If you’re thinking about moving in with your partner, there are a lot of things to consider. It can be a great way to save money and simplify your life, but it’s important to go into it with your eyes open. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the things you need to think about before making the leap. Whether you’re considering moving in together or are already living together, these 12 quick and easy tips will help make the experience smoother for everyone involved!
1. Find The Right Time
If you’re in a long-term relationship, there’s no need to rush into living together. It’s important to make sure you’re both on the same page about wanting to take this step. Once you’ve decided that you’re ready, it’s still a good idea to wait for the right time. For example, if one of you is going through a major life change like starting a new job or finishing school, it might not be the best time to add the stress of moving in together. Choose a time when both of you are stable and can focus on making your new home comfortable.
2. Choose The Best Place
Location is key when you’re moving in together. If you’re both city-dwellers, you might want to find a place closer to the action. If you prefer a more relaxed lifestyle, look for a place outside of town. It’s important that you choose a place that you can both afford and feel comfortable with. You should also take into account things like commute times, schools in the area, and whether or not you have enough space for all of your stuff!
If you’re both renting, it’s important to decide who will move into whose place. If one of you owns a home or lives in an apartment with rent that’s significantly lower than market value, it might make more sense for the other person to move in. Whichever way you decide to go, make sure you’re both comfortable with the arrangement and that it makes financial sense.
3. Create (And Stick To) Ground Rules
One of the most important things to do before moving in together is to establish ground rules. This might include things like setting a budget, splitting up chores, or making sure that common areas are kept clean. It’s also important to agree on how you’ll handle disagreements. Will you take turns doing dishes even if one person doesn’t think they need to? Are big purchases going to require agreement from both partners? Having these conversations ahead of time can help avoid arguments later on.
4. Be prepared to compromise!
Even if you and your partner are on the same page about most things, there will still be some compromises to be made. For example, you might have to give up your dream of living in a downtown apartment if your partner can only afford to live in the suburbs. It’s important to remember that these compromises are part of any relationship. If you’re both willing to make them, you’ll be able to build a happy home together.
5. Blend Your Décor Styles
If you’re moving in with your partner, it’s likely that you already have some furniture and décor items built up. Rather than starting from scratch, try to blend your styles together. For example, if your partner has a modern taste and you prefer vintage finds, mix and match to create a unique look. Use your partner’s furniture as accent pieces in your own home, or vice versa. By blending styles, you can create a space that feels like home for both of you.
6. Decide How To Handle Bills And Expenses
Before moving in together, it’s important to have a discussion about finances. Will you split everything evenly? Will one person be responsible for rent and the other for utilities? Talk about your financial goals and how you can best achieve them as a team. Once you’ve decided on a plan, put it in writing so that both of you are clear on what is expected.
7. Divide And Conquer The Household Chores
No one likes doing chores, but they are a necessary evil. One way to make them more bearable is to divide them up between you and your partner. Make a list of all the tasks that need to be done around the house, and then decide who will be responsible for each one. Try to choose tasks that you don’t mind doing, and that fit well with your schedule and skillset. For example, if you’re not a morning person, you might want to avoid taking on the responsibility of getting breakfast ready every day.
8. Always Communicate!
When you’re living in close quarters with someone, it’s important to communicate often. This means being honest about your needs and feelings, and listening to your partner when they share theirs. It can be easy to let little things slide when you’re busy, but it’s important to nip any potential problems in the bud. For example, if your partner leaves their dirty socks on the floor, don’t wait until you’re so annoyed that you snap at them. Instead, calmly explain that it bothers you and ask them to please stop.
9. Together, But Independent
Just because you’re living together doesn’t mean you have to do everything together. It’s important to maintain some independence, both as individuals and as a couple. Being together at all times of the day only will lead to built up pressure and tension. It’s important to have your own balanced life outside of the relationship. This might mean having regular “alone time” to pursue your own interests, or having nights where you hangout with your own friends. Whatever works for you, make sure you carve out some time for yourselves!
10. Expect Conflict To Arise
There’s no such thing as a perfect relationship, and that’s even more true when you’re living together. Conflict is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Conflict can actually be healthy if it’s dealt with in a constructive way. When conflict does arise, try to stay calm and avoid getting defensive. Listen to what your partner has to say, and then express your own thoughts and feelings. If you’re both able to communicate openly, you’ll be able to work through any disagreement.
11. Do A Trial Run
If you’re not sure that you’re ready to take the plunge and move in together, do a trial run first. Spend a few weekends together, or even a week or two, and see how it goes. This will give you a chance to get used to living in close quarters with your partner, and to decide if it’s really something you want to do long-term. Moving in with your partner can be a big step in any relationship. But if you’re prepared, it can be a great way to take your relationship to the next level!
12. Be Prepared For Change
When you move in with your partner, it’s important to be prepared for changes. Your daily routine will likely change, as will your sleeping arrangements. You might find yourself spending more time together than you did before, or less. Be prepared for these changes, and try to go with the flow as much as possible. Change can be difficult, but it can also be exciting. If you’re open to it, you might just find that living with your partner is the best decision you ever made!
If you are considering moving in with your partner, it is important to be prepared for the challenges that come with living in close quarters. By communicating openly, dividing up chores, and maintaining some independence, you can set yourselves up for a successful transition into cohabitation! We hope these tips help you take the next step in living with your partner.
