I know for many twenty-somethings moving back into your family home, if you were lucky enough to afford to move out in the first place, is very common. For me I spent three years at university, coming home for a few weeks in summer only. I was lucky enough to get a paid internship after university, which allowed me to move out again. I became accustomed to living independently and enjoyed it, from decorating to cleaning! However, with the recent pandemic I have had to move back to my family home as my internship is ending and I don't have another job lined up. Although I have been happy to move back in so I wasn't alone in a studio for months, as my contract has come to an end this month it really hit me that I am moving back until I don't know when, something I haven't done since I was 18. I can't change the situation, so instead I have focused on how I can best adapt to my new life to enjoy this chapter. I thought I'd share how I've managed to do things for those in a similar situation.
1) Acceptance
Society prides those able to move out young but it is not always that easy. When I think about it most of my friends, younger colleagues and course mates now live with their parents. I think it is important not to see moving back as a step back but an element of your journey.
2) Clean and organise your space
As I mentioned this is the first time I've been home since school, so my room is mismatched with random stuff from way back when. This made me feel unsettled and out of place. The best way to deal with this has been sorting out all of my belonging and cleaning my room. It helps make the space feel new and you know exactly where everything is.
3) Find ways to socialise again
The way we communicate with our parents changes as we get older, which is why I think it is important to think of ways to re-connect. The best way to feel comfortable at home is to enjoy who you live with, which I know isn't always the easiest. After all you can't pick your family. Little ways I have been socialising with my mum is finding a show to watch together for an hour in the evenings and cooking meals together. It don't take up much of my time but it shows her that I appreciate her and want to spend time together. I think it is important to make sure your parents know you aren't there just because you can be, make them feel appreciated.
4) Work on yourself
Although living with your parents in your 20's is common, it does not give you an excuse to act as you many have done as a teenager. Don't stay in bed all day, instead get into a positive daily routine. This will show your parents that you are committed to the next stage of your life. Whether that be getting a job or developing a new skill. By doing this you will not only feel more fulfilled in yourself but it will prevent those 'what are you doing, where are you going' arguments. My blog on how to create a perfect morning routine will be up soon!
I hope my experience has offered you some support. Have you got any more advice on dealing with moving back in with your family? Leave a comment below.
Until next time,
M x
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