Little things to help DSS feel comfortable and at-home-ish?

[dumbstruckdumptruck]

DP and I have been together 6 years. We live separately, and DSS (16) is with him full time. They've both recently started going to college nearer my home than theirs, and as such are looking for a new place to live. For a few reasons they're looking for a fairly specific type of place, so it's taking a little while to find.

In the meantime, I've offered for them to stay at my place a few nights per week, so they don't have to get up at silly-o'clock every single morning to avoid the traffic.

I have a one-bedroom house, and so I'm setting up a single sofa-bed in my office for DSS so he doesn't have to be on the couch (near a very snorey dog!) on those nights and he has a bit of privacy / his own space.

He's in no way expecting it to become His Own Room, and this isn't a permanent situation, but I'd like to make it feel homey enough that it's comfortable to be here.

Sofa-bed is arriving this week, and I'm going to empty a cupboard where he can have some clothes that live here in case he forgets something (he's not the most organised of creatures yet!). He's got his own set of towels in his colour, and I've got him a box of toiletries to keep in the bathroom that are just his.

What are some other little things I can put in place to help him feel at home (other than just getting on with life as normal)?

I know some of you will be about to tell me I'm way overthinking this, but he's been very let down by his mum over the past year and this is an extra upheaval on top of a lot of changes, so I just want to make sure he feels seen and cared for.

All the above.

A special mug which reflects an interest of his, or in a favourite colour.

You sound like a really lovely step mum.

An echo dot so he can listen to music/podcasts, set alarms etc.

@Sigma33 what projector does your dad have? I'm looking for one for mine!

Ah OP you sound lovely. Agree an Echo dot might be useful if the room doesn't already have one.

More snacks than you think 1 person can eat, plenty of soft drinks, make sure bedding is not girly or fussy, their own key, boys are simple and just need feeding and sleep so try not to fuss too much

You sound great, find out what snacks he likes and his favourite breakfast foods.

Second this! DSS is only almost 14 but if I had a pound for every time he suggested he have a mini fridge in his room! He'd be over the moon if there were snacks too.
Otherwise OP - I think it's lovely you are looking for ways to help him settle.
DSS moved in full time a year ago, and as a typical boy he is so so messy. If your DSS is similar I'd prepare yourself mentally. It's quite an adjustment! They don't even mean it, I really don't think it's intended to be disrespectful or anything, they are very self focused as teens often are and in our case, the floor seems as good a place as any to keep both clean and dirty clothes. I mention it because it can be quite a change if you are used to living alone and if this is just for a short time and you want him to feel welcome I'd try and prepare and then bite my tongue a bit (I did the opposite and it had taken us some time to come to the understanding that I will shut his door and turn away and he has to wipe up crumbs in the kitchen and bring his own washing and plates down ....)

You sound lovely OP.

My DSs have electric throws - they are a winner in this house.

I’d skip the mini fridge, use a section of fridge and kitchen cupboard and tell him he can help himself to anything else as well but the food on those shelves are specifically for him alone. The specific food and drinks you can ask when you’re next shopping.
Washing basket/ bag of his own. Not saying you should be doing it but letting him know you expect he or his dad to use the washing machine, rather than taking laundry home won’t do any harm.
Ask him to let you know in advance if he’s bringing friends home at mealtimes so there’s enough to go around. A general assurance he’s welcome to bring friends home is unlikely to be taken up, but if he believes you’re expecting it he’ll know you really mean it.

I just asked my sons;
Room for charger
No fridge.... they are noisy apparently.
If he has a console room to put that/ controllers
Some nice 'bits' downstairs he could access
They all like.... a nice soft blanket.

Hope that helps. You sound lovely!

OP, you sound wonderful and really thoughtful. How about one of those fluffy pillows from Dunlem that have a high back and arms (I think they're called cuddle pillows)? My kids love them.

Was from Amazon I am afraid, I can't remember the provider! She used it a few times, then... !

@Stomacharmeleon send a 'thank you' to your boys for me!

@TrainspottingWelsh a laundry basket is exactly the kind of subtle-but-impactful thing I was after. Great idea. Thank you.

I don't use Alexa, so no dots here – but there are a couple of Bluetooth speakers about so I'll make sure one 'lives' in the office for him.

And @zaffa since it's only a few nights a week I think it'll be less intense than your experience, and DP is great about making sure that mess etc. is 'parented' by him rather than me. But I will keep your words in mind when something unexpected inevitably arises!

A dressing gown. I know others have said Oodie, but more something for popping to the bathroom in the morning, etc. My DS17 was not impressed when I accidently threw his out during our house move

He also loves a pair of novelty slippers, or fluffy socks, and has taken to having a candle lit in his room (if your DSS is sensible enough for that).

And yes, you sound like a cracking addition to his life.