You’ve met someone. After dating for a bit, everything is going surprisingly well — except they live 1,200 miles away. The video calls are great, the weekend visits are the highlight of your month, but every goodbye feels harder than the last. So, when the idea of moving in together comes up, it feels…exciting. But nerve-racking at the same time.
Moving for a relationship is a big decision. On one hand, there’s the bliss of sharing everyday moments — cooking dinner together, waking up in the same place, developing shared routines — but you can’t ignore the “what ifs” going through your head. What if the move doesn’t go as planned? What if the relationship changes under the weight of real life? What if you end up feeling isolated in a new city?
In this guide, we’ll unpack what to consider before making the move, from emotional readiness and communication to financial planning and practical relocation tips. Whether you’re r just beginning to explore the idea or you’re ready to get moving, this guide will help you approach that decision with greater confidence and clarity.
Moving for a Relationship: Why Do People Do It?
People move in with their significant other for all kinds of reasons. For love, yes — but also for practical purposes. A 2023 survey, for instance, found that 63% of individuals who moved in with a romantic partner said that logistics and finances — particularly housing costs — heavily influenced their decision.
A more recent 2025 study showed a similar trend: 23% of single Americans said they would fast-track cohabitation — including moving to another state for a relationship — to save money. That number is even higher among Gen Zers.
Realistically, the decision to move in with your long-distance partner will probably involve weighing multiple factors. Yes, there’s the financial angle, like splitting living costs and saving on travel expenses. There’s also the desire to escape the logistical nightmare of being apart all the time. But moving in together could also bring brand new opportunities, like finding a new job that aligns with your career aspirations, or moving to a new city you’ve always dreamed of exploring.
Ultimately, though, there’s no single “right” reason. Choosing whether or not to make the move will come down to what feels right — for both you and your partner.
Are You Ready? What To Consider Before Moving for Love
Romance aside, moving for love is a huge leap of faith into a new chapter of your relationship — and your life. Here are some other aspects to consider and discuss before making your move in order to ensure the transition is as successful as possible.
1. Ensure the timing makes sense
How long should you date before moving in?
Many couples move in together 6 to 18 months into dating — and one survey found that 52% of U.S. couples felt that timeframe was appropriate.
But in reality, there’s no hard-and-fast rule about when the right time is. Really, the data suggests that giving yourself time to get to know your partner and your daily dynamic is the way to go — whether that’s within two months or two years.
What is the 3-3-3 rule in a relationship? The 3-3-3- rule, aka the 333 dating rule, is a popular guideline for checking in on your relationship pace. Here’s the breakdown of what to ask yourself:
Remember, though, that every relationship moves at its own pace. The key is to have open communication and clarity about your relationship. |
2. Communicate openly
Even if you and your partner agree that moving in together feels right, don’t forget to communicate openly and often about this next step. Have honest conversations with your partner about what living together will actually look like in terms of time together, personal space, and long-term goals.
Finances are a major aspect of sharing a space—and a life—with someone. Talk early on about how you’ll split rent, bills, and moving expenses. The last thing you want is for money tension to quietly erode the positive aspects of your relationship.
3. Critically assess compatibility
Compatibility matters a lot, too. If you’ve only spent time together on weekends or holidays, it could be hard to know how you’ll function as a couple day to day. Try spending a few extended visits together to get a realistic sense of each other’s habits, routines, and quirks, especially during the workweek.
4. Have a backup plan
This might feel uncomfortable to consider, but it doesn’t hurt to set up a contingency plan in case the relationship changes — or ends. Will you stay in this new city? Will you be able to keep your job or find a new one? Thinking through this doesn’t mean you expect failure. It simply means you’re being prepared.
5. Talk logistics
Make sure the move supports both of you. Deciding who should move in a long-distance relationship shouldn’t feel like a one-sided sacrifice. The person with the most flexibility — financially, professionally, or emotionally — will probably be best positioned to move, but both of you should feel like your needs are being heard and considered.
