7 Tips for Former Students Moving Back in With Parents After College

The prospect of gaining financial security, paying off your student loans, or saving up for your own place are the main reasons why so many recent college graduates are moving back home. According to the US Census Bureau, 58% of young adults are in this situation, so we’ve compiled the pros and cons as well as tips on how to navigate the whole process.

Moving Back in With Parents After College Is a Great Way to Make and Set Aside More Money

If you’ve recently graduated, you’re probably wondering – Should you move back home after college? Is it normal to feel lost after college? It’s actually becoming very common, and most young adults are going through this transformative period. Starting your career and gaining independence is no piece of cake, so it’s completely normal to feel a bit lost in it all.

Not having to stress over how pricey renting a place can be and being able to have savings on the side are the biggest benefits for college grads living at home. Of course, you will need to contribute to the family household one way or another, but you won’t have to think about making ends meet. This can provide you with the necessary security during the process of working on yourself and your career path.

It’s a Great Way to Save Money or Pay Off Your Student Loans

With no large expenses to stress over, saving money will come easily, especially if you get a job before you move back home. Maybe you want to save up and invest in a car or a house or start building a financially secure life by paying off your student loans as soon as possible and making a clean slate.

#1 Give Yourself Time to Adjust to Your Childhood Home Environment

Sure, you’re living in your old childhood home, but now you’re not a kid anymore, and the circumstances are completely different. You’ve had the taste of independence and developed a routine that works for you, so it can be very difficult to adapt to the old environment again. But if you’re prepared for it, finding yourself on the doorstep of your old house doesn’t have to be the end of the world.

Moving out for the first time can be hard, but transitioning from living on your own during school to living with parents after college can be equally as difficult. If you’ve made this decision, you’re probably wondering – how do I adjust to my home after college? The key to coping with this change is to keep a steady routine and give yourself a month or two to adapt without rushing and forcing the process.

The Emotional Effects of Moving Back in With Parents After College Depend on How You Approach the New Circumstances

There are plenty of reasons for moving cross-country back into your parent’s residence. No matter the reason, you’ll quickly realize that it’s a huge change and that getting used to it can be a difficult process with lots of ups and downs. You might experience depression after relocating or even adjustment insomnia. Getting used to things such as compromising your privacy and independence is something that can bring out a lot of negative feelings.

Going back to your childhood home can feel like you’re taking a step back when you’re in your twenties. But you can look at it from a different perspective and see it as sacrificing the present moment to prepare for the future you’ve always wanted. So, with the right mindset and motivation, you can turn this whole thing around and create a positive experience. That’s why it’s important to have your eyes set on future goals and steadily work towards reaching them.

#2 Make Adjusting Easier by Keeping a Positive Outlook on Your Situation

Starting with the relocations during the coronavirus, post-grads going back to their childhood home has become very common. It’s completely normal, and you definitely shouldn’t feel ashamed if you decide that this is the best option for you at this moment. But no matter how you feel about it, it can still be a challenge to adapt to the old environment with a brand-new mindset.

It might be nice to feed into your nostalgic feelings for a while, but it will probably get depressing really soon. That’s why it’s important to have a positive attitude about the whole ordeal and see it as a perfect opportunity to grow as a person and work on your future career. Paying off your student loans and starting your adult life debt-free can also be a good motivator. Keep reminding yourself of these benefits and goals so you can keep a positive outlook on your situation and know what you’re working towards.

#3 Set up a Routine and Focus On Your Goals

Keeping a steady routine is a great way to stay busy and motivated during this process. It will keep you busy and productive, and it’s a great way to avoid going back to your childhood habits and then feeling like you’re taking a step back in your life. You can also take up a new activity or a hobby you’ve always wanted to try out. It’s a great way to stay physically active or reconnect with family and old friends if they decide to join you.

If you’re relocating without a job, it’s the perfect moment to start searching for your dream job. But keep in mind that it will probably take a while, so it might be a good idea to find temporary work in the meantime. It’s also a good idea to redecorate your old childhood bedroom, as this will allow you to start with a fresh mindset. Get rid of stuff you no longer need and maybe donate them to charities such as the Salvation Army.

