Tip Diva | Top Ten Tips - Moving Back Home As An Adult

Top Ten Tips - Moving Back Home As An Adult

By Tip Diva | May 06, 2008

Categories: Adult, Behavior, Children, College, Conversation, Difficulty, Electricity, Family, Home, Household, Relationships, Savings, Shopping, Tips, University

knocker Maybe you’ve been away at school. Or, your lease may be up and you need an affordable place to stay while looking for a new apartment. Many young adults are moving back home for a variety of reasons, but coming back may be a culture shock. Here’s how to ease the transition:

Have A Discussion With Your Parents - Before you move back home, have a frank discussion with your parents about why you would like to move back home, how long you expect to stay and what their expectations are of you, and possibly your family.
If You Have Children Coming With You, Talk With Them - Your parents probably have not had young children in the house for a long time - so make sure your children know what kind of appropriate behavior they should display in their grandparent’s home. Let them know that the rules they’re used to may change, and that it’s necessary in order for everyone to be happy.
Know Boundaries - Set boundaries with your parents - let them know you do not want them going through your things, and you will do the same. Find out what makes them uncomfortable, such as having someone of the opposite sex stay over, and avoid such activity.
Alter Your Behavior - If you smoke, drink, stay up until 2 a.m., are slobbish or play your music loudly, you may find you have to alter your behavior in order for everyone to live peacefully. If you have trouble curbing such behavior, perhaps you shouldn’t be moving back home.
Maintain Your Independence - Just because you’re moving back home doesn’t mean you have to give up your entire sense of self. Come and go as you please and continue to engage in your favorite activities - but be respectful of others in the house at the same time. You can still be part of a family and not feel tied down.
Pitch In - You’re living in and using your parents’ space, so pitch in. Help with chores, shopping or whatever needs to be done around the house.
Offer To Pay Rent - Your parents may say no, but it’s always nice to offer fair-market rent. If they say no, offer partial rent. If they still say no, purchase things for the house, such as food or maintenance.
Pay For What You Use - If your parents prefer dial-up and you want a broadband Internet connection, you shell out the money - not them. Pay for everything you use, such as extra electricity, utilities or food.
Don’t Overstay Your Welcome - If you say you’re going to be out in a year, try to stick to that goal. Having a child move back after years of not being home is taxing on parents, too, and their lifestyle is also altered. Of course, there are parents who don’t mind children staying home forever, so know if and when it’s time to fly the coop.
Keep Communication Open - The key to a successful parent/adult child living arrangement is constant communication. Talk about problems, issues, your relationships and more to keep things peaceful and pleasant for all parties.