Did you know that almost half of young millennials consider continuing to live with their parents after graduating from college? If you are among those wondering should I move back home, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Besides, there are some advantages to living under your parents’ roof that you simply wouldn’t get to enjoy on your own.
Today, millennials have become pragmatists. Since the rent is too pricey and student loan debt is the primary culprit for delaying some crucial life decisions, the generation has been eroding the stigma about moving back in with parents or grandparents.
Whatever your reasons to move back to your childhood home are, you need to know that every change is difficult. You’re moving away from friends, from your habits, and familiar surroundings. Maybe you’re moving from an apartment to a house after several years, which can drive you crazy. That’s why you should learn how to make this transition successful, no matter your age or circumstances. And yes, there are two sides to every story, so we’ll show you the advantages and disadvantages of your future sharing your living space with mom and dad. Keep reading and find the answer to the question of Should I move in with my parents?
Wondering Should I Move Back Home to My Parents’ House? Here Are the Main Reasons Why You Should Do It
College used to be a turning point in every student’s life. It was a special moment when children spread their wings and start on their own. The famous Boomerang Generation showed that it might not be the case. People between 26 to 40 move back in with their family for several reasons:
- Saving money for your house, or other need (ages: 20-25)
- Unemployment (25-40)
- Divorce or romantic breakup (26-39)
- To take care of parents (40+)
According to some research, only 8% of 25-to 35-year-olds lived with mom and dad in 1964. Today that percentage is higher than 15% among the millennials. Financial reasons, student loan debts mainly, are the main driving force behind people returning home. Today, student loan debt in the United States is the second-highest consumer debt category, after mortgage debt. What is even more fascinating, it is higher than both credit card and auto loans. Nowadays, when remote work can be done anywhere, the tendency to return to the parent nest is more evident than ever before.
Should I Move Back Home to Save Money
Like it or not, being with your folks will help you avoid paying rent, and you’ll be able to save money. If you’re lucky, your mom and dad will let you live with them for free or for a discounted rent, which is an excellent opportunity to save a buck. Before you move, it’s advisable to discuss how the finances will work. Even if your parents refuse to take your money, you should contribute to the household expenses (as much as you can) while still saving for long-term goals. This way, you’ll feel much better knowing they can lean on you for some financial support.
Of course, if you’re out of a job and need to pay off your debts or you’ve just graduated, living in your childhood room could be your best bet. It is good to remind yourself that this situation won’t last forever.
The Biggest Pro: Saving Money – But Don’t Forget Other Advantages of Moving Back
Piling up savings is definitely the most popular reason to come back to your family as an adult. Still, it’s not the only one. Your folks, dealing with vulnerable ages, might have medical problems or chronic diseases. Or even worse, due to the economic crisis, they might have lost their jobs. Unable to work online, they need financial and moral support. In the longer run, this might be a win-win situation – you’ll get a room, meals, and clean clothes for free, with the opportunity to save some extra cash. At the same time, your folks will enjoy having their children a little closer, sharing the financial burden, and having someone take care of them.
That being said, breaking out of your comfort zone will bring you plenty of advantages. If you’re nervous about what your friends will say, don’t be, because others are too busy with their own worries. The return to your hometown is nothing more than just one more chapter in your life that will help you grow and overcome your troubles and fears. The best thing is that you’ll be surrounded by those who love you unconditionally, and that is the key factor in healing your wounds.
Pay Off Student Loans, Improve Your Credit, or Save to Buy a House
Being with your folks doesn’t mean you’ll save on rent only. You won’t worry about utilities, bills, and groceries, meaning you can afford some petty pleasures occasionally. If you wisely save and improve your credit, residing with your family will give you the advantage of financial success. For those millennials who spend their entire budget on mortgage or rent, this isn’t possible.
This situation gives you time to realize what kind of job you would like to do and what salary you would be happy with. Having a safe place where you can do things and work, not because of the money but because of your goals and happiness, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So, use it diligently, save your money, and set your goals. Who knows what might happen in a few months or a year or two.
You Don't Have to Worry About Chores, and Your Health Can Improve
Doing your laundry, vacuuming, dusting – you name it. When living alone or with a roommate, you share these chores. Now, there is a big chance that your folks will do most of it for you. Still, show them that you’re an adult now – keep your room and things tidy, prepare lunch or dinner, and go grocery shopping sometimes. Your family will be grateful, and you’ll feel useful.
Another advantage of being with someone who cares about you and your health is eating fresh, tasty, and home-cooked meals every day. With student obligations, that just wasn’t possible, and your eating habits were likely focused on fast food and irregular meals. Now, you’ll realize how powerful an impact healthy food has on your mental and physical condition. And who knows, maybe the kitchen and stove will become one of your favorite places in the house.
