When it comes to space at home, babies and toddlers are relatively simple. They’re little, so they don’t require a huge amount of space. Their beds are smaller; their clothing requires a smaller wardrobe. It may feel like their belongings spread through the house, but realistically, the footprint is small.
Not so as kids get older. As they grow, so does their demand for space. Sometimes, that’s literal. Siblings that happily shared a room for up to a decade are suddenly tearing one another apart, new awareness of privacy creeping in. They want their own space and they want your space as well. Soon, the house that seemed to fit you and your little ones just isn’t cutting it anymore.
So – Move?
This is so often seen as the solution. The family is growing, so you have to move onward and upwards.
Except it’s not always that simple. The commute to work might be good from your existing house; you like the schools; the neighbors. You’ve worked and renovated the house and you want to be able to enjoy it, even if that is not possible at this point in time. It can even be something as simple as having put work into the garden and you don’t want to start afresh.
Not to mention that new houses are… kinda expensive. If the budget won’t stretch but the house won’t either, then you feel stuck between a rock and a hard place.
So Is There A Solution?
You’re in luck, because there’s actually several. What you can do depends on the budget that you have available, but bear in mind, all of the below are a lot cheaper than a total house move.
#1 – Create A Room Where There Wasn’t One Before
Putting up a partition wall can save a lot of hassle, especially if you are trying to give two siblings their own room. They may be willing to take the loss of space as a compromise for having a space to call their own.
This is a relatively simple job, though it’s not one you should DIY. You don’t have to bring in an expensive architect, though custom carpentry is worth considering. It’s worth remembering it’s not just an existing bedroom you have to separate; all areas are up for debate.
#2 – Move The Oldest Outdoors
You can usually erect an outdoor dwelling, such as a log cabin or trailer, without the need for zoning permission. Powered by a generator and fitted with quality locks, it can become another room. You have to sacrifice the outdoor space required to house it, but it’s worth it for the peace and quiet in the rest of the house. For obvious reasons, whoever is oldest is advisable as the one to head outdoors. They’re liable to quite enjoy the independence.
#3 – Sell A Kid
I mean… you’ve got another one. And you’ve always preferred that one anyway, so this way you get the cash and –
Oh, alright, don’t sell a kid. It is slightly tempting sometimes though, isn’t it?
Oh I do love the outdoor idea, once there is yard room to do so.
I don't have kids yet but the selling part is always a good backup option. Lol 🙂
Kids these days seem to think it's child abuse if they don't have their own room. My grandma and her brothers and sisters always shared a room. It was so common back then but not so much now. Sigh. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.