Tips for Moving for a Relationship
Once you’ve decided that moving for a relationship is the right next step, it’s time to shift your focus to making it happen — smoothly, efficiently, and with as little stress as possible.
Here are a few helpful tips for planning, packing, and traveling — so you can focus less on logistics and more on starting your next chapter together.
1. Come up with a plan together
Even if you’re the one moving, the logistics of the move should be a partnership project. Work with your partner to create a shared timeline, divide responsibilities, and stay aligned on important decisions.
Deciding what to pack, what to donate, and who will be in charge of handling different aspects of the move will minimize miscommunication and help prevent frustration during the moving process.
2. Manage your stress
Even the most exciting moves (e.g., relocating for love) can feel overwhelming. Prioritize self-care during this time — by taking breaks, getting enough rest, and maintaining your routines (e.g., exercising, journaling, and spending time with friends).
Supporting each other through the inevitable emotional ups and downs will also make the transition smoother and strengthen your connection with your partner.
3. Choose the right moving service
Decide early whether you’ll do a DIY move or hire full-service movers. A DIY move with a rental truck can be the most affordable option, but it will eat up a lot of your time and require physical effort and planning — not to mention, driving. Full-service movers, on the other hand, are experts in securely packing, loading, and transporting your belongings so nothing gets lost or damaged — so you can focus on your relationship and settling in, rather than moving logistics.
Use a moving checklist
With any move, staying organized is key. A detailed moving checklist can help you track tasks, timelines, and important documents so nothing slips through the cracks.
5. Use moving apps
Along with your moving checklist, moving apps can make your move far more manageable. The best options will help you organize inventory, track expenses, and schedule reminders all in one place.
6. Give it time
Adjusting to your new life together won’t happen overnight. It may take weeks or months to feel truly settled. Be patient with yourself, your partner, and the process. Celebrate small milestones — like making your first friend or discovering your favorite local coffee shop — as positive signs that your new life is taking shape.
| Moving to be with your long-distance partner? Get a fast, free quote from Colonial. |
Settling In and Adjusting After Relocating for Love
Moving for love marks a huge milestone, but once the boxes are unpacked, the real adjustment begins. Even when the move goes smoothly, starting fresh in a new city — especially if you’re moving out of state — can stir up mixed emotions: excitement, anxiety, loneliness, or pressure to make everything feel “worth it.”
The key to feeling settled in your new environment is balance — nurturing your relationship while also creating a life for yourself that feels full and grounded, both individually and as a couple.
Here are a few ways to build a healthy, connected life after moving for a relationship:
1. Focus on community
Invest in creating your own social circle. Join local groups, clubs, or classes that align with your interests or profession. Building friendships outside the relationship can help you feel more rooted and independent in your new home.
2. Be active as a couple
Explore your new surroundings with your partner: try new restaurants, visit local landmarks, or take day trips to new hiking spots. These shared experiences can strengthen your bond — but don’t forget the importance of maintaining some personal hobbies and taking time for yourself, too.
3. Express appreciation
Show your gratitude for the effort and sacrifices you’ve both made to pull off this big move. Even small gestures — a quick thank-you, a thoughtfully planned date night, etc. — can go a long way in keeping appreciation alive while you’re adjusting.
4. Maintain your independence
It’s healthy to stay realistic. Especially if you’re moving to another state for a relationship, ensure you have emotional support, like friends or family back home. It also helps to maintain a sense of personal stability — financially and logistically. These safety nets can ensure you’re taking good care of yourself, no matter what happens.
Why Colonial Van Lines Is a Great Choice When You’re Moving for a Relationship
Colonial Van Lines can make moving to another state for a relationship easier by handling the heavy lifting — literally. We take care of the loading, driving, and unloading (and even the packing, if you’d like), so you can focus on what truly matters. We also have over 50 years of interstate moving experience, which means your items are in good hands no matter how far the distance.
Instead of worrying about logistics, you can spend your energy on the things only you can do: planning your new life with your partner, saying goodbyes to loved ones, and getting ready to start fresh in a new place together.