Most of the time, when your family grows larger,
you at least have nine months to prepare. Unfortunately, a lot of
recent changes in the economy and the world at large have prompted
families to merge, move into together, and downsize. So, if you are
expecting your siblings, in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, or any
other relative to move in, here is how you can get prepared. The
reality is that you are going to have less physical space available
for a while, but the trade-off is a lot of extra love.
Make Up a New Set of Rules
The house rules as you know them are about to
change. If you happen to live alone, get ready to live by a set of
rules, perhaps for the first time ever as an adult. Rules are good.
Rules keep order. Having house rules in place will help you and your
loved ones from driving each other crazy. The rules that you create
don't have to be strict, but they do need to be followed pretty
closely. Determine how you and your family
are going to split up housekeeping responsibilities, lay down the law
concerning visitors, and finally, figure out how you are going to
deal with additional wear and tear to your home.
Find Extra Space Wherever You Can
Your home might feel pretty spacious at the
moment, but when you move in an extra one, two, three or more people,
the walls can start to feel like they are closing in on you. Relax,
because you've got this. Check out Storage
Locker to keep your personal effects safe while your family has
more room to get comfortable. In fact, your relatives might want to
get their own storage unit because you probably won't have room for
it all. Dens can be transformed into bedrooms, while dining rooms
make for great family rooms if there will be a lot of children. If
you get creative with it, you can find the room that you need for
your loved ones.
Separate Time Together from the Time Your Loved Ones Will Spend Apart
Undoubtedly, the biggest frustration families face
when someone suddenly moves in is being unable to get time alone.
Maybe you and your wife have a habit of spending Saturday nights
curled up on the living room couch. Well, if your cousin and kids
have turned the living room into their de-facto bedroom, there won't
be any chance of getting cuddle time in. Coincidentally, you are
going to be living in a home with a large extended
family. There should also be opportunity for you to all get
together and enjoy your time together. After all, when circumstances
change, you won't have the chance to do so whenever you want. Before
anyone moves in, try to set a schedule so that you safeguard your
private time while also ensuring that all of your relatives get to
bond.
If you have offered your home up to a family
member in need, you are offering them one of the biggest expressions
of love there is. Since family is all about helping each other out in
times of need, make sure you help yourself by getting prepared in
advance of their arrival. Make up a new set of perhaps temporary
rules, get an extra storage unit, and carve out time for your family
and yourself.
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