Moving back in with your parents can be a big adjustment, but it’s also an opportunity to reset, save money, and work toward your goals. Whether it’s a temporary housing solution, post-divorce move, or a way to save up money to buy your first home, navigating this transition requires open communication, clear expectations, and more. Here’s how to make the most of moving back home!
Weigh the Pros & Cons
Living with your parents can be challenging if you’re used to living alone or with roommates. Before officially deciding to live with your parents, take a moment to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of moving back home to ensure it’s the right option for you.
Declutter Your Belongings
Adults living with parents must adjust to having less personal space and less room for their belongings—so it’s best to declutter in advance. Decide what items you need and consider selling, donating, or tossing out any items you don’t. It’s probably not practical to bring all your kitchen supplies, towels, and furniture, as you’ll be moving into a home that’s likely stocked up on these items. However, if you have excess belongings you’re not ready to let go of, consider renting a nearby storage unit. This is a great way to keep your parents’ home clean and organized without having to part with items you want to save for later.
Set Clear Expectations
Moving back in with your parents works best when everyone is on the same page about how the arrangement will work. Setting clear expectations before moving in with your parents can create a living environment that supports independence and harmony. If you’re treating this living situation as temporary housing—a stepping stone to your next chapter rather than a long-term stop—set an agreed-upon timeline with your parents to ensure everyone’s expectations are aligned. Don’t assume living at home means a completely free ride, and discuss house rules about chores, expenses, privacy, and other day-to-day expectations. Open communication is key—setting expectations early and having regular check-ins can help resolve conflicts and allow everyone to feel heard.
Personalize Your Space
Wondering how to live with your parents while maintaining a sense of self? One of the best tips is to tailor your new (or old) space to your current tastes. Give your childhood bedroom a refresh by seeing if there are things you can remove or rearrange to help the space better reflect your current age. Add in personal touches like new bedding and decor, or ask your parents if you can switch up the paint color so it feels more mature. If you’ll be working from home, take time to create a home office space in your bedroom so you have a dedicated area for productivity. Aging up your space can help you mentally distinguish your childhood from your adult life and, in turn, help you avoid regressing into old habits.
Contribute & Be Considerate
While living under their roof, be sure to treat your parents with respect and understanding and contribute where you can. Living at home as an adult can add stress to your parents’ plates, too—so it’s important to be a good house guest and show compassion if any issues arise. Consider covering a portion of the groceries, restocking household essentials when needed, or cooking your own meals. These acts not only help out your parents, but can also showcase accountability and strengthen the adult-to-adult dynamic!
Maintain Boundaries
Though it can be fun to spend more time with your family, it’s crucial to establish healthy boundaries with parents when living with them. Setting and following a routine for yourself can help. Schedule times to get out of the house—whether that be with friends or on your own—to maintain a sense of independence. Be sure to prioritize self care and carve out time regularly to exercise, take up a hobby, or hang out with friends. When you’re in the house, be mindful about setting boundaries with parents so you can spend time alone without interruption when you want to.
Establish & Work Toward Goals
Living with your parents is a great opportunity to be proactive about self-improvement—from saving money to taking online courses and applying for jobs. Think about your reasoning behind moving in, then set some short and long-term goals for yourself. Create a timeline with milestones you want to reach to hold yourself accountable. If you’re working toward eventually moving out of your parents’ home, consider having weekly check-ins to monitor your progress. Taking the time to track your achievements can help keep you motivated and give you and your parents peace of mind.
Show Gratitude
Don’t forget that a bit of gratitude can go a long way in supporting your relationship with your parents while you live with them. Besides thanking them with words, show your parents that you appreciate their support by spending quality time with them and performing small acts of service every now and again. From cleaning up common areas to making dinner for the family, doing little things to help lighten their load will make them feel good, while also warmly reminding you that moving back home can be a privilege.
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