1Expectations when Moving in with Your Parents

Before you move in with your parents you need to discuss with them the expectations that you have of this big move back home as well as the expectations that they have for you and the time that you will be living in their home again. Do you have a set financial goal in mind? Are you simply looking to save money in the long-run by avoiding the need to pay rent for the next year or two? Do you have a set move-out date in mind? Or are you moving in with your parents as a long-term solution to their declining health and the need that both of you have to cut your living expenses where it is possible? Be absolutely certain that all parties involved understand what expectations are being set into place and whether or not they are realistic.

2The Matter of Money

There is no greater cause of argument within even the closest family members than matters related to money. Even if it is understood that you will be moving in with your parents in an effort to save money, it is absolutely vital that you work out how the household finances are going to be handled. Before you even hire a moving van you need to sit down with your parents and work out the best answers to the following:

• Will Rent Be Paid
  Will you be paying your parents a fair amount every month in rent? If they are also struggling financially then helping them out by means of reducing the stress of holding up the mortgage on their own can make a world of difference. Find out what your parents require by way of rental compensation and be sure that it will fit neatly into your budget. By establishing this important issue upfront, you will be able to avoid a great many arguments over the course of your sharing a living space.
  
  In the event that you fall short financially one month, work out what arrangements will be made until you are able to bring your account with your parents current. Perhaps you could set up a small escrow-type account that you could deposit a small amount of money into each month so that you will have a source of back-up funds should it become necessary.


• The Division of Utilities
  There are no two ways about it, when additional people move into a home the utility bill will go up. Whether from an increase in the consumption of water or from an adjustment in the household thermostat, it is a good idea to work out the division of the utility bill with your parents so that they are not stuck with a massive electricity bill every month. Consider a 50/50 split of the bill so that you are each paying your way.


• The Grocery Bill
  Will you be contributing to the household grocery bill? It hardly seems fair for your parents to foot the bill for the groceries that you will be using when you live with them. Consider working out a household meal plan and then splitting the cost of the groceries every month in an even and fair manner. If you, your partner, and your children will be moving in with your parents then it is absolutely important that you do your part to pay for the groceries that your family consumes. Don’t leave your parents feeling resentful every time that you pour a glass of milk or eat a bowl of cereal.

3Household Responsibilities

One of the perks to visiting your parents for a weekend, or short vacation, is to have mom bake her famous toffee crunch brownies or have dad change the oil in your car for you. However, if you are moving in with your parents again then you certainly cannot expect to be treated in the same manner as you would if you were simply paying them a visit. There needs to be a fair and even division of the household duties so that every person in the household is pulling their own weight and doing their part towards the smooth operation of the home.

• House Repair
  Moving in with your parents can be of great benefit to them if they are older and less mobile as it will allow them to have the extra pair of hands to pick up on the household chores that perhaps have been neglected in recent years. Perhaps the flowerbeds need to be weeded or the gutters need to be cleaned out? Perhaps you can encourage your dad to cancel the lawn service so that you can pick up the slack and do all of the yard work – this will not only allow your parents to save a few extra dollars every month, but it will give you the opportunity to make yourself useful around the house.


• Cleaning Chores
  You cannot expect to have your parents pick up after you or do your laundry for you; after all, you are an adult and you are perfectly capable of making your own bed, cleaning your own bathroom, and of doing your own laundry. Work out, prior to moving in, what cleaning chores you will be taking over once you have moved in. This can help you to save a significant amount of sighing and general upset on the part of your parents who may feel as though you are taking advantage of their generosity.


• Cooking And Kitchen Cleaning
  While you may love the way that your mom cooks, it isn’t fair to expect her to cook dinner for you every single night. Discuss the idea of a cooking and cleaning chart that will assign a day of the week to each person in the household to prepare meals and make sure that the kitchen is kept spic and span.

Moving in with your parents can be an excellent method of cutting costs, just be absolutely sure that moving in with them will not be putting either of you at risk for further financial stress. Do your part to ensure that once again living with your parents is a positive experience that will not only help everyone involved to save a significant amount of money but that it is an experience that will bring your family closer!