Multi-Generational Living in 2021

By, Lisa Roberts

Some families require physical separation to get along. Others, even through generations, manage to cohabit peacefully under the same roof. They even prefer it. In reality, multigenerational living has been increasingly popular in recent years, and we'll go over the whys, benefits, drawbacks, and issues below.

What is multigenerational living?

According to the US Census Bureau, Multigenerational cohabitating is a living arrangement in which more than two adult generations live under the same roof. A multigenerational lifestyle is, for example, when you and your spouse choose to live in the same house as your parents. It's also a lovely way to save money after the pandemic by selling your previous home.

 

If you have a large family that gets together nicely, consider living in a multigenerational home.

Why is it making a comeback?

According to the National Association of Realtors, the instability caused by the pandemic resulted in a 15% rise in the number of properties acquired for multigenerational households between April and June 2020. This is the most significant percentage of multigenerational houses since the National Association of Realtors began tracking the trend in 2012. This was following the Great Recession. More elderly parents are moving in with their children due to concerns about coronavirus, loneliness, and childcare demands. Multigenerational life is particularly tempting for cost savings because of income loss and wage cutbacks.

The fact that adult children are "boomeranging" and returning home plays a lesser role. According to NAR, a Pew Research Center review of census data revealed that more than half (52%) of young adults aged 18 to 29 lived at home. They aren't a major driving force of the trend of multigenerational living. This is because they most likely moved into homes that already had adequate space for them, avoiding the need for their family to acquire a new home.

Designing your multigenerational lifestyle

If a multigenerational lifestyle is something you'd consider, do it thoroughly and in detail. Consider these suggestions to make the transition safer and more comfortable for everyone.

• Compromise is key

 If an adult kid or an older parent moves in, they will undoubtedly have a lot of stuff. You may have to ask everyone to cut back a bit. This way, everyone feels equal. However, it's critical to include some of your favorite keepsakes and items into your new living arrangements.

• Separate privacy and the time you spend together

 Even if family members like spending time together, we all require our personal space. This can be a struggle in a more modern, open-plan home, where everyone gathers in a combined kitchen and living room. Older homes with smaller, purpose-built areas may be better suited to this lifestyle.

• Keep the noise down

 If you wish your multigenerational life to be successful, you need to keep to your own sometimes. Draperies installed between rooms can also help reduce noise, which can be a problem when teenagers and grandparents share a home.

• Maximize your space

 A separate apartment with its own exterior entrance might provide grandparents with a much-needed getaway from their young grandchildren. Even in single-level houses without a basement, such as those in Arizona or Florida, installing an extra bedroom and bath for an incoming relative may be possible.

If you choose to go for a multigenerational lifestyle, make sure to be considerate of others.

Speed up your moving process

Another potential problem that could arise during the planning of your multigenerational arrangement is relocation. If you're all moving into a new home at the same time, you should plan it out carefully. Speeding up your moving process as much as possible will help avoid any unnecessary conflict. It's best to collaborate with your movers during this time. Here's some advice to help you with this part of the process.

• Share one moving company

 Relocation that includes more than one family can be pretty tricky. That's why it would be best to find movers that'll be able to handle everyone's needs. 

• Be understanding

 Between purchasing a house and settling down into it, plenty of conflict-filled situations can arise. Make sure to be as understanding as possible. You're all going through the same thing.

• Avoid fraudulent movers

 Of course, none of this can be possible without a good and loyal moving company. Avoiding fraudulent movers is the most critical thing you'll do. Pairing up with sosmovingla.net is a great way to go through your moving experience as smoothly as possible.

The standard American family is reshaping

The rise in multigenerational living and home buying will almost certainly raise the average American household size. Instead of downsizing after retirement, people are filling their old homes with love and laughter. For the first time in over 160 years, the average US household size began to rise in 2018. According to a Pew analysis of census data, it fell from 5.79 people in 1790 to 2.58 people in 2010. But it increased to 2.63 people in 2018 for the first time since 1850. Adults aged 35 and up were the most affected by the trend.

Pros and cons of this lifestyle

As with anything else, the multigenerational lifestyle can have both good and bad sides.

Benefits

First, rather than having each generation suffer the cost of owning or renting a single property separately, a family who decides to live as a single household under the same roof can divide the costs. This is especially beneficial for millennials, many of whom cannot make a down payment on a property due to college debt. It's also easier to maintain a house if you have more people to share the job with.

 

A multigenerational lifestyle is a great way to save some money. 

Downsides

While there are benefits to living as an extended family unit, some drawbacks are also to consider. Multigenerational households, for example, do not have the same level of privacy as adults who live alone. Assume you're a 30-year-old grownup with children who wants to buy a house with your parents. While it may be convenient to have your entire family together at all times, you may find yourself yearning for some alone time.

Final words

Clearly, multigenerational living has its advantages, but it isn't for everyone. If it's something you're thinking about for your family, talk it over with each family member and make sure everyone is on the same page about finances, lifestyle, privacy, and other difficulties that can emerge while sharing a home. Having many generations living under one roof can be gratifying on many levels, but make sure it's the right decision for your family first.

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Meta description: Thinking about going for multigenerational living is one thing. Doing it is completely different. Here's what you need to know.