How to Prepare for Multigenerational Living (and Do It Successfully!)

Multigenerational living isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming a way of life for millions of American families. Whether it’s adult children moving back home, grandparents moving in, or families simply choosing to stay closer for emotional and financial support—living with multiple generations under one roof can be both rewarding and challenging. 

The key to success? Preparation, empathy, and smart home design. The Sales Team Realtors are here to help you explore what’s behind this growing movement, how to ease the transition, and what you can do to set your home up for everyone’s comfort and well-being.

 

The Rise of Multigenerational Living

Multigenerational households are on the rise across the U.S.—and the numbers speak volumes. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of multigenerational households grew by 11.4% over a 10-year period ending in 2021. As of March 2021, nearly 59.7 million U.S. residents were living in homes with multiple generations, up from 58.4 million in 2019.

Why the shift? For many, it comes down to finances. A survey by Lombardo Homes found that 65% of adults cite financial reasons—such as saving money or pooling resources—as the main motivator for moving in with family. Others do it to care for aging parents, help with childcare, or simply to enjoy a stronger family bond.

 

Mental Shifts: How to Make Caregiving Feel Less Like a Burden

Caring for a loved one can be fulfilling, but it can also feel overwhelming if boundaries and expectations aren’t clear. Here are a few mental tips to help this transition feel less like a burden and more like a blessing:

  • Redefine your role. Think of caregiving as a partnership instead of a chore—it’s about creating a support system, not doing everything yourself.
  • Set realistic expectations. Accept that there will be good days and bad days. Give yourself grace and focus on progress, not perfection.
  • Practice self-care. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Make sure you’re also setting time aside for rest, hobbies, and personal space.

 

7 Tips to Set Up Your Home for Multigenerational Living

Every family is unique, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all layout for multigenerational households. Still, there are universal design and lifestyle tips that can help you create a peaceful, functional, and respectful shared space:

  1. Create Private Zones
    Everyone needs their own space. If possible, designate separate bedrooms, bathrooms, or even a guest suite to give each generation some privacy and independence.

  2. Use Soundproofing Strategically
    Add rugs, curtains, or even sound-insulating panels to reduce noise—especially if you have kids and older adults with different sleep or activity schedules.

  3. Design a Shared Living Area
    Think open-concept but flexible. Use furniture to create “zones” in a shared family room, and make sure there’s enough seating for everyone to gather comfortably.

  4. Upgrade or Modify Bathrooms
    Consider safety features like grab bars, walk-in showers, or non-slip mats if aging parents are moving in. Accessibility can go a long way in making your home safer for everyone.

  5. Maximize Storage
    Clutter builds fast with more people. Add labeled bins, extra shelving, and smart closet systems to keep things organized and easy to access.

  6. Build a Shared Calendar System
    Keep track of appointments, kids’ activities, meal plans, and more with a shared digital calendar or command center in the home. Communication is everything!

  7. Discuss House Rules Early
    Before move-in day, talk about expectations around chores, bills, noise levels, and guests. Clear communication from the start helps avoid tension down the road.

  8. Consider a Home Renovation
    If your budget allows, talk with a contractor about adding an in-law suite, converting a basement or garage, or making accessibility upgrades for aging family members.

Multigenerational living comes with its fair share of challenges, but with the right preparation, mindset, and home setup, it can also be one of the most enriching experiences your family ever shares. From financial benefits to deeper connections across generations, the rewards are plentiful. 

So whether you’re combining households out of necessity or choice, work with The Sales Team Realtors to upgrade your space or find the perfect home to fit your family under one roof.