Full(er) house: How to make multigenerational living work for you

Why multigenerational living is increasing

Although common throughout modern history and into the early 1950s, the U.S. began to see a decline in multigenerational living as the 1960s approached, a trend that continued into the ‘90s.

In recent years, however, we’ve seen record numbers of cohabitation among family members of different generations. In March 2021, there were 59.7 million U.S. residents who lived with multiple generations under one roof, compared with 58.4 million in 2019.^[1]

There are several explanations for the uptick.

• Increasing numbers of twenty-somethings are moving “back home” after experiencing the difficulty of staying financially afloat on an entry level wage once their student loan payments kick in.
• Older Americans are living longer and stretching fixed incomes further amid increasing healthcare costs.
• Moving in with adult children offers an opportunity to stay active, combat feelings of isolation common in seniors and make the most of their Social Security checks.

Benefits of multigenerational living

The trend toward multigenerational living isn’t likely to slow down anytime soon. Here are some key benefits:

• Enhanced family bonds: Living together allows family members to spend more time with each other, fostering stronger relationships and creating lasting memories.
• Shared responsibilities: Household chores, childcare and eldercare can be distributed among multiple family members, reducing the burden on any one person.
• Financial savings: Sharing housing expenses, such as rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance and groceries, can lead to significant cost savings for all family members.
• Support system: With multiple generations living together, there's always someone available to provide emotional, physical, or practical support when needed.
• Cultural continuity: Multigenerational living helps preserve cultural traditions, languages and values by allowing younger generations to learn directly from their elders.
• Safety and security: Having more people in the household can increase the sense of security and provide immediate assistance in case of emergencies.

Multigenerational living can offer a harmonious blend of financial, emotional and practical benefits, enhancing the quality of life for all family members involved.

Unfortunately, more doesn’t always make for merrier. More people in a house means more mess, more demand for the bathroom in the morning and potentially more shouting about who ate whose leftovers. If you currently live in a multigenerational household, or are thinking about making the change, here are five tips for making it work for everyone.

Tips for making a multigenerational home work

Unfortunately, more doesn’t always make for merrier. More people in a house means more mess, more demand for the bathroom in the morning and potentially more shouting about who ate whose leftovers. If you currently live in a multigenerational household, or are thinking about making the change, here are five tips for making it work for everyone.

1. Prioritize communication
Communicate frequently and clearly. Annoyed by your mother’s unsolicited parenting advice? Want to scream when Grandpa leaves the toilet seat up every time he shuffles out of the bathroom? Talk about it. Be honest and kind, but address the issue directly and respectfully. Small annoyances grow into big resentments when left buried. Ditch the passive aggression for a frank discussion. It may take more time and emotional effort, but it will pay off in the long run for everyone.

2. Define responsibilities
Be clear about everyone’s responsibilities at the outset. Combining households can bring significant financial savings for everyone, but you still need to have clear, candid conversations about money: Discuss who pays for what, and how much. Some goes for unpaid labor around the house; talk about who cleans what, and on which days. Talk frankly about who babysits whom, and when. When expectations are clear and everyone knows their role, daily life rolls along with significantly less friction.

3. Respect privacy
Adding more people to an existing living situation is bound to create some tension even for the most picture perfect family. Privacy and personal space are essential for a happy home. If you share a particularly small space, perhaps take a walk or sit on a bench at the park down the street for a bit. If you’re up for a weekend project, find a DIY design hack to create some private space. When you feel the walls (and your family’s voices) closing in around you, express your need for a bit of “me time.” Encourage them to do the same and respect when they do. Creating a culture of respect for privacy is key for copacetic cohabitation.

4. Find shared hobbies and interests
Shared experiences make the best memories. A family movie night with a rotating theme can bring everyone together as they pass the box of tissues during Marley and Me or spit out their popcorn at the most annoying sound in the world. Maybe it’s tending a family garden in the backyard or baking all of Barefoot Contessa’s cookie recipes for a family taste test. Whether it’s food, football, or film, find something you all enjoy and do it together.

5. Have realistic expectations
Adjustments take time, patience, and trial and error. Chances are, you won’t turn into The Waltons overnight. Your family is capable of changing habits and improving communication. They aren’t capable of turning into completely different people. Living together happily requires hard work and compassion. Celebrate the small victories (Yay! They put their dishes away this morning!) and try not to dwell on the slip ups (but they left them on the counter before bed). Tomorrow is a new day, and a little grace goes a long way.  

Insurance concerns

As multigenerational living arrangements become more common, it is essential to understand the specific home insurance concerns that may arise. Here are some key points to consider:

• Coverage adequacy: Ensure that the home insurance policy provides adequate coverage for the increased number of residents and their belongings. This may require updating the policy limits to reflect the higher value of possessions and potential liabilities.
• Personal property: With more people living in the home, the value of personal property increases. Make sure to list high-value items separately, such as electronics, jewelry and antiques, to ensure they are adequately covered.
• Liability coverage: Multigenerational households often have more visitors, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries on the property. Ensure the liability coverage is sufficient to protect against potential lawsuits or medical claims.
• Home modifications: If the home has been modified to accommodate elderly family members or those with disabilities (e.g., ramps, stairlifts, or grab bars), notify the insurance provider. These modifications may affect the coverage and need to be documented.
• Occupancy clauses: Some home insurance policies have occupancy clauses that specify the number of people who can live in the home. Make sure your policy accurately reflects the current living situation to avoid coverage issues.

By addressing these concerns and regularly reviewing the home insurance policy, multigenerational families can ensure they have the necessary coverage to protect their home and loved ones.