Parents Crashing Your Small Space? Here’s How To Deal

July 29th, 2011 by Crystal Beran| Posted in Apartment Guide, Apartment Life 2.0, Apartment Living, College Housing, Going To College, Tips & Tricks | 2 Comments »

It’s not an easy task, hosting guests in your apartment. Guests of apartment renters are often assigned a space on the couch which can make it difficult for everyone to move around the house comfortably, guests and hosts both. Some of the most difficult guests apartment dwellers can play host to are, in many cases, their own parents. Sure, you love them, but parents can make for some of the most stressful house guests even when you have the space to comfortably accommodate them. Couple high stress interactions with too little space and privacy and a visit from mom and dad could turn into a nightmare. But it doesn’t have to be a disaster; parents can be successfully accommodated within an apartment setting. Here are a few tips to help you get through it.

1. Plan for their needs in advance.

You know your parents well–after all, you’ve known them your whole life. You know their likes and dislikes, their idiosyncrasies and the things that are going to drive them (and subsequently you) up the wall. Think about the things your parents are going to need before they arrive on your doorstep. Having parent friendly foods and drinks stocked in the fridge, your mom’s favorite songs programed to the playlist and your dad’s favorite TV shows already on the DVR can let your parents know you that you’re thinking about them and at the same time help ease the stress of the visit. Also, it can’t hurt to hide anything that might even remotely be considered controversial. Be proactive and (for the love of god) prevent awkward discussions before they start!

Having a list of ideas of things to do and times they might occur can be very helpful, also – it helps break the ice, at the very least.

2. Respect their schedule.

Chances are, your parents go to bed long before you do. Respect that and try to readjust your schedule to fit more closely with theirs. Of course, if your mom, like mine, wakes up at five am, you may not be able to completely adjust, but do make sure she knows where to find the coffee and breakfast foods while you sleep in a little longer.

3. Appreciate the things they do for you, even if they drive you crazy.

Parents have a way of pushing our buttons even when they’re trying to help. The advice parents give can make grown-up kids, living in our own apartments feel more than a little inadequate. But keep in mind that parents help and suggest because they care, not because they think you’re a total failure. So accept the help and the advice and let them have their way. Even if they reorganize your cabinets and furniture, you can always put it back the way you like it once they leave, and avoiding fights is the best way to keep your own self sane.

4. If you don’t have the space, or if you know you get on each other’s nerves, don’t plan a long trip.

A short visit that goes smoothly does a lot more for your relationship with your parents than a long visit that causes excesses of teeth grinding and stress dreams. Plan a short trip, especially if it’s the first time your parents will be staying with you, and see how it goes. Ease into the longer visits and insist, though kindly, that your parents do not overstay their welcome. There are always nearby hotels if things are too cramped!

Have an anecdote or advice to share with our readers? We’d love to hear from you here or on our Facebook page!