In Australia, granny flat living is a popular way to keep family close while still enabling them to maintain a level of independence.
Whether you are preparing a space for ageing parents or downsizing into a smaller home yourself, this shift to multigenerational living can take some adjusting to. Often, it means rethinking space and routines. Sometimes it involves redefining expectations and family dynamics.
While it may be a big change that usually results in some teething issues, it can bring you closer together. (Both literally and figuratively.) All it takes is a little planning and patience.
This guide walks you through how to effectively manage the granny flat transition and make it as seamless as possible for everyone involved.
A granny flat is a self-contained living space built on the same property as a main home. It usually includes its own bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area.
In Australia, granny flats are commonly used to support parents, adult children, or other relatives. Typically, it enables them to enjoy a level of independence and privacy without being far away from their loved ones.
Many families choose a granny flat as a long-term living arrangement. It offers a practical way to create separate households on one block of land. This suits multigenerational living and is ideal for those who want to downsize or live in a home that is easier for them to manage.
Granny flat living makes it more convenient to look after family members who might otherwise struggle on their own. Being in such close proximity to you makes their daily lives less challenging, especially when they need help with transport, meals, or childcare. At the same time, multigenerational living also allows families to share responsibilities while keeping separate spaces.
For older family members, living with family members in this way provides them with peace of mind. For homeowners, it adds flexibility and value to their property, which is why many choose to have them built on their blocks.
Downsizing to a granny flat can be a good solution for older people who can no longer manage stairs, want to do less maintenance or to live in a property with a simpler layout.
This choice suits people who enjoy living close to family and, crucially, feel comfortable sharing a property with them. It can provide a good alternative to older relatives going into a retirement home. However, families need to be honest with themselves about whether it will work out or if living so close to each other will cause friction.
If you’ve committed to you or an elderly relative moving into a granny flat, there is a lot to organise. To start with, you’ll need to have the property built if one doesn’t already exist. Then, of course, you will need to move into it.
Companies like Muval removalists in Sydney can help manage logistics and reduce stress during the move. So, it is worth booking them in early. Notwithstanding, you’ll also have to decide what furniture and belongings you’ll want to bring with you.
This may involve going through a big declutter to streamline your possessions. When doing this, it is a good idea to sell or donate to charity as much as you can. A professional rubbish removal service can help you dispose of the rest responsibly.
For a granny flat transition to be successful, the property being moved into has to be safe, comfortable, and well-designed.
Ideally, it should have open layouts as this will help to create a sense of space. Other elements, such as wide doorways, step-free access, and good lighting, are also important as they help seniors to live independently.
Other desirable features include non-slip flooring, well-placed power points, accessible bathrooms, and good storage. It also helps if it has low-maintenance finishes that are easy to clean.
When a family member moves in close, especially a parent, it is important to set clear boundaries. This helps everyone feel comfortable and respected, and will go a long way towards ensuring the transition is much smoother.
It can be tempting to assume things will work themselves out. Yet having an honest conversation about privacy, shared spaces, and daily routines early on can save a lot of tension down the line.
Where possible, try to make simple agreements about meals, quiet times, and other house rules, such as whether to leave the lights on or off and whether to keep doors closed. It also helps to be clear about which areas are private and which ones are open to everyone.
This allows each household member to relax and enjoy their home without feeling watched, judged or constantly interrupted.
Transitions take time. And it can be a little difficult. That is why everyone needs to exercise a little patience and flexibility.
While it does take time to settle into new routines, each person should be given space to do this. It should also be understood that some people settle in quicker than others.
If there are any minor teething issues, the way you communicate about them is very important. Try not to be confrontational or snappy because this will only put people’s backs up.
Instead, focus on the positives, such as being close to loved ones and helping them keep their independence. At the end of the day, family is very important, and they are not around forever. So, why not focus on cherishing the time you do have together in your granny flat arrangement?
Here are some more pointers on how to live with older people as an adult yourself.
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