When you’re in a relationship with somebody, it’s nice to be around that person all the time. As a result, there are many people who decide to move in together. It’s also great for financial purposes. However, there are a few things you want to consider before you move in with your partner.
1. Styles of Cleanliness
If it’s not handled correctly, cleanliness can be a major source of contention in a relationship. Before you move in with one another, take a look at how you both keep your living spaces. If one’s partner is a slob and the other is not, find ways to compromise. Both parties should be able to feel comfortable in their home. It’s also important to look at the chore list and decide who does what. When you have a schedule and it’s understood, you can peacefully move forward.
2. Romance and Friendship
Acknowledge that a relationship takes work. When couples move in together, it’s easy to fall into complacency. Find different ways to keep the relationship hot and alive. After all, you want to always feel like you’re dating your best friend and not your roommate.
3. Splitting Bills
Have a serious conversation about money. Money tends to be the biggest driver in relationships. Don’t be afraid of having the tough conversations. When it comes to splitting the bills, decide how much you guys would like to contribute to the total costs. If there are specific amenities that your partner wants that you don’t want, find out if it’s possible for the partner to pay for them. When it comes to the rent, be clear on how much you guys would like to spend and how much you’re willing to split.
4. Moving
Moving can be a highly stressful experience. However, it doesn’t have to be extremely grueling if you use a few tactics. Hire movers if you have a lot of furniture and heavy boxes. Professional movers from companies like Matco moving can get the job done in a fraction of the time that it would take you. It’s also a good idea to be methodical about how you pack so that if you ever need to access specific things, you can easily do so. Label boxes. Properly pack fragile items and maintain a sense of order.
5. House Rules
It’s important to have respect for one another. In doing so, create house rules. It can help you preserve your relationship. If there are certain hours that are considered quiet hours, be clear about what those hours are before you move in together. If there are times when you or your partner are not comfortable with having guests, it’s important to have that conversation. Also, get clear on how much notice you would like when you have guests coming over and how long they can stay.
6. Contingency Plan
While it’s ideal to believe that you two will stay together forever, that might not be the case. If you two have a really bad argument and decide that you don’t want to live together anymore, consider the implementation of a contingency plan. If one partner decides that it’s over, figure out what you guys will do with the bills. Realize that this is the worst case scenario, but know that you have to prepare in the case that it happens.
There’s a lot of responsibility that goes into the process of moving in with somebody else. It takes the relationship to a different level. Sure, it’s more intimate. However, it does leave more room for conflict. Communication is key and if you are determined to be open and honest with one another, this can be a great experience for you both.
