When adults return to their childhood homes for extended stays, the experience can prove equal parts awkward and uncomfortable. After all, your parents have had years to develop a new routine, and suddenly having a new resident in their home stands to shake up that routine in a number of ways. Furthermore, adults who have spent years living independently tend to resent having to abide by the rules of someone else’s household.
In other words, the situation is less than ideal for everyone involved. However, this isn’t to say that moving back home can’t be a tolerable – nay, pleasant – experience – provided, of course, the following tips are taken to heart.
Respect Your Parents’ Schedule
In all likelihood, your folks have their own schedules and routines – and there’s a good chance they’re different from the ones they followed when you were growing up. As such, you’ll need to be mindful of this when plotting out your schedule and going about your day. For example, if your parents typically go to bed within a certain window of time, try not to engage in any loud activities during this time. Furthermore, if you come home late at night, make as little noise as possible when coming in. Interfering with your folks’ sleep schedule can make it difficult for them to face the various challenges of the day ahead and is liable to prove incredibly irritating.
Help Out with Chores
Since your parents are doing you a tremendous favor by letting you back into their home, it’s only fair that you pull your weight whenever possible – and helping out with chores is a big part of this. So, whenever you come across a chore that has yet to be completed, make a point of stepping in. Additionally, take care to keep your room clean and avoid leaving messes in other parts of the residence.
Even if you didn’t do many chores growing up, it’s a different ballgame now that you’re an adult. Although your folks have welcomed you home, your time back shouldn’t be regarded as a vacation. Given how much money you stand to save by living at home, regularly helping out with chores is a very small price to pay.
Contribute Financially Whenever You Can
While saving money is likely your primary aim in moving back home, you should still make financial contributions to the household whenever circumstances allow it – especially if your presence places a financial strain on your parents. For example, if you’re able to comfortably afford it, try to pay a little bit of rent every month. Similarly, if your parents need help covering certain bills, consider offering up some funds.
However, if you’re unable to afford either of these or your parents simply won’t accept money from you, there are other ways you can contribute. For instance, purchasing groceries and/or treating your folks to takeout on occasion are fantastic ways to show your appreciation.
Build up Your Savings
If your primary aim in living at home is saving enough money to afford your own place, you’d do well to make bolstering your savings a top priority. You can do this by putting away as much of your monthly income as possible. In an effort to conserve your finances, try to make dining out and partying with friends occasional indulgences instead of activities you engage in regularly.
You can also bolster your savings by making smart investments. This isn’t to say you should sink a substantial portion of your savings into the market, but having a few reliable investments under your belt can provide a little bit of extra income every month. Additionally, if you’re thinking about the future, you may want to consider making some lasting investments – like precious metals. For example, getting a 100 oz silver bar can ensure that you have a valuable item on hand for when things get tough.
Moving back into your parents’ house as an adult can be a trying situation for both you and them. Although most parents would never turn their children away in times of great need, it’s hard to deny that an adult child’s presence in an empty nest stands to shake up the new routine one’s folks have established in their absence. Anyone looking to take the stress out of moving back home will be well-served by the pointers discussed above.