What To Consider Before Moving In With Your Significant Other
Moving in together is an exciting step in a relationship but it’s very important to work out some things before you take this major step.
1. Things You Should Discuss Before Moving In With Your Significant Other
Living together means learning new things about each other and how you function so it’s important for your rhythms to be in sync.
Budgeting
Will you pay for rent and utilities 50/50? Will you keep your finances separate or put them together? Are both of you financially stable and debt-free?
Housekeeping
Are you going to split household tasks or will one person do everything?
Cleanliness
How tidy are you and your partner? If you’re a neat freak, you might need to adjust if your partner isn’t on the same page.
Groceries and meals
Who will be in charge of groceries? Will you be eating the same meals? If one of you is a vegetarian and the other is not willing to give up meat, you need to make some sort of a plan. Who will do the cooking and who will do the cleaning?
Sleep
Are you a morning person or a night owl? Can you sleep with the lights on? Do you enjoy sleeping in on weekends? As trivial as these questions may seem, it’s very important to address them to ensure you live together in harmony.
2. Common Issues That Arise After Moving In With Your Partner
There are many issues that can arise once you move in together if you are not prepared.
Different spending habits and financial priorities
Living with your partner means sharing your life and your finances. Disagreements about money can cause arguments and trust issues so it’s very important to make sure you are on the same page. Talking about money might not be pleasant but an open and honest discussion is a must for your household finances and relationship to be strong and healthy.
Disagreement over chores
Even if you knew your partner was messy, it didn’t bother you as much before you shared the same space. As small as these things may seem, they can cause resentment. You need to work together to find a solution that works for both of you.
No alone time
Going from seeing each other a few times a week to waking up together every day can be a big lifestyle change. Establish clear boundaries and be clear in what you need early on so you have some me time and avoid clinging on to each other.
3. Tips for a Smooth Transition for Couples Moving In Together
There are a few simple things you can do to make your move in experience go as smoothly as possible.
Create a budget
Budgeting is essentially creating a system for your finances and goals in general. It will help you plan for bills, make financial goals and get to know each other’s money management habits, all of which will help your first few months living together go a lot smoother.
Figure out ways to save
A budget will also help you find ways to save money as it will show you where is your money going and inspire you to find ways to reduce each expense. Start with finding ways to lower your household expenses by comparing competitive rates from ComEd utility providers, insurance companies, internet providers, etc.
Communicate openly and honestly
Speak what’s on your mind. Divide household chores. Work together to find furniture, paint colors, and other decor both of you like. You’re both entitled to claim your special spot. Discuss boundaries so both of you have reasonable expectations. You need to talk about everything, even the thermostat setting you don’t want to get into a fight just because one person is too hot or too cold. Make sure each one of you is getting enough ‘alone time’ and whatever makes you comfortable.
Takeaway – While living with your partner can be great, it’s a big change and if you’re not prepared, there are a number of common relationship issues that may crop up. Living together changes things and it requires both of you to make some adjustments. Above all, living together requires you to respect each other and honor your differences. Where there is love, there is always a way to make it work.