Moving in for the first time with your significant other can come with a range of emotions including but not limited to excitement, anxiety, and a new sense of adventure. Taking this next step in your relationship also comes with a few challenges.
These struggles can range anywhere from who’s going to take out the trash, deciding who cleans the bathroom next, and picking out furniture together. You’ll also soon figure out how to confidently and politely share your true feelings about their movie poster collection. Being prepared for these issues will help make sure your transition is smooth sailing, so you can reap all the amazing benefits of living with your significant other. Here are some tips to make moving a cinch.
Photo by Brooke Winters on Unsplash
Decide Where You’re Living
Seems like a no-brainer, right? It can be really easy moving into the other person’s place that’s bigger or has the cheaper rent, however, it’s worth it to consider looking for a new place. Picking a place together can make it feel more like “our” space, rather than feeling like you’re intruding on “their” space. This isn’t always the case, however, make sure you give it some thought. After thinking it over, maybe you decide to take the plunge and pick a place together. This way, you can make a checklist together of what you both find important in an apartment or house and the other person doesn’t feel like they got shafted.
Make a Budget
Before you sign the lease, it’s important to sit down and iron out all of the financial details. Having an open and honest conversation about money from the get-go will make future conversations easier. Make a budget for expenses, decor, and rent so there’s no miscommunication. Also, make sure there’s a plan in place for splitting utilities so you both can hold each other accountable. In the beginning, it can be helpful to download budgeting apps to keep yourselves organized and have all of your funds in one place. Having the money talk may be awkward at first, but if you can be respectful, honest, and transparent, it’ll only strengthen your bond with each other.
Decide on Some Decor
Decor can be a huge point of conflict if you don’t hash out what you like and dislike from the beginning. Talk about what kind of decor you plan on bringing into your new space, this would be a great time to declutter and get rid of some of your old college decor. Leave the movie posters for the dorm room. It may be a good idea to talk to an interior designer who can serve as somewhat of a mediator when it comes to picking out decor for the new space. A professional designer can help both of you identify your personal styles and what would work best for the space you’ve selected together. They can also serve as a tiebreaker over couch colors, pillows, and that “live, laugh, love” sign you’ve had in your shopping cart.
Don’t Forget Date Night
Since you’re living under the same roof, it can be easy to let a simple thing like date nights slide. Hanging out at home together doesn’t necessarily constitute as a date night since you’re practically roommates, but it’s important to keep date nights a regular occurrence to make sure you’re connecting on a romantic level. Sitting on the couch discussing whose turn it is to pay the electric bill or arguing who took out the trash last time isn’t romantic. Setting aside a day of the week to spend quality time together outside of the house is an essential part to keep your relationship happy and strong. You should always treat the other person like you just started dating to make them feel special and keep the romance alive.
Make Time for Yourself
When you’re first moving in together, it can be super tempting to cancel plans with your friends to hang back with your significant other. Try not to overdo it in the beginning, you may start to feel like your private time and personal space starts to become compromised. Make sure you set aside time for yourself and things you like doing, whether it be going to the movies alone or with friends, hitting the mall, or even just going to the gym, making time for yourself is important for mental health and well-being. If you’re feeling great about yourself, you have a better chance of making your partner feel great too!
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