If you just moved into your new rental in New York or are living in an apartment community in Los Angeles, you might come across the term “tandem parking.” Space is always at a premium in densely populated areas, and creative parking solutions like this are often used to maximize available room. Understanding what tandem parking means can help you decide if it’s the right fit for your living situation.
What is tandem parking?
Tandem parking refers to a parking setup where two or more cars are parked in a single file within the same designated space. Instead of each car having its own independent spot, they share a space, requiring one vehicle to move to let the other in or out. This arrangement is common in urban areas and apartment complexes where space is limited, and it works best for households or neighbors who coordinate well.
How does tandem parking work?
Tandem parking works by placing two or more vehicles in a single, elongated parking space, one behind the other. The car closest to the exit must be moved first to allow the other vehicle(s) to leave, which requires coordination between the drivers. In apartment communities or shared spaces, tandem parking is often assigned to households, roommates, or neighbors who are willing to communicate about moving their cars when needed. It’s a practical solution for maximizing parking in crowded areas but relies on cooperation to avoid inconvenience.
In some cases, tandem parking operates as part of a valet-style system, especially in busy apartment buildings or urban garages. You drive up to the designated parking area and hand your car keys to an attendant, who takes care of parking it in the tandem spot. When you need your car, you simply return to the valet station, provide your ticket or let them know which car is yours, and they’ll retrieve it for you. This setup removes the hassle of coordinating directly with other drivers and makes tandem parking more seamless in shared spaces.
Where are tandem parking spaces typically found?
Tandem spaces are found in driveways, parking lots and parking garages — really, anywhere that you might find a normal parking space. They’re designed to save space or better utilize space in tight spots, so there are even some people that have a tandem spot in their private garages.
When there’s a location with lots of buildings, people and cars, but not a lot of room, it’s pretty common to find tandem parking. Think about big, crowded cities that are running low on space, such as New York and San Francisco. These cities often have lots of apartment buildings instead of single-family houses, and since there’s not a lot of room, you’ll find tandem parking spaces wherever there’s a thin stretch of concrete that’s long enough to accommodate two cars.
Pros and cons of a tandem parking space
Just as most other things have their pros and cons, tandem parking comes with both the good and the bad. It’s a smart setup for creating two parking spots, but it can create some challenges for those using them.
Pros of tandem parking
- Maximizes parking space: Tandem parking allows two cars to park in an area that would typically fit only one, enabling more residents to keep their cars nearby instead of parking farther away or giving up their vehicles altogether.
- Potential cost savings: Since tandem parking can be less convenient, landlords and property managers may offer a discount on the spot if you choose to share it with someone else.
Cons of tandem parking
- Inconvenience in accessing your vehicle: One person must move their car for the other to leave, which can lead to coordination issues.
- Dependency on the other person: If the person parked behind you isn’t available to move their car, you could be blocked in, potentially causing delays.
5 tips for managing tandem parking
Managing tandem parking without valet service requires coordination and clear communication. Here are some practical tips to make it work:
1. Plan and communicate schedules
Sharing a tandem spot means you’ll need to coordinate with the other driver. Discuss work hours, events, and vacations to ensure smooth access. A shared calendar can help keep both schedules in sync.
2. Park strategically
The person leaving first should park in the back, while the one staying longer takes the front spot. This prevents unnecessary disruptions like moving cars early in the morning or late at night.
3. Vacation prep
If someone is going on vacation, have them park in the front before leaving so the other driver can easily move in and out.
4. Share a spare key
If you trust the person you’re sharing with, exchange keys to allow flexibility. This way, they can move your car if needed without waking you or causing delays.
5. Have a backup plan
Despite good planning, issues may arise. Consider alternatives like ridesharing, public transit, or street parking if needed. If tandem parking becomes too inconvenient, discuss other options with your landlord or explore nearby parking solutions.