Downsizing and smaller bedrooms

Dontknowanymore

Thanks for everyones replies.

Firstly if my double bed fits in the small room then I will go in there, I did say this in the OP.

I'm going back tommorrow so can have a proper look.

Secondly I am not sleeping in a single bed, that is just not an option.

I wont get anywhere by applying to the council directly and I have already found and been let down by one swap, I had already started packing. You wait longer than 8 months for a place there while living in a hostel!
And to be honest, I can't wait another 8 months or potentially longer, I've been dying to move back there since I was made to leave 2 years ago.
I also want to be there for when I hopefully start college in September.

I think my mind is made up I just feel a bit bad if they do have to go in the small room, but as long as my bed will fit in it, even if nothing else does then that is good enough for me, there are 4 storage cupboards in the hallway that could be used for wardrobes.

I think location is key for us, I need a support network and my boys need their family around them too. Also I can always exchange out of their in a couple of years if need be.

Thanks again everyone, have given me things to think about and tips

Tiddlywinks

Double futon / sofa bed in the living room?

Through choice, I wouldn't stick two growing boys in a single bedroom with bunk beds - that's just asking for tensions as they get older.

carefullycautious

I would move into the lounge let the boys have the bigger bedroom and use the small bedroom for clothes/toy storage

Location/support would come first.

Dontknowanymore

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

Double futon / sofa bed in the living room?

Through choice, I wouldn't stick two growing boys in a single bedroom with bunk beds - that's just asking for tensions as they get older.

A living room is not for sleeping in, not when there are 2 bedrooms!
Yeah I get your point, but surely there is going to be tension no matter what size their room is? Then I gues smaller space isn't going to help, plus there is a 5 year age gap!

It's so annoying because out of the 4 people who have shown an interest in my flat, only one of them had 2 double bedrooms and she is the one who pulled out halfway through!

vintagebrighton

carefullycautious wrote: »

I would move into the lounge let the boys have the bigger bedroom and use the small bedroom for clothes/toy storage

Location/support would come first.

That's what I did. All I had to get eventually was a decent sofa bed but it all worked out ok.

And on the double bed issue, you could always get a small double which is 4ft wide. Makes a difference but you still feel like you're sleeping in a double bed. Good luck with everything

Pee

You have answered your own question, the advantage of having your mum and other support nearby will make up for the reduced space.

Having a garden to "borrow" is a huge advantage, too.

Once the boys have homework to do that might need desks and computers you may have to rethink the situation, but circumstances might have changed by then or maybe your Mum has a room that they could use then.

There may be heating advantages to a smaller place, too.

carefullycautious

Dontknowanymore wrote: »

A living room is not for sleeping in, not when there are 2 bedrooms!
Yeah I get your point, but surely there is going to be tension no matter what size their room is? Then I gues smaller space isn't going to help, plus there is a 5 year age gap!

It's so annoying because out of the 4 people who have shown an interest in my flat, only one of them had 2 double bedrooms and she is the one who pulled out halfway through!

Who says a living room is not for sleeping in? You could put a partition round the bed or a free standing screen. In other countries they just think outside the box and come up with brilliant solutions. Here we are so set in our pre conceived ways that anything out of the norm throws us. look at websites on small apartment living which can give good ideas for storage etc. Where theres a will theres a way. Good luck

balletshoes

I'd be looking for a small double bed to fit in the small bedroom, and putting the kids in the bigger room. You are definitely thinking along the right lines if you want the support network around you and the new location will give you that.

Dontknowanymore

carefullycautious wrote: »

Who says a living room is not for sleeping in? You could put a partition round the bed or a free standing screen. In other countries they just think outside the box and come up with brilliant solutions. Here we are so set in our pre conceived ways that anything out of the norm throws us. look at websites on small apartment living which can give good ideas for storage etc. Where theres a will theres a way. Good luck

Very true, thanks

skylight

Make sure you take someone else and a tape measure with you when you go again tomorrow!

I agree that a small double may be better for you in a smaller room and at the end of the day everything is about location rather than property. Friends, family and feeling safe is more important than bedroom size.

Hoping the room is big enough for you.