Deciding on Bedrooms – Who Goes Where?
Welcome to your new house… and the issue many families must face – the bedroom challenge! Deciding who will have what bedroom can arouse harsh words, hard feelings, and sometimes full-blown temper tantrums. As the parents, you’ll probably want (and deserve!) the master bedroom or suite. This is completely logical, and if your kids complain, the simple statement “because we pay the mortgage” usually ends the debate.
So… that leaves the question of which child gets which room. It’s rare that every bedroom on a floor plan is exactly the same size, so at least one is bound to be bigger. One might have more or larger windows, a prettier view, a bigger closet, or another desirable amenity. If your family is like most, you’ll probably need to mediate a little bickering about who gets which room.
Of course, your kids may surprise you. Some families find that their children prefer different rooms from the start, and the decision is effortless. Other families sit down together and allow the kids to negotiate, strengthening their problem-solving skills. Surprisingly, many siblings can reach a compromise on their own. But when they can’t, here are some thoughtful ways to help you decide:
- Have a lottery.
Put each child’s name on a slip of paper in one bowl, and the color or location of each room in another. Draw one from each bowl for a random and fair assignment. Everyone must agree to accept the outcome beforehand. (No take-backs!) - Decide based on space requirements.
If your youngest has bulky toys, your oldest has multiple bookcases, or another child frequently hosts sleepovers, space needs may determine who gets the larger room. This is also helpful for assigning closets based on wardrobe size. - Choose by light and temperature.
Early risers may appreciate the morning sun, while night owls won’t. A child sensitive to heat shouldn’t be in a room with strong afternoon sunlight. Select rooms based on comfort as much as size. - Consider who needs the most supervision.
Younger children should be closer to your bedroom for safety and convenience. Teens, however, may enjoy a bit more distance and privacy. Browse family-friendly home layouts on our floor plans page to see how bedroom placements vary. - Who spends the most time in their room?
If a child studies, reads, games, or practices hobbies in their bedroom, consider allowing them priority. Kids who are outdoors often or use their rooms mainly for sleeping may not mind a smaller space. - Who can maintain the biggest room?
Bigger rooms require more upkeep. If you have a naturally tidy child, assigning them the larger space may save you from constant reminders and clean-up battles. - When in doubt… rotate!
If everyone’s belongings fit easily into the smallest room, consider rotating every six months or once a year. This gives each child an opportunity to enjoy every space—and ensures each room gets a thorough cleaning during the switch.
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