Moving Home After University Tips and Tricks

I've been away from home for four years while I was at university. From 17 I was desperate to leave home, not because I didn't love my family, but I was so excited for university and living alone - by alone I mean with 7 student strangers, but you understand.

I had housemates I loved, housemates I hated, fights over cleaning up, bills and parties. All of this, along with the infrequency of it meant that I was always fairly excited to go home. I only lived about 1-2 hours away from home so I was lucky enough to be able to go back as much as I wanted.
Having (free) food cooked for me, heating, and a washing machine were always amazing perks, but I've never been overly excited about moving home again following uni.

In fact when I went I always assumed i'd move straight out again. But then you break up with your long term boyfriend, your friends don't want to live in the same places and there's no way you're financially able. So here I am. Here are my top tips for surviving moving home after you've been away;

Be Positive
Be happy to be able to spend more time with your family. Eating together, watching films together and generally getting to spend more time with them is something you wont regret when you leave again. In my case, I am absolutely thrilled to be around my pets more too. Honestly, if youre lucky enough to be able to move home while you get your feet on the ground, you should be thankful.

Stay Busy
It can be hard returning home when you feel like there isn't much of your old life here. I walked my dogs to get to know my home town again, and for a little bit of escapism. Getting out the house is important too, make your house a home, not a prison. Re-discovering hobies helps too,  like reading and painting - anything that passes time and relaxes you. Even a spot of blogging...

Catch Up With Old Friends
There are people who will be in the same postion as you, who feel like you do. It's nice to see familiar faces, its a positive factor of going home. Go grab a coffee, or invite them round for a movie - it doesn't have to be an expensive thing to do, so try not to make excuses.

Be Understanding of Others
Moving home takes some adjusting to, you've grown independent whilst you've been away, blending back into family life isn't always smooth. However, its good to remember that it's probably a bit of an adjustment for your family too. My sister and I have awkwardly learned to re-adjust to our close quarters, my parents have (sometimes) to my relaxed method of tidying up after myself. Try to be helpful and understanding, even if that means emptying the dishwasher now and again.

Aimee x