Box room for a child?

[orangeredpink]

I am a single parent with one DC (7). Having to move and looking for new properties to either rent or buy, I have the deposit to buy but due to the average property prices for a 2 bedroom flat in my area being ridiculously high I can't get a mortgage big enough. I can't move out of the area due to work/school/transport.

What I've found I can afford are big 1 bedroom flats (same size as my current 2 bed) where I could add a (temp?) wall/divider to the living room or bedroom to make a small boxroom, or 1 bed flats that already have a box room/study with the view of moving again to somewhere bigger in 2-3 years with a bigger deposit/salary.

I've spoken to DC and shown them how small their room would be compared to their current room, and they don't mind, esp as other than sleeping/getting dressed they are never in there. However, my mum thinks I'm bat shit crazy and massively unreasonable.

Alternatively, I could continue to rent, but would be paying £4-500 p/m extra in rent that what I'd be paying on a mortgage.

I grew up in A box room. Loved it, it was my tiny cave

What do you think is really behind your Mum's objections? Is she jealous (has she always rented herself?)? Is she angling for you to move to a different part of the country? Or is she just being a snob?

She generally has a lack of interest in what I'm doing as it's not what she wants - she wants me to live in the small town she lives in, she hates cities (and has tried to pass that view onto DC). She's always owned, never rented and has a large house as a result of gaining equity in previous properties, she's also never worked any more than part time, and never been solely financially responsible for anything so I don't think she "gets" my situation.

She used to spend hours looking for properties near her telling me to move - ignoring the fact I wouldn't get a job in that area, then moved onto finding houses in a town near my city telling me to move because the rent was £200 or so cheaper p/m, not taking into consideration DC would need to move schools, and then I'd have to leave my job as I wouldn't be able to get DC to a school in the town, then commute all before 9am with absolutely no support from anyone whatsoever.

She also hates the fact I have a "career" whereas she has a "job", and has mentioned it was "disgraceful" that I earn so much more than her.

I have a question.....

What the fuck's it got to do with your mum?

She's be outraged to hear that not only did I sleep in a box room for the first 18 years of my life, but that I shared it with my sister

How we've lived to tell the tale I'll never know.

Oh dear, OP - well it doesn't sound like her small-town views are likely to change, as she isn't making much effort to "get it". I wonder if there might be an element of jealousy there too - that you have a career and the sort of autonomy she never had.

I can relate to a certain extent - I think my mother is a bit baffled by how hard I choose to work and thinks that we make things "difficult" for ourselves by being in London. But she would never try to interfere.

I guess all you can do is laugh it off - not that it's particularly funny! Your one bed with a box room idea sounds like a good plan. Plenty of children in small towns have a box room, so I don't see the difference!

I think, op correct me if I'm wrong, people are missing that this would be a box room in the true sense. Most people are talking about small bedrooms, a box room has no window.

Op I agree about the size of room being a tiny thing bit I do think natural light is a factor. If any if the properties would give a window, or even part of one, I'd say it would be absolutely fine :-)

Yes, you do need a window.

How often does your dc see your mum? Keep it as infrequent as possible, and if he comes out with any of her type of nonsense, turn it into a joke - oh, isn't gm silly ho ho.

If you're a single parent, could you go in the box room? If you're going to have to create it yourself from another room anyway, you could make sure it's sized to fit a suitable bed- ideally some kind of raised storage bed .

Your son will need space for toys, and room to study as he gets older- I'd be inclined to give him the bigger room.

You're always better off buying over renting. Go for it. You asked your mums advice, but you don't have to take it.

Go for it OP! There are some amazing things done with small spaces - think cabin beds at right angles with desks under the higher one & storage under the lower one. Lower one can be higher off ground than traditional bunk beds & distance between beds a bit closer as only legs going under IYSWIM. 6x6' would give you a nice room for two. Pinterest is your friend.

Alternatively, ask your mum for £100k towards extra bedroom!

Sorry, didn't realise DC wasn't Darling Children. B

I'm a single mum with one child. I decided to have the box room myself and my son has the much bigger room. I don't have friends over to play or loads of plastic crap toys to store so it makes sense that he had the bigger room. Why wouldn't you consider the smaller room for yourself?

my ds has a bigger room, but he spends all his time lying on the bed, so as long as there is enough room for a bed....

seriously, buy. Make sure he has space to play in the living room, and get a cabin bed.

There's loads of ideas on Pinterest for storage, kids rooms and how to best use your storage.
My entire house is Pinterest inspired!

Nothing wrong with a box room, you can get some really good high beds now, which can come with a big space for storage underneath, or a little desk with chairs that folds into another bed for friends sleeping over. You can always have some space set aside in the lounge for some of his stuff that won't fit if needs be.

Why don't you take the box room yourself? Children have a lot of things, and often spend a lot of time playing in their bedroom, so it would make sense. And if the room is too small for you to use, or doesn't have a window etc and you wouldn't like to sleep in it, then I wouldn't put another person in it.