My adult son uses my address for deliveries and then leaves packages stacked in the entryway for weeks, saying I should be “grateful he trusts my place”

When Adult Kids Use Your Address: A Modern Dilemma

Photo by Kindel Media

So, you’ve got an adult son who thinks your home is the perfect shipping hub for all his online shopping sprees. He uses your address for deliveries, and before you know it, your entryway looks more like a package warehouse than a welcoming home. You can’t help but wonder: is this really a sign of trust, or is it just a convenient way for him to avoid dealing with the chaos of his own place?

Let’s set the scene. You’re coming home after a long day, dreaming of that cozy couch and a hot cup of tea. Instead, you’re greeted by a mountain of cardboard boxes stacked high, some adorned with colorful tape and others just plain sad with their peeling labels. Your son strolls in, grinning ear to ear, and casually mentions how you should be “grateful he trusts your place.” Grateful? Really?

Is Trust the Real Issue Here?

Now, I get it. Trust is a big deal. But when it comes to your son using your address for deliveries, it feels more like he’s taking advantage of your hospitality than showing deep-seated trust. It’s a classic case of “what’s mine is yours” gone slightly awry. You can’t help but feel a bit taken for granted. After all, you’re not a storage unit!

It’s not that you don’t want to help your kid out. You’re more than happy to support him, but there’s got to be a line somewhere, right? Leaving packages stacked in your entryway for weeks can create a bit of a logistical nightmare. Not to mention, it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing welcome for guests — or for you, for that matter. If you’re like me, your entryway is your pride and joy, a little slice of home that should feel inviting, not like a scene from a reality show about hoarding.

Setting Boundaries with Love

So, how do you approach this? You don’t want to hurt his feelings, but at the same time, it’s time to lay down some friendly ground rules. Maybe invite him over for coffee and bring up the subject gently. You could say something like, “Hey, I love having you around, but I’ve noticed your packages are taking over my space. What do you think about using your own address for deliveries?”

It’s all about the delivery — pun intended. Framing it as a concern for your home rather than a personal attack on his trust can make all the difference. You might even find out there’s a reason behind his choice. Maybe he’s swamped with work or is just forgetful about updating his shipping address. Either way, it opens the door for a conversation rather than a confrontation.

Finding Solutions Together

Once you’ve had that heart-to-heart, it’s time to brainstorm some solutions together. Maybe he can set up a separate mailing address for those pesky online orders or even invest in a package locker service. Who knew adulting could be so complicated? But honestly, it’s all part of navigating life’s little quirks together.

And if he’s set on using your address, perhaps you can set some limits. A friendly suggestion could be, “How about we keep the package limit to, say, two at a time? That way, my entryway doesn’t turn into a mini-warehouse, and you still get to enjoy the perks of my address.”

Keep the Humor Alive

And let’s not forget to sprinkle in some humor along the way. After all, laughter is the best medicine. You could jokingly mention how you’re just one delivery away from starting an unintentional “Home Shopping Network” right in your living room. Or better yet, send him a photo of the package pile and say, “I didn’t realize I was running a distribution center!” Keeping things light can ease any tension and make the conversation feel less daunting.

Finding the Balance

At the end of the day, it’s all about finding that balance between being supportive and setting healthy boundaries. You want your home to be a safe haven where your son feels welcome, but you also deserve to enjoy your space without it turning into a logistical puzzle. It’s a dance of sorts, and like any good dance, it requires communication, understanding, and maybe a little bit of humor along the way.

So next time you trip over a box in your entryway, remember: you’re not just a delivery hub. You’re a loving parent who deserves a beautifully organized home.

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