Moving Back Home After Your Parents Have Downsized

Do You Need to Declutter?

If your parents had decided to remain in your childhood home, it's likely that you wouldn't need to ask this question. But a recent downsize to a much smaller apartment or house means your parents might not have the space to store everything you own.

When you discuss the move back home with your parents, ask about:

• Your living area. Which room will you stay in after you move back home — and what is the approximate square footage? Will you have your own space or will you need to turn your parents' family room or home office into a make-shift bedroom? If you won't have a sizable space, you may need to leave some of your stuff behind.
• The storage space. Even though your parents' new condo is significantly smaller than their former family home, you may not have to declutter or leave behind most of what you currently own. On-site storage is an option that allows you to keep everything during this move.
• Items your parents may have. Duplicate items can crowd your parents' smaller-sized home. If they already have a bed and dresser for your new room, you won't need to bring your own furniture.

What should you do with anything you declutter? You don't need to throw away perfectly usable items. Instead of adding them to the garbage can, you can sell or donate declutter picks. If you think you might use these items again, and your parents don't have on-site storage available, consider a self-storage unit rental. You can stash everything in the rental until you're ready to move out on your own again.

When Can You Move In?

Now that you know what you can (and can't) bring with you, it's time to take the next step and schedule a move-in date. The decision of when to move in depends on a few factors. These include:

• Your parents' schedule. Is it easier to move in on a day (or at a time) when your parents aren't home? If you need extra breathing room or space for your move, look for a day when mom and dad have something else to do.
• The extra help. Do you need your parents' help for this move? If your parents are willing and able to help with anything from organizational tasks to unpacking, choose a date and time that's convenient for them.
• The movers' availability. Professional overs can make this transition easier for everyone involved. If you can't carry heavy boxes yourself, have furniture to move, or just want to streamline this process, hire a contractor. The sooner you schedule your move, the more availability the contractor may have.
• Rules or regulations. Do your parents belong to a homeowner's, condo, or similar association? These types of associations and organizations may have rules that govern when tenants or residents can and can't move into the building.

After you pick a move-in date and schedule a moving service with a reputable contractor, you can start to pack everything left over from your decluttering session. Place smaller items into cardboard boxes or plastic storage bins. Make sure that your parents have extra space to store reusable plastic moving bins before you choose packing containers.

Do you need help with your next move? Contact Helping Hands Movers for more information.