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Posted in Moving Preparation on November 1, 2022
Milly Andrews

Born and raised in Portland, Milly has had a lot of experience moving and writing about the relocation process.

Things You Should Know When Moving Back in With Parents After College

A lot of post-grad students find themselves considering relocating back in with family. However, for some, it’s not an easy transition. If you’re one of them, don’t worry – we got you covered! We’ll discuss some of the pros and cons of moving back in with your parents after college and give you some valuable tips on how to make the transition go as smoothly as possible. Read on to learn more!

Moving Back in With Parents After College Comes With a Lot of Benefits

After four or more years of living on your own, it can be tough to readjust to living under your parents’ roof again. But there are actually a lot of positive aspects and relocation benefits you can experience if you decide to go back to your parents’ house! Here are several good reasons to move back home:

You can save money on rent and other bills

When you graduate, it’s not only probable you’ll leave college without savings, but it’s expected you’ll be in financial debt. However, if you move back into your old room for a few months, you can save money faster than someone who is paying for their full cost of living on their own. Later, when it’s time to move out again and look for good house-hunting tips, you’ll have a financial safety net that would not have been possible if you hadn’t stayed with your parents for a while.

You'll be able to spend more time with family and friends

Depending on how far away from home you went for college, you might not have seen your family and friends very much over the last few years. Coming back home gives you a chance to reconnect with the people who matter most to you. On the other hand, it’s a safe and familiar space. When you need a place to regroup, think about your future, and make plans, safety, security, and familiarity can be very helpful.

You'll be able to help your parents - and they can help you

Once you get a white glove moving service and move back, you can help with many household tasks, such as cleaning and grocery shopping, offer to help with errands, and other daily responsibilities. In return, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite home-cooked meals. If you’re lucky, your parents might even do your laundry for you from time to time!

You can practice living in a real-world

Coming back home can give you a taste of what it will be like to be on your own as an adult. You can use this time to practice financial planning, building and keeping good credit, setting up financial accounts, looking for loans, or investing. Time spent at your parents’ house will help you figure out how to handle these complicated issues. Keep in mind – once you’re on your own, there’s a lot more pressure and a lot more at stake.

There Are Ways to Make the Transition Easier for College Graduates Moving Back Home

Healthy cohabitation between kids and parents requires effort from both parties, regardless of how close the relationship may be. No matter what, after you organize your move, it will require some getting accustomed to. Still, if you try to be proactive when you move back, the process can go more smoothly.

In order to do so, first of all, you should speak to one another as adults. When you were a high schooler, you were still a child, so it was typical for parents to act as authoritative figures and for you to challenge them. But after college, both sides must establish new lines of adult communication if the adjustment to returning home is to be successful.

Also, being explicit about what is expected of both parties can help to prevent issues. Talking about routines, guidelines, and responsibilities for both parties can be incredibly helpful. Before you start planning the move, go over how everyday life will operate. Once you accomplish this, you’ll be able to avoid many misunderstandings and disagreements.

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Set Boundaries With Parents as Soon as You Move In

Setting boundaries is important in order to establish expectations and prevent any misunderstandings down the road.

The first step is to sit down with your parents and discuss the changes in your relationship. You’re no longer a child, so you shouldn’t be treated as such. Explain that you need more independence and privacy now that you’re an adult. This will help set the tone for the rest of the conversation.

You’ll also have to establish some house rules. This includes things like quiet hours, curfews, use of common areas, and so on. It’s important to be respectful of your parents’ wishes but also make sure that your needs are being met.

A woman smiling in a graduation toga
No matter how grown up you are, your parents will always see you as their kid

Discuss the Finances

Finances are one of the most important things to consider if you plan on living with your parents once again. If you’re going to be living at home rent-free, then you need to set some guidelines about how much money you’ll be expected to contribute each month. This could include things like groceries, utilities, or even just helping out around the house.

It’s also important to talk about whether or not you’ll have access to the family credit card or bank account. Establish these guidelines before getting packing services and relocating back, so you can avoid any financial issues and disagreements down the road.

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Daily Routine Will Keep You Sane When Living With Parents After College

Building a daily routine is crucial for maintaining a positive attitude and focus as you transition from university life to living at home. You may keep motivated by doing things like working out, visiting your favorite coffee shops, and setting aside time for yourself.

