Still living at Home

Yep, still at home. I’m not sure what the exact age is that people start to move out of home…18 maybe? I guess it depends as everyones’ situation is different.

Thinking back to when I was in high school, it didn’t really cross my mind to move out. I didn’t really think about it. Yes, I knew I would sometime in the future but not while studying. I had it too good at home and I still do.

There are a few reasons why I like living at home. 

Being able to save money.

Look, I can’t complain. I don’t have many expenses, don’t have any bills and I’m really only spending money when I need to buy lunch or need more money on my opal card for my commute to work. It is comfortable at home, truthfully. But, I don’t want to get too comfortable because it’s not going to be forever and even though I got told recently that I look 17 (yes, winning! good genes, good genes), I am an adult and I have my own goals that I want to achieve and things that I want to invest in. I don’t have any kids either so I’m enjoying this time where I can just focus on myself.

I’ve been able to save a lot of money, and my parents have really helped me do that. Don’t get me wrong, I like to shop and buy things online, and treat myself every now and then, but even when I do, I put myself on a budget. I’d say I’m pretty frugal, but I do make the most out of sales. My mum is very good at saving money and budgeting. She gets receipts for everything and stays on top of her expenses. When I was younger, I didn’t think I was a lot like my mum, but the older I’m getting I’m realising I’m a lot like her, in more ways than I thought.

Spending more time with my family.

Another reason why I like living at home is that I get to spend more time with my family. It’s me, my dad, my mum and grandma at home. During the week I’m at work so I see them quickly in the morning and when I get home. I really cherish the time I get to spend with them even if it’s only for a short time. Life is hectic and I’m either at work or out with friends, but then I have mum, dad and Lola (grandma) at home, and they’re important. I need to make more of a conscious effort to spend time and create memories with them, because that’s time I’ll never get back. 

There are little moments that I love too. When I get home from work, I see my mum in the kitchen, preparing dinner and putting it on the table. At night, I’ll sometimes go downstairs to fill up my water bottle or grab a snack and I’ll see my parents on the couch watching netflix. They’re just chillin’ and enjoying each other’s company and it’s so heartwarming to see. 

My Grandma has this spot in the house where she likes to sit. It’s in the lounge room, right by the window. She’ll watch the birds, admire the green mango tree in the backyard, and sometimes fall asleep. It’s comforting to know that someone is there. 

The new season of ‘The Voice’ just started and we sometimes watch it together. It’s the time I get to spend with them, no matter what we’re doing. I am always wishing for more time when I just have to make the most of the time I’ve got.

My room & Getting to know myself 

I have only ever lived in one house. My family moved around before I was born, lived in different suburbs and houses, but I’ve grown up in the same house I’m living in right now. At one point, I think all my extended family took turns living in this house, so it really is everyone’s home, at least it was once upon a time.

I like my room and having my own space, and my room isn’t very big, but I’ve created a space for myself that is safe and comfortable. Everything in there is mine, which I am very grateful for. I can be myself and do what I want to do. It’s calm and quiet and other times it can be chaotic and filled with music. I turn on my speaker, turn on my fairy lights, get into bed, and just relax. It’s my place where I can just be, and breathe. It’s rarely messy because I have OCD and everything is organised and needs to be in a place. No, I’m not joking. 

I spend a lot of time by myself as well. Yes my family is here, but there are times when I’m home alone so in those times, it’s kind of like I’m living by myself. Haha. I think you can really get to know yourself when you’re by yourself because you are doing everything yourself, but not only that, I’m learning and understanding what I need to work on, what triggers me, what annoys me and so on. Doing that self work and getting to know myself has really helped me grow up, and I’m happy I’ve been able to do that in an environment where I feel safe and where I’m surrounded by my family. 

There will come a time when I will move out and have a place of my own, but for the moment I’m enjoying where I’m at, who I’m with and the memories I get to create with my family, while still being at home. Honestly, living at home are some of the best years of my life.