proper home for the spare bedding makes everyone’s life easier; quietly moving half the house into their bedroom might not go down quite so well…
3. One Room, Two Uses
If visits home are mostly saved for the holidays, you might wonder whether their bedroom could come in handy for something else while they’re away. Perhaps you’d appreciate somewhere quiet to work, or a bit of space for a hobby that usually gets packed away before tea.
We’d have a chat together about how sharing could work, then plan around what everyone needs. A fitted desk could serve as your workspace and their study spot, with custom cupboards for paperwork and plenty of fitted wardrobe space just for them. For hobbies or exercise, the priority might be somewhere to put equipment away so it doesn’t take over the room.
There’s also no need to change the bed if everything fits comfortably. A pull-down bed, on the other hand, could be worth exploring where you need more floor space, but it depends on how often they’re home and whether they like the idea too.
The aim is to make the room useful while they’re away and easy to settle into when they’re back, without a frantic clear-out every time they announce a visit.
4. Swapping Rooms? Bespoke Bedroom Storage for Both
When your youngest can barely squeeze past their bed, watching a bigger bedroom sit empty might seem a bit unfair. They’ve probably mentioned it once or twice already.
A swap could make sense, but we’d agree where your returning student will sleep before anyone starts claiming drawers. With thoughtfully planned bespoke bedroom storage, a smaller room can still feel very much theirs.
We could fit wardrobes around an awkward alcove or sloping ceiling, with a bedside shelf where there’s no room for a separate cabinet. A compact desk with shelving above could give them somewhere to study without books taking over the bed.
Let them have a say in the finishes and bring their favourite bits across. If the room will also accommodate guests, keep some cupboard space just for their belongings. They may have surrendered the bigger bedroom, but they should still feel at home in this one.
Likewise, we’d give the bigger bedroom some thought too. Perhaps the old freestanding wardrobe has seen better days, and fitted storage could make more of the space. Or the wardrobes might be fine, but they’d love bookshelves or a desk of their own. Letting them choose the finishes, or adding wood-slat panelling behind the bed, could help put their stamp on it. It should feel like their room, rather than their older sibling’s with different bedding.
5. They’ve Settled Elsewhere, and You Have Plans
Further down the line, they might have a place of their own and no longer need a permanent bedroom at yours. Once you’ve agreed what to do with the belongings left behind, you can start thinking about that room you’ve always fancied. Here are a few possibilities.
Dressing Room or Walk-In Wardrobe
Wall-to-wall fitted wardrobes, with sliding or hinged doors, could give you hanging space planned around your clothes, shelving for shoes and drawers for accessories. Finally, you could see what’s at the back without taking half the wardrobe out.
Home Cinema and Games Den
A bespoke media centre could bring the TV, consoles and storage together, with cables tucked away and ventilation for equipment. Add cupboards for controllers and shelves sized for board games, and you’re ready for a family night in. Agreeing what to watch is down to you.
Sewing and Crafts Space
A generous worktop, shallow drawers for fiddly bits and cupboards sized for your materials could give your hobby a proper home. We’d arrange everything around how you like to work, and you could finally leave a project out without someone needing the table for tea.
Study and Reading Nook
A fitted desk with cupboards for work essentials could sit alongside bookshelves for your favourite reads. Add a comfortable chair or a window seat with storage underneath, and the room can work just as well once the laptop’s shut. Somewhere to get things done, then put your feet up with a book and a brew.
Whatever you’ve been wishing you had space for, we’d start there. Just don’t be surprised if they come home and announce it was never this nice when they lived in it.
A Little Help With What Comes Next
Every family handles this stage differently, and your home can change as much or as little as you need it to. If you’re considering bespoke bedroom storage, book an appointment at our Halifax showroom – we’d love to show you around and chat through your ideas over a brew.
Please note: The green bedroom image in this article was created using ChatGPT for illustrative purposes.
