Congratulations! You’ve decided to move in with your significant other. Moving in together is one of the most significant milestones in a relationship. As you’ve begun to prepare for your move, you’ve probably started to realize that there are quite a lot of decisions that need to be made before you take the leap and move in together. As you begin to make decisions about your new co-habited home, there are some common pitfalls you will want to avoid. Here are eight tips and pieces of advice as you plan your new living arrangement.
8 Tips For An Easy Transition When Moving In With Your Significant Other
1. Do it for the right reasons
For many couples, deciding to move in together just sort of happens. It’s a gradual process that starts with spare clothes and an extra toothbrush, but eventually, you’re practically living together. Before you make it official, have a conversation to make sure you are both on the same page. For some, moving in isn’t a big deal, and for others, it’s the step right before a proposal. Making sure you have the same expectations of your big move can prevent heartbreak down the road.
2. Discuss your finances before you move
If you’re like most of us, avoiding a conversation about finances is done with the effort of avoiding a root canal. Not many people are super comfortable discussing money, but if you are moving in together, it is important you lay out your budget before you move. Don’t just decide on the monthly rent, but also discuss expenses such as groceries vs. eating out or cable television vs. satellite. Talking upfront prevents an argument or hostility down the line.
3. Consider both of your needs when selecting a space
If one significant other is moving into another’s place, make sure the space will work for both of you. Does one need a home office? Or maybe a guest room is now needed for frequent out-of-town guests. Discuss your needs and decide together if your existing space works or if you need to find a new place to better fit your needs.
4. Go through your belongings (together) before you pack
Consolidating two households into one is a big job, and unless you are literally doubling your square footage, it is unlikely you will have room for all of your own stuff to go into your new place. Go through your belongings with your significant other and agree on what you will keep, donate or throw out. Doing this together before you move will ensure that your new place isn’t overrun with stuff.
5. Create personal spaces for each of you
Everyone needs their personal space. That doesn’t change just because you move in together. Make sure you carve out a space in your new home for each of you. It can be as small as a reading chair or as large as a man cave depending on the size of your place, but regardless, it’s important that you each have your own place for privacy and solitude.
6. Communicate about your routine before it becomes an issue
Is one of you a night owl and the other an earlier riser? Maybe you like to use a specific coffee mug in the morning. Whatever your routine, make sure you talk about it before your big move to avoid it becoming an issue. Knowing how your significant other prefers to function in their home space can prevent any tension in the future.
7. Learn to compromise and let it go
We all know that compromise is the root of relationships. However, it can be easy to forget that when you start living with someone. Moving in together is all about compromise, and once you decide to compromise, you need to let it go. Holding on to issues is just going to create tension in your home and wreak havoc on your relationship.
8. Be prepared for your relationship to change
There is no doubt about it; when you live together, your relationship will change. You will encounter more challenges together than you have in the past. How you handle those challenges will define not only how happy you are with your new living arrangements but also the long-term future of your relationship.
With careful planning, once you’re prepared to combine your lives and your stuff, your move can be both a day of celebration and the start of your new future.
Professional Movers You Can Trust
When you’re ready to take the momentous step of moving in together, you should consider hiring a South Florida residential moving company. Having professional movers coordinate the logistics and ultimately move your belongings will save you a headache that can come with moving and allow you to focus on what’s important – your new commitment with your significant other.
Whether moving two homes to one new location or bringing just one place to another, DeVries Family Moving & Storage is the residential moving company for you. With more than 25 years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of happy couples move in together and begin their new life. To learn more about how we can deliver seamless and efficient moving services for your big move, contact us today. Simply give us a call or fill out the form on this page for a free, in-home estimate.
