3 Ways to Prep for Multigenerational Living

The number of parents and adult children choosing to live under one roof is on the rise. Multigenerational living comes with many benefits for families, but can create some challenges. If you are considering moving in with a family member, read on for three ways you can prepare for an easier transition:

1. Start on the same page
   Before you share space, have an open talk about your expectations. Moving in with family members that you have not lived with for years is a big adjustment. Being open about privacy concerns, household chores, financial responsibilities, and family rules can get family memeber son the same page.
   Whether you are a senior moving in with adult children or an adult moving mom or dad in with you, here are some questions to discuss with your family before you move in together:
   • Which spaces are shared? Which are private?
   • Will the family member moving in pay rent, buy groceries, or contribute financially to the household?
   • Will new move-ins need access to a vehicle?
   • How will household chores be divided, including laundry, shopping, and food preparation?
   • Do we need house rules including quiet hours or curfews?
   • What is each family member hoping to gain from the new situation?
2. Check-in regularly
   Checking in regularly with your adult child or senior parent gives each person in the household a chance to voice their thoughts. Make plans to meet together to discuss what is and is not working.
   Likely, you will need to check in more at the beginning of the transition, and then less often as initial kinks get smoothed out. For example, you might want to meet together after a couple of days, then a week, then after two weeks until you are ready to only check in once a month.
   TIP FOR CHECKING IN: Although being open about what is not working is important, these conversations can be difficult. Avoid unnecessary conflict by deciding upon a meeting schedule in advance. This gives participants a chance to initially prepare for the conversation.
3. Come up with an end game
   If living together is not a permanent solution, work together to make an “exit plan” that everyone in the home understands. Plans change and you may decide to live together for more or less time, but having a blueprint fives everybody an idea of what to expect.
   In situations where aging parents move in with their adult children, it is helpful to decide what will happen if the arrangement does not work. Having a backup plan can preserve relationships when difficult circumstances arise.

Whether you are taking care of an older parent, moving into your child’s home, or sheltering your adult children, these strategies can help you navigate your multigenerational living with added success.