Bedroom Solutions Part 2

Most people assume we moved for more bedrooms. They're wrong. I see no problem with kids sharing a bedroom! I will even go so far as to say I think it is BETTER--at least when they are young.

True, there are more unexplained messes that "Mr. Nobody" makes but there's also a sense of security that comes from having a sibling nearby at night. Kids who share will be more prepared for college dorms and even marriage. (The next time you hear your kids squabbling over a bedroom issue just assure yourself you are doing them a favor.)

In our old house, we often had three children sharing a room which made for some creative solutions including:

• Bunkbeds of course--especially with a double on the bottom and twin on the top.  I especially love those that can be separated apart for more flexibility later on.
• Loft beds--bed on top leaving floor space underneath.  Another nice set-up for teens is the bed on top with a couch underneath that converts to a double bed for sleepovers.
• Small port-a-crib vs. large crib--even tho Hubby will deny it, our kids DID sleep in their cribs-- sometimes.
• I've read of people making bunkbeds that fit standard size crib mattresses--genius!
• Then there is my own invention of the old-fashioned trundle bed.  For years we used a crib mattress on the floor which we would slide under the bunkbed during the day.  That way, the "toddler bed" didn't take up any space during the day.  I also didn't have to worry about my 2 yo falling out of bed.  In order to keep the child on the bottom bunk from hopping out of bed onto the sleeping toddler (right next to the bed on the floor), I put a bedrail up along the side of the bottom bunk.  Smart, eh? 
  

In addition, if you have several kids sharing a bedroom and space is tight:

• Take out the dressers to free up floor space--use large plastic bins which slide under the bed. 
• Keep clothing to reasonable amounts--no child needs 20 shirts.
• Use wall space/shelves/bookshelves to your advantage--lots of storage for small amt. of floor space
• Rotate toys--keep extras in large plastic bins in storage.  Bring a new bin out on a rainy day.

Now, just in case you're building or remodeling I have to show you a very cool use of space.  My two little boys have a room that was built to use space in the ceiling!

Here's their bedroom:

But the builder put in a loft above which was just unused attic space:

Here's the ladder going up the wall--it's a bit steep but cool!

In the loft above there are shelves for toy storage and a small area for secret hideouts:

And even tho they have their own beds, they often like to sleep together:

Edited to add--please read great solutions/comments below and feel free to add those you have found helpful!