A Guide to Visiting Your Childhood House Without Weirding the New Owners Out

Have you ever wanted to go back to the home you grew up in and take a look around inside?

Even years—or decades—later, the idea of stepping back inside, retracing your old footsteps, and seeing if your initials are still scratched into the garage wall can stir up a powerful sense of nostalgia. You don’t just want to drive by; you want to see what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and maybe relive a few memories while you’re at it.

The good news is, some people are surprisingly open to visits from former residents. They might even be excited to learn a bit about their home’s history. But not everyone will be as thrilled to have a stranger on their porch asking to come inside—no matter how heartfelt your reason. It’s their home now, and just like you once did, they deserve privacy and a sense of security.

So if you’re thinking about making that sentimental journey, here’s your guide to doing it the right way—with respect, a bit of charm, and zero awkwardness. Let’s talk about the dos and don’ts of visiting your childhood home without weirding out the people who live there now.

1) Do: Reach Out Ahead of Time.

Showing up unannounced might’ve worked when you lived there, but today, it’s just called trespassing. Use snail mail, social media, or go through a local real estate agent who can help connect you. Anything but ding-dong…surprise…I brought memories!

2) Don’t: Take It Personally if the Answer Is No.

They might be introverted. Or busy. Or allergic to nostalgia. Whatever the reason, remember: “No” is a complete sentence. Not an insult.

3) Do: Offer Reassurance That You Are, in Fact, Not a Weirdo.

Send a friendly note, include a photo of you back in the day (bonus points for bowl cuts or braces), and if they agree to meet, offer to share your driver’s license or notify someone of the meeting for safety. You may be no stranger to the house, but you are to them.

4) Don’t: Start Filming TikToks or Vlogging the Minute You Get On the Porch.

As tempting as it is to capture your reaction to the moment, get explicit permission before taking any photos or video. Especially of the current owners, their kids, or their furniture. No one wants to go viral against their will.

5) Do: Keep Your Visit Short and Sweet.

This is a house visit, not a full-blown reunion tour. Think respectful pop-in, not “let’s sit down and emotionally unpack my entire adolescence in your living room.” If they give you the vibe that they want to turn this into a longer visit, feel free to follow their lead, but go into it planning on making it a short visit.

6) Don’t: Critique Their Paint Choices.

Hopefully the place has seen some updates since your glow-in-the-dark star days. It’s bound to look different—and it should! Their style may not match yours, but that’s not the point. Be gracious. Admire the choices they’ve made. A simple “It looks so good in here!” goes a long way, even if you’re secretly mourning the loss of your old lava lamp.

7) Do: Bring a Small Thank-You Gift.

No need to show up with something so big it needs its own spot in the house. A coffee shop gift card, a small plant, or even a heartfelt thank-you note goes a long way. You’re asking a favor—it’s a thoughtful gesture, not a bribe, and it’ll be appreciated.

8) Don’t: Wander Around the House on Your Own.

Don’t head straight for your old bedroom unless they specifically say it’s okay. Especially if it’s now their home office, their toddler’s nursery, or worse… their cat’s private room. (You know it’s possible.)

9) Do: Share Your Fondest Memories.

Most people love hearing a bit of their home’s history, especially if it comes with a funny or heartwarming twist. So go ahead—tell them about the time your dog got stuck under the porch or how your dad loved sitting on the porch with a good book. Just maybe skip the tragic tales. You’re there to bring good vibes, not ghost stories.