4 Tips for Moving Back In With Your Parents After College
Moving back in with your parents might not have been your first choice for after-graduation plans, but due to a variety of reasons, it’s most likely the affordable and practical option. According to a Pew Research Center Report, one of every four young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 indicated that they had returned to live in their parents’ house after being independent; one in five of those between the ages of 25 and 34 reported the same. Whether it’s for financial reasons, convenience purposes or as an in-between before you figure out next steps, there are a number of ways you can make this situation easier for everyone involved.
1. Set some ground rules and expectations
Housekeeping and lifestyle habits are the most common sources of tension and aggravation for parents and their children. While you may have been able to come home at 4 am and not make your bed for 8+ months in college, moving in with your parents will no doubt require some lifestyle changes. This is where setting ground rules and expectations are key. While it may be unrealistic to keep your high school curfew of 9 pm, you’ll want to ensure that you and your parents are on the same page when it comes to checking in. In addition, keeping your space neat and tidy is a courtesy that you would offer to any adult when staying in their home, so it is one you should practice when moving back in with your parents. This also extends to any household chores and responsibilities. Taking out the trash, washing your dishes and cleaning the bathroom are all tasks you shouldn’t rely solely on your parents for.
2. Establish what you are financially responsible for
While every situation is different, you’ll want to discuss financial responsibility as soon as possible to ensure that everyone is on the same page. If your parents ask you to contribute to rent, you’ll want to discuss your budget and what is financially possible for you. If you are not paying rent, you might want to talk about chipping in for utilities and food. Research shows that millennials spend an average of $334 a month on food, and by eating most meals with your parents; you’re saving about $4,000 a year. Offering to pitch in for groceries will help to ease financial tensions.
3. Set a time frame for how long you’re planning on living there
Whether you are saving money and trying to pay off your student debt or are waiting to start graduate school in the fall, make sure you talk about how long you plan on staying. Discussing this right off the bat will help to ease any tensions your parents may have further down the line. Once you have set a time frame, be sure to check in once that time is up to revisit or revise the timing.
4. Considering storage options
Moving out of your dorm with all of the furniture, decor and knickknacks you have accumulated over four or more years can be quite intimidating to your parents. Your old room might seem small in comparison to your dorm and your parents might be wondering where exactly everything is going to fit. This is where storage comes in handy. Renting a small storage unit for your belongings will help to ease any spatial worries you or your parents may have. American Movers not only offer moving services if you need help moving out of your dorm, but we also offer storage options as well. We have long and short-term storage at an affordable rate, so you can easily and conveniently keep your belongings secured. If you need access to some items, but want to keep everything else stored, this can easily be arranged as well.