Humans are creatures of habit. We like routines because they provide structure and order in our lives. When everything is up in the air, it can be very stressful. Having a routine gives us a sense of control and helps us maintain our mental health. Therefore, once you’ve established some basic rules with your parents, it’s time to focus on creating a daily routine for yourself.

Here are a few tips for staying on track after hiring a white glove moving company and relocating back in with your family:

  • Invest in a planner – this will help you keep track of what you need to do each day and stay organized.
  • Set reminders – use your phone to set reminders for yourself so that you don’t forget important tasks or appointments.
  • Get enough sleep – a good night’s sleep is essential for maintaining your sanity! Make sure you’re getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

Of course, there will be days when things don’t go according to plan, and you have to deviate from your routine. That’s perfectly normal! The important thing is not to let those occasional deviations become the new norm.

Woman reading poetry after cross-country moving
Establishing a routine can do wonders for your mental health

Respecting Your Parents Can Make the Whole Process Easier

Showing gratitude for the support your parents gave you and understanding their boundaries can go a long way in maintaining a harmonious household. This may include doing chores without being asked, communicating clearly about plans or schedules, being considerate of shared spaces, or simply saying thanks for what they do for you.

By demonstrating respect for your parents, they will likely reciprocate this behavior and create a positive living environment. This can lead to a smoother transition back home and potentially even a longer-term successful living situation. So remember to show appreciation and practice respect towards your parents after getting long-distance moving services and coming home.

Additionally, take advantage of this transitional period to get to know one another as individuals rather than just as parents and a kid.

Family gathered after long-distance moving
Relocating back with your family can be a wonderful experience

Be Aware That There Are Some Downsides to Living at Home

Relocating back to a hometown usually isn’t the first choice following graduation. However, there are occasions when it can’t be avoided, particularly if you have yet to get a job and don’t have a reliable source of income. Additionally, keep in mind that relocation during the coronavirus had oftentimes implied getting back with parents. When you need just a bit more time to get back on your feet, or your circumstances leave you no choice, living with your parents can be a perfectly reasonable decision.

Still, it doesn’t mean that hiring white glove movers and returning home won’t come without a challenge for both your parents and you. Giving up privacy is one of the biggest negatives for both sides, especially if you’re relocating to a smaller home. It can be challenging to give up some of your privacy and independence after living on your own. From their coursework and their diet to their daily schedule and mode of transportation, the graduates are accustomed to making a lot more decisions for themselves – and parents are usually not accustomed to their child’s increased independence.

It Can Complicate the Relationships You Have With Parents

The child living at home makes it more difficult for parents to make the transition from parenting to accepting their kids are fully responsible for their personal life. Keep in mind that the foundation for your new living arrangement will most likely be founded on the pre-college experience of cohabitation. Both parties have expectations based on a previous dynamic that is no longer relevant and that frequently results in misunderstandings and disputes.

Your Social Life Will Need to Change

It’s simple to be social when you move to college and start living in a dorm or renting an apartment with roommates. Making friends in a new city was easy since there is always somebody to hang out with, and you’re likely to turn into somebody you know in the hallway all the time.

Once you move, it won’t be the case – your college friends probably won’t be close by, and even if they are, things won’t be the same as they were when you were in college. Additionally, if you attended college in a big city and now you plan to move to a small town or suburb, you need to count on the change of lifestyle.

It Can Worsen Your Post-Graduate Depression

Post-graduate depression is a form of depression that can occur after completing a graduate degree. It can result from feelings of uncertainty about the future, struggle to find a job in one’s field, and difficulties adjusting to post-graduate life. It can also be exacerbated by the high pressure and intense workload that is often present during graduate school.

A recent graduate could feel like moving backward, not forward, after returning home, which can cause depression after the move. Even yet, many graduates find it challenging to maintain their motivation and focus when they return to their familiar surroundings. However, there are ways to deal with post-graduate depression. To make your move easier, take a look at the video below for tips on how to manage it:

YouTube video

Embrace the Change, and Relocation Won’t Be So Bad

All in all, it is very understandable to be apprehensive about relocating back in with your parents. However, if you focus on the positives and treat the situation as an opportunity, it won’t be so bad. Who knows? While trying to get on your feet, you might even end up enjoying living at home again. Of course, if you’re considering relocating back in with your family, place looking for white-glove moving services on your to-do list and choose long-distance movers that can help you move efficiently. It will most certainly ease the first stages of transition.

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