LONDON, March 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new study by Access Self Storage shows as many as HALF (49%) of Millennial and Gen Z adults claim they are considering moving back to their childhood home, in a desperate bid to save cash.
While as many as one in five (20%) have moved back in with their partner in tow, and 10% have moved back with their own children too.
Overall 66% said it was commonplace, in this current climate for young people to return home, to save money on rent.
While as many as 84% have friends or colleagues in their life, who have had no choice but to make the step backwards.
Reasons for moving home emerged as sky-high household bills (77%), rapidly rising rents (71%) and stagnant wages (65%), according to the study by Access Self Storage to mark Self Storage Week.
For many, the so-called “Hotel of Mum and Dad” has become less of a last resort and more of a financial strategy, allowing them to save money on bills and rent (60%), put money aside for their own place (56%), pay off debts (48%) and have their meals cooked for them (23%).
However, the return to the childhood bedroom is not without its challenges, as more than half (54%) of those who have returned, feel conflicted about the decision, describing it as financially sensible but emotionally difficult.
A lack of privacy (73%), living by your parent’s rules (50%), struggling to maintain your lifestyle (33%), keeping your views hidden to limit arguments (29%) and not being able to afford to leave (28%) are the biggest concerns,
The research also highlights a knock-on effect for family homes, with parents suddenly accommodating adult children – and all their belongings. Furniture, bikes, boxes of clothes and work-from-home equipment often arrive with them, creating storage pressures in already busy households.
In fact, three quarters (77%) of 18-44 year olds worry about where they are going to put all their belongings if they are forced to make a move home, with 49% already arguing with their parents about their stuff at their house.
95% go a step further and admit they would be annoyed if they had to get rid of their things in order to be able to move into their parents’ house.
Jan-Albert Fourie, General Manager of Operations, said of Self Storage Week, “We’re seeing more young adults using storage as part of this move back home. People don’t want to get rid of their furniture or personal belongings, but there simply isn’t the space when you return to the family house. Self storage offers families breathing room during what can be a stressful transition.”
He added: “This trend really underlines how tough the rental market has become for younger generations. Moving back in with parents is no longer a failure or a fallback, it’s a practical response to a broken system. Storage plays an important role in helping people make that move without feeling like they’re giving up everything they’ve worked for.”
When asked if they think they’ll ever be able to afford their own place, worryingly, one in three (31%) don’t think they will, leaving more than half (56%) hoping that their parents will eventually leave them their house.
For more information, visit: www.accessstorage.com or daysoftheyear.com/days/self-storage-week
About Access Self Storage;
Access Self Storage is one of the UK’s largest and fastest growing self-storage service for storage and office space rental, as well as business solutions services.
With 57 sites nationwide, Access offers the complete package for anyone wanting secure and convenient storage with a friendly, hassle-free service. Customers can also choose multi-site storage across the UK as required.
Access Self Storage also offers a wide range of office space to suit all small businesses, along with parking.
With many sites giving 24-hour access, and the ability to store anything from clothes and furniture, a record collection to a fleet of cars, Access makes sure that customers’ needs are the number one priority and will not be beaten on price.
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The findings presented in this release are based on a nationally representative online survey of 18-44 year olds conducted for Access Self Storage via research and insights agency Perspectus Global in February 2026.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/46ba29a0-fad4-4f17-8a25-beccc27deec8