[Updated article; original publish date 6/7/23]

What to consider before moving into a multigenerational household

While nearly one-third of adults living in a multigenerational household² feel positive about their arrangement, there’s a lot to think about before you make this major life decision. Take time to think through the details, such as how long you expect to live together, what the living setup will look like, if finances will be shared, and who handles responsibilities for daily life or caregiving. Having conversations about expectations and family dynamics can also help everyone set healthy boundaries and support a smoother experience.

1 How long will you live together?

One of the first conversations to have is about how long you plan to stay. Is it a temporary situation while you recover from an illness or a permanent arrangement? Be open and honest with yourself and your kids. The length of time together affects the other decisions you need to make.

2 What are the living arrangements?

If the situation is temporary, moving into a room in your child’s current home may make the most sense. Long-term arrangements generally require more consideration and planning:

• Is there enough room for everyone so each person has space that feels like their own?
• Will you have privacy?
• Are renovations necessary, such as simple safety fixes like grab bars in the shower or bigger projects like adding a bedroom? 
• Would a new home with more space, an in-law apartment, or a guesthouse make more sense?

3 How are finances managed?

Talking about money is a key part of sharing a home. Even when your goal is to save money, some costs, such as groceries and utilities, may go up, so it helps to agree in advance on how expenses are handled. Will you each contribute a percentage to household bills or split costs, such as one person paying the mortgage and the other covering monthly expenses?

While these conversations can feel uncomfortable, setting clear expectations up front can help prevent tension later. Be sure to keep a personal budget, too. You’ll still have your own spending and savings priorities, such as clothing or retirement, that won’t involve your child. And since shared living can create tax or estate planning considerations, you may want to consult a tax professional or attorney about your specific situation.

4 What are the ground rules?

Having a few ground rules in place can help set expectations and protect your relationship.

• How often are you willing to help with your grandchildren?
• Do you need help getting to doctor appointments or running errands?
• Who's responsible for chores and yardwork? 
• Will you eat dinner together? How often? Who will cook?

Once you agree on the basics, write down your ground rules and schedule monthly family meetings to check in so things run smoothly.

5 How do you navigate family dynamics?

Family relationships can be complicated, and living together adds a layer of complexity. With everyone under one roof, you must make a conscious effort not to slip back into parent mode—offering advice about housekeeping or parenting unless it’s asked for, even if you’d do things differently. Clear boundaries and mutual respect are key to making this arrangement work.

If you have more than one child, be sure to include everyone in the conversation about where you’ll live. Keeping all your children involved can help prevent hurt feelings or misunderstandings about why you chose one household over another.

Are you ready to live with your child—again?

With proper planning and open communication, living with your adult children can be a positive and rewarding experience. More than half of adults living in a multigenerational household feel positive about their living arrangement. But it’s not for everyone, so make sure you give it careful consideration—before you call the moving van.

1 Historical Living Arrangements of Adults, United States Census Bureau, December 2025. 2 Financial Issues Top the List of Reasons U.S. Adults Live in Multigenerational Homes, Pew Research Center, March 2022.