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Advice for Living in a Multi-Generational Home

Multigenerational Renters Making Food at Home Together Whether you have young adult children still trying to afford an apartment or older parents on a fixed income, multi-generational living is a typical situation for many Portland renters. Indeed, the number of multi-generational households in the United States is going up. According to the Pew Research Center, one in five Americans currently live in multi-generational homes, a number that has grown significantly in the last few decades. Even though there are multiple advantages to different generations of family members sharing a home, some challenges can make it stressful once in a while. The following are some effective tips you may employ now to help keep things working well for everyone.

Communication is Key

Sharing a house can mean a lot more time together. But it can also result in little everyday annoyances that can breed resentment if left unaddressed. Whether you’re living with parents, adult children, or both, it’s important to communicate frequently and clearly with each member of the household. Try to avoid passive-aggressive “hints” or tactics – they rarely work. Instead, opt for having frank discussions about boundaries, personal habits, schedules, and anything else that will affect the entire family. It may feel unpleasant at the start, but the more you communicate, the better off everyone will be in the long run.

Define Responsibilities

Even though combining households can help everyone save money, it’s still crucial to discuss who’s responsible for the cost and work of keeping up the home with your family members. To make a multi-generational household work, you have to clearly define who is responsible for what. For instance, everyone in the family should know who will pay for what and how much. The same principle uses for cleaning and maintenance of the home. Every member should have assigned responsibilities and tasks that help contribute to the smooth operation of the house. Try implementing this list from AARP to ensure you’ve covered all the important topics. A daily living will be much more enjoyable for all family members when everybody has a clearly defined role and set of responsibilities.

Protect Privacy

Living together in a house may make it difficult for everyone to have enough privacy and personal space. However, these factors are a vital part of long-term happiness. Regardless of what size your current living situation may be, you must do what you can to ensure that each family member has a way to create and enjoy a bit of private space. Even in shared rooms, you can hang curtains or use other dividers to give additional privacy, if desired. Then, if things get too crowded, find time to get out of the house and do whatever you like. Push your family members to do the same. A little time away may do great for a tense situation.

Set Realistic Expectations

While you may love your parents and adult children, it is likely that it will take time and a great deal of patience to make a living together with a pleasant experience for one and all. Families can grow together if given the support and compassion each person desires. It is advisable not to dwell on small irritations, and alternatively, celebrate the little victories and good things about having your family under one roof. You can gradually improve your communication and peaceful coexistence, making your multi-generational home a comfortable place to live.

 

If your present rental home is too small for your multi-generational family, it may be a great opportunity to trade up! Contact Real Property Management Assurance to see what our professional Portland property managers have to give, or check our listings online.

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