This simple interaction can help you make the most of a small living space in The Sims 4!

When designing a small bedroom for two Sims, it can be hard to figure out how to fit a double bed in the room without causing routing problems. Most Simmers might assume that the double bed needs at least half a tile of space on either side in order to be usable by two Sims. It’s not unreasonable to think that; after all, that’s how it’s worked in every Sims game before. But The Sims 4 has a little known trick up its sleeve. Did you know that Sims can “scoot over” in bed to make room for their partner in The Sims 4? If you didn’t, don’t feel bad! It’s a somewhat hidden interaction, but we’re going to show you how to make the most of this little secret to make the most of your Sims’ small living space!

Using the Scoot Over in Bed Interaction in The Sims 4

If you’re wondering why you’ve never seen a “Scoot Over” interaction on your Sims in bed, it’s because there isn’t one. It’s more of an autonomous thing but you can influence Sims to do it all the same.

To have a Sim “scoot over” in bed, first have them relax in a double bed. The Sim must be relaxing above the covers; they cannot scoot over if they are asleep underneath the covers. When the Sim is relaxing, click on the empty side of the bed and tell them to relax, nap, or sleep. The Sim will choose to scoot over to the other side of the bed instead of getting out of bed and walking around to the other side!

How is this useful? It means that you can place a double bed up against a wall and still have the bed be usable by two Sims! It might seem like a small space saver but in a tiny home, every half-tile matters. That space you saved could allow you to fit a dresser or a mirror or something else your Sims need in their bedroom.

With the double bed against a wall, just make sure the first Sim who goes to sleep scoots over to the wall to sleep. Then their partner will be able to get into bed on the open side and sleep next to them. Pretty convenient, right?

Limitations of the Scoot Over Interaction

Of course, living in a small space comes with its own challenges. This little space saving manoeuvre is no different. There are some things you need to be aware of that aren’t possible with a doubled bed against the wall.

The first is your Sims cannot WooHoo in a double bed if it’s up against a wall on one side. This requires both Sims to get in bed at the same time, so both sides of the bed need to remain open for WooHoo. If you have other spots in the home to WooHoo, this isn’t much of a problem. A shower, bush, or hot tub will satisfy that need depending on what DLC packs you own.

The second limitation is you need to make sure the Sim sleeping on the open side of the bed wakes up first. If they don’t, the Sim sleeping near the wall will be trapped in bed when they wake up. They can’t climb over their partner to get out of bed.

Looking for more quick build tips? Check out our mini guide!