Home prices are too high, university tuition is at an all-time and, by next year, food prices will go up. All of this equals a hard world for young people to make their own way in and so, many are moving back in with their parents. But whether it’s while you save up a down payment on a home, or just hit the streets trying to find that perfect apartment to rent, here are some tips that will save everyone’s sanity when you move back in with Mom and Dad.
Set ground rules
Yes, when you were out on your own you could have stayed out until all hours of the night, and then come home to listen to the soothing sounds of blasting iPod stereo when you got home. But, when you’re living back at home, you won’t be able to to do that. On the other hand, being an adult now, your parents also shouldn’t be barging into your room without at least knocking first. Everyone’s going to have to make some adjustments, and in order to keep the respect flowing, it’s best to lay ground rules for these types of things before you bring in your bags.
Be flexible with the roommate/parent/kid situation
Living back home with your parents, you’ll find that the line between roommate and kid often becomes blurred – and you’ll need to be flexible with it. Sure your roommates in college might have never even seen vegetables on your plate, let alone tell you to eat them. But your parents are also probably more concerned about your health than they were.
Set a time frame
This one’s dead simple. Put a time frame on how long you’re going to be living with mom and dad, even before you move in. Make sure it’s concrete (“It’s only for six months”) and not vague (“Until I have enough saved up,”) Everyone will feel better about it.
Talk about money
Depending on your relationship with your parents, this might be awkward. Still, it’s important and it must be done. You’re moving back in with your parents to save money, but who’s going to be getting more expenses with your arrival? Your parents. Don’t just offer to pay rent, do it. Also make sure you kick in for groceries, utilities, and anything else needed around the home. Your parents will appreciate it, you won’t lose your sense of responsibility, and it’ll just make you feel more independent.
Give more than just money
Sure you may be paying your own way (at least some of it,) but think of all the other exceptions your parents are making just because you’re back at home. They’ll lose some of their own privacy, and you may ask to borrow the car every now and then. Give some of that back by cutting the grass, shoveling snow, or fixing things up around the home. It’ll go a long way towards the happiness of everyone in the house!
Remind them that you’re an adult now
Sure, you may have been a doe-eyed teenager when you left, ready to do whatever your parents said, but things are different now. You’re different now, and your parents need to accept that. Should you ever feel as though they’re overstepping their bounds (“Are you going out? Isn’t it a school night?”) kindly remind them of who you are and who you’ve become. Then tell them that they did a great job raising you, and it’s your turn to put those lessons into practice on your own.
Don’t put your life on pause
Yes some of your plans, such as owning a home, may have been put on hold. But that doesn’t mean that your whole life has been too, or that you can’t work on those goals while living with your parents. Now is the time to get that jump start you’ve been looking for; so take every opportunity you can to do it. Whether it’s studying to further yourself in school or your career, or it’s just working massive hours to get that down payment built up, continue on with your life just as you did before. Now is the time, and you may not get another chance like this one!
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