Living at Home? Here's How to Make the Most of It

Moving back into your childhood bedroom probably isn’t on the bucket list for most postgrad students and career-savvy women, but with the onset of COVID, millions of Americans packed their bags and made their way home. Whether you’re working remotely from your living room or you’ve found a job in your hometown, moving back home brings its own struggles. My original post-grad plan had me living in a cozy apartment in an exciting new city, but like so many others, I’ve had to adjust to spending most of my time at the house where I grew up. Taking a few simple steps have given me a work-life balance and made a stressful time more enjoyable. If you’re in a similar situation, follow these tips to make the most of living in your childhood bedroom.

REDECORATE

I don’t know about you, but dozens of posters of childhood crushes and stacks of papers from my high school English class aren’t exactly inspiring. Whether you’re back home for a few weeks or you’ll be living there for the foreseeable future, spend a few hours on a free day turning your space into one you enjoy. There’s no need to spend tons of money on new decorations—donate unused pieces and replace old band posters with art that makes you smile. Beyond making for a better Zoom background, a newly clean and decorated room will be much more inspiring.

ESTABLISH CLEAR BOUNDARIES

If you’re used to living on your own or you rarely saw your roommates, it might be hard to adjust to having parents and siblings who pop in without notice. Communicate clear boundaries of when you’ll be unavailable if you’re working remotely. In return, ask your family for clear expectations of what you’ll contribute, whether that’s doing the dishes or paying rent.

CREATE A DEDICATED WORKSPACE

You may not be working next to your coworkers in an office building for the time being, but it’s still important to create a space specifically for work. Choose a desk in your room that’s solely for your 9-5, claim a spot at the dining room table, or set up a workspace in the basement. Having a dedicated workspace will help you maintain a sense of separation between work and everyday life.

SCHEDULE BREAKS

Too much time in one place will make anyone go stir-crazy. Instead of spending every moment in your bedroom, schedule times to walk around your neighborhood or read a book outside. These breaks will help reinforce your work-life balance and give you something to look forward to, even when each day follows the same routine.

START NEW TRADITIONS

There are unexpected perks that can come with moving back home. If you’re working from home, take advantage of the time you save on your commute, and test out a new recipe for dinner once a week, for example. Turn time with family into a happy memory by starting a new routine of group movie or game nights. Despite the stresses of moving back home, you’ll be able to find reasons to love it.