How to Move Back in with Mom and Dad

The real estate market is tough right now and many young adults just out of college are having a hard time affording a place of their own and are moving back in with mom and dad. It's a situation that's hard for both parents and these displaced young adults. So what do you do if you find yourself in this situation? Here is a simple guide to moving and living back home with your mom and dad.

Yes, you are an adult. Yes, you lived on your own at college for four years. And yes, it's still your parent's house with rules. But those rules don't have to be the same as they were when you were a child. Work out new rules with your parents so that you can both respect each others privacy and living situation. You may be able to come and go as you please and there may no longer be a curfew, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't show respect to your parents who are giving you the opportunity to get financially sound by living with them so that you can go out on your own at some point. That means that if you go out late at night don't come banging in at 3AM drunk and noisy. Remember, you are a young professional now regardless that you're living at home. Act like a young professional.

Don't expect your mother to do your laundry or cooking. Your mother might try to do these things and chances are she's excited that you're back home and she gets to be a mom to you again. Don't take advantage of it. One thing you can do is set up an agreement where you alternate laundry and cooking which will help ease the chores on both you and your mom. This goes with grocery shopping too. If you're going to the store, call your parents and see if they need anything. It's a nice gesture that shows appreciation to your folks.

Don't feel bad that you're living back home. There's no longer a stigma attached to it since so many people of varying ages are moving back in with their parents because of the economy. Some extended family homes not only have adult children living with their parents but also the adult children's children. If you work out agreements of what to expect from the start, then you'll find having to move back home temporarily will be an experience you and your parents can treasure.