Doubled up households = Too much family time

I spent the better part of the past two weeks enjoying time with my family. My kids were out of school, my brother-in-law and his wife were in town and we had a house full of people on more than one occasion. As much as I love my family, I am happy to regain the daily routine and quiet that returns when they depart along with the holidays. Back to my normal life. 

About 13% of the U.S. population will not be leaving their families for a quieter, more routine life following the holidays. An article in the New York Times last week reported on the rise in multifamily households, commonly referred to as 'doubling up'. The article cites recent Census Bureau data, which showed that the number of multifamily households jumped 11.7 percent from 2008 to 2010, reaching 15.5 million, or 13.2 percent of all households. It is the highest proportion of multifamily households since at least 1968.  

This should come as no surprise. Many people are losing their jobs or haven't been able to find one in awhile. In the absence of adequate financial resources, doubling up is a common way to keep a roof over head. While families may succeed at remaining housed, it is a housing strategy that comes with costs - including strained relationships and lack of independence. It is also a common precursor to homelessness.

I encourage you to read the story, 'Doubling up in Recession Strained Quarters' in the New York Times. In addition to the Census data, the article provides a look at what life is like living in a doubled up household. The accompanying slide show also tells a compelling story.