how can i make living arrangements for comfortable?

Question

my sister in-law moved in with my husband and i about a month ago. We live in a huge 1 bedroom apartment and she lives in our living room. I have my computer in my room and have a t.v. with my cable. I don't have a problem with her being her, but i want to make it look like theres only 2 of us here instead of three. She had to come and stay with us under special circumstances, she can't afford her own place because of her income. She can't work because of a medical problem. I have half of her items in my room, and the other in a closet in the dining room. She sleeps on my couch, and i feel as if she doesn't think we want her around. We have to have things this way because our lease says only 2 people, but if she can't stay with us, she will be homeless.We are working on getting a 2 bedroom apt, maybe getting one in the next 6 months. I am a neat freak and sometimes get upset over stupid things. Anyone have any suggestions about how i can make it more comfy for all 3 of us?

Answer 1

First things, first. Make it clear to her that you don't mind having her around but that you could be evicted if the landlord were to find out that you are violating the lease.

Second, you could make another "room" in the living room by artfully arranging the furniture. How? Push a small bed into a corner of the living room. Arrange tall bookshelves around the bed, being sure to leave space on the sides so that s-i-l can get out of bed easily.

Wall shelves can store her extra things and keep them out of the way. You could also rent out storage space at a facility for low cost.

As far as getting upset over stupid things goes, they might not be so stupid after all. You, your husband, and your sister-in-law need to get together and figure out an acceptable standard of cleanliness and who does what housekeeping chores when.