From sharing expenses to always having someone who loves and supports you by your side, living with your partner can have plenty of benefits for both of your lives. And considering the financial and emotional hardships we were forced to endure during the coronavirus pandemic, more couples are now moving in together than ever. However, not everyone might be aware of all the implications of such an important step. Living with your partner represents a significant new chapter in your lives, which is why you should think about all possible aspects before finally deciding to take the leap.
To that end, here are some important things no one will tell you about moving in with your partner you should take into consideration:
1. Your reasons for moving in should be clear
Before making such a big step, it might be wise to consider your reasons for wanting to move in with your partner first. When it comes to younger couples living in larger cities, most of them decide to move in together primarily in an effort to save on rent, especially after the economic uncertainty of the pandemic, only to later realize that they weren’t quite ready to take their relationship to that level.
To prevent such an occurrence, it might be a good idea to consider your motivations, especially if you’re in quite a fresh relationship. If you know your partner, as well as their friends and family, very well, if you already have some shared routines established, if you feel fully comfortable with your significant other, and if you truly want to invest in a relationship with them, then moving in together is the only logical next step.
2. Your finances have to be openly discussed
Having a conversation about finances in advance is another aspect of moving in together that shouldn’t be overlooked, as it’s vital for your shared future. So, start by talking to your partner about your budget for the move itself, and then decide how you would like to pay the rent, monthly bills, as well as any other shared daily expenses.
It might also be wise to talk about combining (or not combining) your incomes, as well as possibly opting for savings together, or even investments you’d like to make in your new home. Don’t forget to have a conversation about the general way in which you budget and spend your salaries either, as coming to an agreement on spending habits might help prevent any future money issues and arguments.
3. Professional help will be necessary for the move
Once you’ve found an ideal place and talked things over with your partner, the next step would be to finally move in together. However, considering all the challenging aspects of moving for the first time, such as careful planning and organization, you might require the help of professionals who will take care of these stressful tasks for you, while being mindful of the safety implications of the current pandemic situation.
This becomes especially important when moving to a more distant location, as doing your research and hiring a reliable long distance moving service might be the only way to ensure the safe transportation of your items. What’s more, having professionals who can not only move your belongings, but also help to pack and carry any essentials, will undoubtedly relieve some of the moving day stress, allowing both you and your partner to feel more positive about the entire experience.
4. The overall look of your home should be talked about
After you’ve managed to seamlessly move in thanks to professional help, the next chapter of your life begins. Now is the ideal time to start talking to your partner about how you imagine the life in your home to look like, from the interior decor to the food you eat, and even the way you will celebrate future holidays.
Don’t be afraid to go into the smaller details either, such as tackling the issue of taking the shoes off at the entrance or deciding how often you will deep clean your home. Agreeing on these aspects isn’t only important for a harmonious relationship, but also for your health and wellbeing, especially during such an uncertain time as the pandemic.
5. You must have a conversation about future expectations
The final aspect to consider might be the most important of all, and that is the future of your relationship. Is getting married and having children one of your priorities? Do you have a good healthcare and support plan set in place in case the pandemic affects you and your partner?
Discussing your future expectations and a potential timeline for your relationship is incredibly important. This will allow you to make compromises, come to certain conclusions, and create a clearer picture of your future, allowing you to be on the same page when starting a new life together.
While the process of moving in with your partner for the first time might be filled with unexpected circumstances, the tips mentioned above will allow you to prepare ahead of time, and turn your move into a smooth and pleasant experience.