Granny flats are becoming increasingly popular. For modern families, they are often the preferred solution to look after aging parents who are still independent. If your parents have agreed to move into the granny flat on your property, you still need to plan the move and the life side-by-side to keep your family united and happy through the change. Ultimately, you have to put yourself in your parents’ shoes. For many, leaving their home can be emotionally difficult. It is a place filled with memories of their lives. As a result, you can expect your parents to feel nervous about the situation. But you can help to smooth the move and keep things easy.
Keep your parents move into the granny flat simple
Depending on where your parents live, they may be traveling through a long distance to relocate to your home. You can support them in organizing packing and delivery with helpful movers. Packing fragile items can be tricky, especially if you’re trying to make do with what you’ve got. Professional movers, however, are more likely to have adequate equipment to protect your parents’ beloved tea service. You can invite them to stay in your guest bedroom until their belongings have been delivered and cleared away, as it will save them a lot of time and effort.
Make it welcoming with seasonal decor
You don’t want to decorate the annex for them. You can, of course, give them a helping hand when they decide on wall paint or wallpaper. But in the meantime, you can create a welcoming interior by adding sweet seasonal decorations. Nothing feels cozier than a few candle lanterns to decorate the lounge. You can even wrap the jars in autumn leaves to cast autumnal hues. Finally, add a few fall pillows to throw on the sofa or bed for a soft Halloween touch. If you’re an enthusiastic carver, you can even add a hand-carved pumpkin that will smile at them from the entryway!
Show them carefully selected places in town
Your parents might have come to visit you in the past, but they probably don’t know the local city as well as you do. Seize the opportunity to show them around and take them to places they would like. Pick places that suit their tastes, such as a cozy Italian restaurant or a simple Chinese buffet. Ultimately, you want your parents to feel like they could enjoy living in a new town. Therefore, it’s all about finding the things that tick their boxes!
Share tasks and jobs happily
Last but not least, if you still have young children living at home, the whole family can benefit from the new togetherness. Grandparents play a significant role in educating children and providing wisdom. If you don’t have young children around anymore, you can still find common ground where your parents can help you, such as by looking after the pets during the day, for instance. Giving your parents simple tasks can help them to feel useful and maintain their mental health.
Having your parents living close-by can be beneficial for the family. You can build a sense of togetherness, such as sharing Sunday dinners and helping each other throughout the day, for instance. It’s the occasion to give your relationship a new meaning.
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