Why More People Are Moving Closer to Family and Friends in 2026

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

Whether you’re moving to live with your parents, friends, roommates to save money, pursue a degree, take care of a relative, or just plain homesick, you’re not alone. Research shows 30% of all U.S. moves in 2024 were relocations to be closer to family and friends, and more than 32.5% of all adults between the ages of 18-34 live with their parents.

Here are the main reasons people are moving back home or closer to family in 2026:

1. Rising Expenses

From 2020 to 2025, prices have increased 24.3%. This means less money for rising rents and home prices around the country. More affordable housing options are often found in suburban areas or rural areas – locations that may also be closer to where family members live. Moving back in with family or friends can save on rent, mortgage payments, and food costs for all parties involved. Despite a potential loss of space and less free or solo time, this moving choice can be great for young children who can occasionally be taken care of by aunts, uncles, or grandparents to ease parental stress.

2. Loss or Gain of Employment

Unexpected setbacks can happen, and a loss of employment may lead to a move to friends near you or to your parents' house. For most, this is only a temporary situation, but it can stretch longer due to states of the job market, taking care of family, or a newfound passion.

If you gained employment and need a place to stay for a while before finding a new place, staying with your parents or other family members is the best way to grow your savings in a short amount of time.

3. Returning to or Enrolling in Higher Education/Trade School/Professional Programs

Higher education, trade schools, and professional programs are all great pathways to change careers or gain a step in your current field. These courses can be costly and can take between one and six years to complete, depending on the field of choice. Consider moving close to family, friends, or getting roommates to save time and money while pursuing your education.

4. Family Care

A large reason that individuals may move back to being closer to family or friends is due to health concerns or illnesses, whether for their own health or someone else's. This can also be a great way to spend time with family that brings everyone closer together.

Consult with medical professionals to make sure everything can be set up for a homecare environment that's beneficial for all parties involved

5. Homesickness

Sometimes homesickness drives people to moveback with family or friends. This is more common — and has less stigma — than you may think. Since 2020, more than 60% of Millennials and Gen Z have moved back home due to financial stress. Sometimes the world gets hard, and going back home or to live near friends can be just the right thing.

Should I Get Roommates?

Moving in with a group of friends or roommates from friendship apps can be a great way to save money and build savings.

Should I Move Back in With My Parents?

You may be asking yourself, “Is it okay to live with your parents forever?” While this question doesn’t have a simple solution, moving back in with your parents doesn’t have to be for good. That’s the best part about having an affordable moving solution like U-Haul! U-Haul has tons of money-saving resources for you to increase your budget elsewhere.

Move Closer to Family With U-Haul

U-Haul is a great option for anyone who’s looking to move back home or move in with friends or roommates. With affordable rental moving trucks, labor-only movers, portable storage containers, storage units, and moving supplies all year round, you can move and save money at the same time. This list of moving tips is there for all of your moving questions and new money-saving techniques.

Whether it’s financial relief, emotional support, or flexibility during life changes, moving closer to family and friends is less about going backward and more about moving forward with support. If you’re feeling like moving back with friends or family is in your future, know that U-Haul is here to help make moving easier!