“It was the best idea.” “It was the worst idea.” – Ever. Yes, moving in together is a sublime form of Russian roulette. It can go either way. Exciting times and times of absolute dread. What if? Innumerable scenarios – all too convenient for drowning. So, what’s the truth behind the sensible act of love’s momentum? Moving in together is a thrilling step in any relationship. It’s the moment when you and your partner can finally ditch the nightly phone calls and toothbrush travel cases and merge your lives under one roof. It’s the time to snuggle up on the couch, cook meals together, and, of course, steal each other’s fries without getting the stink eye.
But let’s be honest; it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Living with someone means you’re going to have to navigate a whole new set of challenges, from divvying up chores to determining what to watch on Netflix. That’s why we’ve compiled this handy little guide to help you navigate the dos and don’ts. Proper toolkit. You got this.
Do: Money, honey
Money is one of the most common sources of conflict in any relationship; heads-up, it becomes even more prevalent once you move in together. Before you start cohabiting, it’s essential to have an open and honest conversation about finances. Key points to cover with your love dove:
- create a budget plan together and stick to it
- decide how you will split bills and expenses
- be honest about your financial status and debt
- consider opening a joint account for shared expenses
There are no right or wrong answers; agreeing on a system that works for both of you is crucial.
Don’t: to personal space neglect
We’ve all done it; getting caught up in the excitement of cohabitating with the love of your life (or that particular decade, at least?) can turn our cognitive apparatus into silly goose mode. We forget things like personal space. You know what they say (the sages): “If you can’t love yourself, how can you love someone else?”
Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy balance between togetherness and personal space:
- Respect each other’s privacy and boundaries. Everyone needs some alone time now and then, so respecting each other’s need for space is important. Knock if they’re pooping. Ask before you borrow their socks.
- Allocate space for personal belongings and hobbies. Whether it’s a shelf for your favorite books or a corner for your yoga mat, make sure you each have space for your personal belongings and hobbies.
- Have designated areas for alone time and relaxation. If possible, set up a space in your home where each of you can go to relax and unwind. It could be a reading nook or a meditation corner, whatever helps you feel most comfortable and at ease.
- Avoid being too clingy or intrusive. While spending time together is great, it’s important to refrain from exhibiting glue fingers. Give each other space to breathe and pursue your own interests, even if it means spending some time apart.
Remember, we all have different needs and definitions regarding “personal space”. That said, communicate openly and try to find a balance for both enamored parties.
Do: Communication game
As divine as the premise may be, moving in together is no breezy business. It takes patience, willingness, and above all things – clear communication channels. Uninterrupted. Be honest about your needs, desires, and concerns. It’s important to establish clear expectations and boundaries from the get-go. Remember, it’s a two-way street. No need for verbal overpowering. Instead, try active listening and embracing your partner’s perspective (and vice versa). Avoid yelling, name-calling, or using hurtful language; handle conflicts in a calm and respectful manner. Moving experts from Verified Movers share: “We’ve helped dozens of young, thriving couples relocate; we all think communication is key, not only to romantic relationships, but business success, too.”
Remember, effective communication involves expressing your thoughts and feelings and actively listening to your partner’s. With practice, you can become skilled at navigating conflicts and finding solutions together.
Don’t: Forget Chores and Responsibilities
Too basic? Trust us; it’s essential for maintaining a healthy and functional home. Divide household chores fairly and equally. Work in unison. It’s important to make sure that each person is taking on an equal share of the workload. Create a schedule – and stick to it. Assign roles! Who’s grocery shopping? Who’s cooking? Doing the dishes? Laundry? Say: “I do.” “Do you?” You can alternate or divide these tasks based on your preferences and schedules. Teamwork makes the dream work. Whatever you do – avoid nagging or micromanaging each other. While it’s important to make sure that each person is pulling their weight, instead of raising eyebrows, trust that they will get it done.
Do: respect differences
Living with someone means learning to navigate each other’s unique quirks and preferences. That’s just the way it is. So:
- Embrace each other’s quirks and idiosyncrasies. Instead of trying to change your partner, try to appreciate their unique qualities.
- Celebrate your differences and learn from each other. Embrace your differences and use them as an opportunity to learn from each other.
- Avoid trying to change each other or impose your preferences. This doesn’t mean you can’t compromise or work together to find solutions that work for both of you. – accept them for who they are,
- Compromise and find common ground when needed. When conflicts arise, work together to find a compromise that works for both of you. This may involve finding a middle ground.
Finally
If you’re moving in together, here’s a big DON’T: neglecting your social life. Nurture your individual friendships. Encourage each other to pursue interests outside of the relationship. Don’t stay in; plan date nights and social outings together. Keep it fresh. And, whatever you do, avoid becoming too isolated or dependent on each other – it always backfires. So, remember to communicate, respect each other’s space, and maintain a healthy balance between togetherness and independence. Easy peasy.
Please share the dos and don’ts of moving in together with your friends and family.
