Moving in together is a huge step for any couple, and it comes with its fair share of anxieties. Between moving boxes all day and worrying about expenses, people can easily lose sight of the milestone. But that doesn’t have to be the case! Here are 20 ways to make moving in a smoother process.
1. Be Honest With Yourself
The idea of moving in is an exciting one, but it’s also a life-altering decision that requires proper thought. Make sure you’re moving in together for the right reasons. If you’re solely doing it to save money or try and save a rocky relationship, it’s time to reevaluate.
2. Do a Trial Run
Do a trial run before actually making the move (pun intended). Live together for a week or two. You think you know each other now, but moving in with someone opens the door to new behaviors and patterns, so it’s best to be prepared.
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3. Figure Out the Where
Are you going to move into a new place altogether or share an apartment one of you already has? Each decision comes with its share of planning, so speak with your partner about where you’d like to go.
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4. Communicate
Communication is a cornerstone of any healthy relationship, but its importance before moving should be emphasized. Always discuss any fears or concerns with your partner lest you bring unresolved emotions to the new space.
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5. Establish a Budget
Moving in can bring on significant savings but it still comes with expenses. Sit down and openly discuss budgets and salaries so you know who pays for what. It’s also the perfect time to figure out how expenses should be divided, especially if one partner makes significantly more money.
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6. Prepare for Hiccups
You can plan until the cows come home, but chances are a few surprises will pop up. The reality is that you may run into issues with moving trucks, hidden expenses, or lost items. To save yourself a headache, try to keep that in mind.
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7. Take Inventory
Moving is a great way to purge items you don’t need. Donate usable items and bin the stuff you don’t need—and the same goes for your partner. You can also keep some items in storage if you’re unsure what to do with them.
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8. Discuss Legality
Paperwork is involved, regardless of where you move. Sit down with a landlord or realtor to guarantee you both follow the law and have your names on all the proper documents.
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9. Divvy Up Chores
Don’t leave this step for when the sink is full! Discuss who will handle which chores, how often you’ll do chores, and what you both expect for maintenance. An established plan sidesteps any arguments.
10. Remember Alone Time
You shouldn’t sacrifice alone time just because you live together. You’ll need your own space, you have your own friends, and life is still yours to enjoy. Remember the importance of solitude and carve some out for yourself.
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11. Go on Dates
On the flip side, moving in together can welcome a lackluster routine. Don’t sacrifice date nights! Get out of the house and make sure you enjoy each other’s company.
12. Set Boundaries
Establishing boundaries allows you both the comfort of trust and knowing your needs are met. Speak with your partner about expectations so everyone is on the same page.
13. Anticipate Conflict
There’s no way around it: moving in with someone causes conflict. Any number of issues can arise, but the important thing is to keep a level head and tackle hardship together. It’s also another reason why communication is so vital!
14. Keep Intimacy Alive
Living with a partner can sometimes make you complacent about their feelings or your relationship, but this milestone shouldn’t be the catalyst for forgetting romance. Schedule time together to keep the flame bright.
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15. Compromise
Even if you don’t live together, couples need to compromise—but it’s especially important when you move in. You might need to compromise on money, chores, or decor, and sitting down to work through where you stand can avoid future conflict.
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16. Figure Out Schedules
If you and your significant other have different work or sleep schedules, now’s the time to talk about it. It’s always a good idea to know how much time you have together during the week or when your partner hits the hay.
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17. Discuss the Future
Before you move in, discuss the future with your partner. Do you plan on having children or getting a pet? What do your life goals look like? Where you plan to go down the road impacts what living together looks like.
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18. Personal Space
Much like alone time, consider carving out space in the home that’s just yours. When you live with someone, it’s still nice to have a place that belongs to you alone.
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19. Celebrate Milestones
Don’t let anniversaries or milestones pass you by! Living together gives you an even bigger opportunity to go all out—and it helps keep the romance alive.
20. Have an Exit Plan
An exit strategy is often the last thing you want to consider. You just moved in together, so everything should be great! But make sure you take of yourself should the worst happen. Knowing who gets what or how much money you’ll have can provide solace in the face of a crisis, even if you never wind up with one.
