My parents are coming to visit and want to stay in my studio apartment - please help!

Question

My parents are coming to visit next weekend, They forgot to make hotel reservations and said today that they want to just stay with me instead of paying a lot for a hotel short-notice.

I live in a studio apartment: one room for kitchen, sofa, bed, and everything else. The sofa folds out into a small bed, which is where I would sleep while they're in my bed. When my boyfriend stays over, we are very tight already - and that's just ONE extra person, not two, plus all their luggage, etc. On top of this, my dad has mobility problems, so the tight spaces between my furniture will be like an obstacle course for him.

When my boyfriend is here, we sleep in my bed and don't unfold the sofa so there is more floor space. I also don't mind changing my clothes in front of him or showering with the door open - but I wouldn't do this with my parents in my tiny apartment.

Not to mention the fact that I live alone for a REASON: I need my personal time and space. I am worried about not getting a break from other people all over me and in my stuff.

Please advise me about how to deal with this situation. Do I have any other options here? How can I not go crazy with no personal space? Any little tricks about having houseguests in such a TINY apartment?

Answer 1

Have your boyfriend stay elsewhere just while they are there.  After all  this is your time with your parents   Put there luggage in a closet or corner of a room.  If you need a little space tell them you need to go run an errand or go to the store and by a friends house to check on them and you will be back in a hr or so.  When they get done with sleeping  and your done on the couch fold it up immediately so you will have more room.  Remember this is jsut a visit not forever.  You dont have to shower with the door open and you can change clothes in the bathroom as well.  If nothing else rearrange a little to help your dad out on his mobility problems.  It would be nice if someone took the time to do that for you now wouldnt it.  

Answer 2

If they understand that you have close to no room in your tiny apartment they might change there mind. Just tell them you don't want them staying there unless they are paying for your apartment which I will assume they do not pay for it. It will be like so bad for all 3 of you. I think they will probably agree.

Answer 3

You only have 2 options in this situation:

1) You can just suck it up.  Prepare yourself mentally for how frustrating the situation will be.  Remind yourself that it's only for a short visit and that, in reality, there will come a day when your parents are dead & gone and you'll long to have them close.  People often forget the larger picture as they go through life & let little things bother them.  I'd definitely call this a minor & temporary inconvenience in the grand scheme of life.  

2) You could go ahead & reserve them a hotel room close to your apartment and pay for it yourself.  If money is the issue, then maybe you can "treat" them to the hotel stay.  If you pitch it the right way, you'll come off as the greatest daughter ever and they'll appreciate your kindness.  It doesn't have to come off as charity.  Parents spend so much money on their kids.  This is just one small way you can appear to be a grateful child.