Take Care of Your Mental Health and Reconnect With Your Loved Ones

Having a solid plan, looking after your physical and mental health, and connecting with family and old friends will surely be helpful for staying on top of your game. Create a list of goals to keep yourself motivated, and maybe even set a flexible date for when you want to achieve them.

You can think about relocating to a big city, as well as getting a job when you get there. Even write a new apartment checklist if it helps your motivation. It’s all about creating your plan for the future and becoming the best version of yourself.

#4 Work on Building a Solid Relationship With Your Parents – Communication Is Key

Now that we’ve discussed how you can stay focused if you find yourself moving across the country to your old place, let’s talk about how you can create the best possible atmosphere for everyone involved. It’s a big change not only for you but for the members of your family as well. Everyone’s routines have changed, and it may be hard for them to understand that you’re no longer a teenager.

It’s an emotionally overwhelming experience, and it can begin before you even start planning your move back. That’s why it’s important to talk to your parents thoroughly about your decision before you go ahead and hire your long-distance movers and book all the packing services you may need.

Explain How Living Together Again Can Be a Great Idea for Everyone Involved

It’s possible that they might not understand your decision at first. That’s why you should explain why this is the best option for you at this moment. Talk to them about your goals as clearly as possible and let them know they’re a big part of you accomplishing your dreams. That’s something no parent can take lightly.

It’s a good idea to also talk about what you can do to help each other once you’re under the same roof – this will set a solid foundation for your communication to be constructive. Talk about how you can build a good relationship that goes both ways.

#5 Set Boundaries and Household Rules So You Don’t Feel Like a Kid Again

Once you’re back to your old place, it will be very easy to revert back to childhood habits because the members of your family might start treating you like you’re 16 again. On your end, it might be difficult to adjust to not being able to come in and out as you please or having friends over whenever you want. That’s why it’s important to set clear rules and boundaries from the very beginning.

For this to work, you should be considerate of everyone’s expectations and try to build an overall positive atmosphere. Communicating actively as adults, setting clear boundaries, and finding common ground will help create a healthy relationship with the people you now share a place with. Additionally, this healthy relationship will provide you with the security you need to keep yourself mentally strong and productive.

Sticking to the Agreed Rules Is the Number One Tip for Making It Work

Even if they don’t want to bother you with the household chores, it’s a good idea to establish what responsibilities you will have around the house. Talk about who does what and stick to the agreed rules from the beginning. Talking about things such as quiet hours and curfews is important for making this situation comfortable for everyone.

#6 Paying For Certain Household Expenses Can Make You Feel More Independent

While you’re setting the rules and boundaries, it’s important to also talk about the financial responsibilities you can take upon yourself. Depending on your parent’s expectations, you will be responsible for certain costs, and they might even set aside the money you give them for when you move out. It’s a great way to build up a relocation budget so you have it ready when you decide to move to a new city alone.

Even if they don’t expect you to help financially, it can make you feel like an independent adult and also motivate you to find a job. There are numerous ways you can help out:

• Pay for rent,
• Pay for the utilities,
• Take care of the groceries,
• Add to the family savings.

#7 Reconnect With Your Old Friends or Make Some New Ones While You’re at It

One of the reasons why you might be dreading this change is the fact that most of your friends you met in school are likely far away now. If going back to your old place means relocating to a small town, life can get boring pretty fast.

Besides building a healthy relationship with the people in your household, you should think about reconnecting with your old friends from high school to make things more interesting. It’s usually a very nice experience, and it might get you to try some new activities and even make new friends in the process. If you need some ideas, check out this video for advice on reconnecting with old friends:

It’s Time to Call Cross-Country Movers and Focus On Building Your Future

When you’ve made the decision to move back, the most important relocation hack you should know is that good organization is the key to an efficient move. Create a comprehensive relocation to-do list and a household inventory in advance, and think about the special cross-country moving services you may require.

If you’re looking forward to a stress-free move, booking a reputable company will provide you with the professional assistance you require. Once you’ve got this covered, long-distance moving back to your childhood place will not seem like such a dreadful option. Who knows, maybe you’ll even come around to enjoy the experience!