How many bedrooms needed?

[squeezingin]

NC for this. Probably separating, and will be needing as small a place as I can make do with. Four DC: DD14, DS13 (just), DS11, DS5. What do you think is the best option for bedrooms? Obviously I'd like to get a place with three (and sleep in the lounge myself if necessary) but two is more likely financially speaking. Are any of these options total no-gos? Amicable split, and 50-50 custody btw so not every night.

1. Me in lounge, DD in one bedroom, three DSs in another.
2. Me and DD in one bedroom, three DSs in another.
3. Me and littlest DS in lounge, DD in one bedroom, middle DSs in another.

First two DC not likely to move out for university except for (hopefully) first year in halls. Although maybe by that point they could just choose one parent to live with FT.

I think option 1 seems best, and littlest DS will come and snuggle in the night regardless, but best to have his own bed throughout.

How much will the DSs hate sharing when they are 18, 16 and 10? The two little ones currently share so are used to it, the older DS has shared in the past but has had his own room for 3-4 years now.

We all sleep in a tent together on holiday and rub along fine but obviously that's only a few nights a year. Plus as yet I haven't noticed any masturbation but it can't be far away, and I don't know how that will affect the DSs both in terms of finding somewhere to be private and not disturbing their siblings!

Also, as of right now, DD is the only one who sequesters herself away in her bedroom, but that might change with age and with being in a place that's smaller overall.

Can you try to get somewhere with two reception rooms? This would be important additional space.

I had a great sofa bed in the dining room for a few years...
In your shoes dd in the middle sized room. 2 x ds's in the biggest. Youngest in the box room.

@PuttingOnTheKitsch, I’m not sure yet. It’s likely to be a flat so possibly not. I haven’t done the full financials, I just want to get settled in my mind about a two bed place in case that’s all I can get.

@Aprilshowersandhail I’m thinking maybe one of those IKEA daybed thingies!

I'd also be thinking about an old style 2 up 2 down terrace house so you have a 3rd room.
The issue with sleeping downstairs permanently is always going to be where does yours and youngest child's "things" go. Whereas at least with a place with the ability to have 3 rooms for bedrooms you could have youngest in there with his things.
Alternatively, I know a friend that had a shared home for the children, each parent buying a 1 bed flat, and the parents moved house not the children...
Is your husband in an equally difficult financial situation? If so, looking at moving to a cheaper area for you both may be more pragmatic.