If You Have Kids, Your Parents Can Babysit
Although millennials are yet to reach the divorce stage in their lives in larger numbers, it does happen. Separating from your spouse is considered one of the most stressful events in life. Things can get even more complicated when there are children involved. Anxiety occupies each fraction of your body, and you’re looking for care, love, and compassion. That’s why moving back to your mum and dad can be the right step for both you and your children. Your mother and father can pick your kiddos from school, feed them, or just spend some time with them – they will become your superheroes.
You Can Help Your Parents, and They Can Take Care of You
The truth is that your folks aren’t young anymore. They’re not as vital as they used to be and tend to spend more time relaxing or doing some simpler tasks. Chronic diseases and weaker immunity are the companions of older people, and you may not even notice that your mom and dad are old, until they get sick. And when they do, you’ll be there for them and be able to repay for all the good things they’ve done for you. That possibility of giving and receiving love and care will affect your relationship so that you’ll become even closer to each other.
It's an Excellent Opportunity to Create Strong Bonds With Your Mom and Dad
Your mother and father knew all your quirks and moods when you were a kid. Now is an excellent opportunity to let them get to know you again as an adult. Also, your folks are different than they used to be ten or 15 years ago, so make sure to find out who they are actually. Spending time with them, now as a grown-up, sharing worries, and helping each other could give your relationship a new dimension and weight.
Know the Real Con: Their House – Their Rules
Say goodbye to your private space, parties, or drinks after work. Sharing the same roof with your mom and dad means facing different lifestyles, unfamiliar habits, and lack of some activities that were understandable before. Keep in mind that the generation gap is about much more than “live and let live.” Nothing will be the same, but the good thing is that it won’t last forever. And after all, you’ll survive.
Your Privacy? What Was That?
Living on your own is living by your principles with plenty of freedom. Because you don’t have your own space and occupy theirs, don’t expect to sleep until noon and walk out of bed in your underwear. Some other habits like drinking milk from the carton or playing music at odd hours won’t be allowed. Simply put, you’ll turn over a new leaf and live by your parents’ rules.
Be Prepared to Get Unsolicited Advice About Your Life
The common thing to all older generations, especially moms and dads, is sticking their noses where they don’t belong. And your lifestyle is perfect for all kinds of advice and judgment – from what you wear and eat, to where you go out and who you see.
Conflict of Opinions Is Inevitable
Spending every day with your folks will highlight the differences between you. You’ll realize that they have their own opinions about the economy, politics, healthy food, and even trivial household issues. Be prepared for smaller and bigger discussions, but keep in mind that arguing with them can just make the whole situation worse. So, stick with compromises and go with the tide.
You'll Be Always a Child to Your Parents, and There's Nothing You Can Do About It
Do you remember all the sweet nicknames you had when you were little? Don’t be surprised if they continue, no matter your age. It might be a challenge to stay calm when this starts, but try to understand. You live in the same room you lived in when you were only five or eight, and they can’t resist their parental instinct. The best solution is to accept that as long as you live together.
This Isn't Their Idea of an Ideal Situation Either
Stepping into your folks’ world might be an ideal trigger for your fears, doubts, and reconsiderations. You might even start feeling like a failure because you had to return, and now, to go on, you need to take two steps forward, one step back. But remember that there are two sides to every coin. Try to put yourself in your parents’ shoes, and you’ll realize that you’re not the only one whose day-to-day has radically changed. They sacrifice their peace and lifestyle to give you a chance to get things in order and move on.
Moving Back Home Might Be Healthier Than You Imagine
Many will tell you that the hardest part of each relocation is to hire professional movers, arrange an auto shipping service, pack your belongings while wondering where to get free moving boxes and dealing with moving stress. Still, the hardest part is to pull yourself together and start from scratch, especially when your world is falling apart, and there’s nothing you can do except to go back to your hometown.
Even though this might look like a return to the past, you’ll see that nothing remained the same. Your folks have changed, as well as the surroundings, some unfamiliar faces came, new restaurants and markets opened, and finally, you’re not the same person anymore. You’ll definitely be getting out of your comfort zone, and although it might be painful, it can help in many ways:
- There’s no better way to grow
- You’ll probably discover something you love
- New experiences rewire your brain making it stronger, healthier, and more adaptable
- You will boost your confidence
- As your comfort zone expands, you’ll see new opportunities
- It could change your life by opening some doors you never knew exist
So, if you’re still wondering, Should I move back home, you can stop now. Accept this as a chance to reconsider your wishes and goals, and meet your parents all over again. You can discover a whole new world.
Eva Johnson
Digital nomad born in New York but currently living online, Eva knows everything there is to know about packing and moving.
