You’ve decided to take the leap of moving in with your significant other – now what? It’s a little more complex than just moving your stuff into a new place. This is a big step in your relationship that you don’t want to take lightly. It’s time to uncover some classic do’s and don’ts as well as other tips for making the move go smoothly.
8 Do’s & Don’ts of Successfully Moving in with Your Significant Other
Let us make your transition to moving in with your significant other go as smoothly as possible with these smart tips.
Do: Discuss Finances
This is probably the most important thing that you’ll want to be sure is discussed well in advance of making the decision to move in with your significant other. You should understand what each of your financial situations are.
How much money do you make? Do you have any outstanding debt (college loans, car payments, credit card bills)? What other monthly bills or expenses do you have (cell phone, cable/internet, etc.)? Most importantly, what’s your budget for housing? If you do a lot of traveling, maybe it’s not as important to you to spend quite as much on a nicer place.
Pro tip: Do put both of your names on the lease. Not to suggest anything would happen, but this way you’re protected. Plus, it gives each of you a sense of ownership of the space and you’re more likely to take better care of it.
Do: Make Space for Your Partner
This is especially important if your significant other is moving into the place that you already live in. You’ve already filled the space with your belongings and settled in. Now’s the time to do some cleaning out of old things you don’t use or need anymore.
This is particularly important when it comes to furniture pieces. You both have beds and couches, to name a couple. There likely won’t be space for all of your possessions in the new place. Sit down and have a conversation with your partner about which bed to keep and what couch fits your style more.
Pro tip: That old couch you have from your college house isn’t working anymore. Get rid of it…now!
Do: Go Furniture Shopping Together
Moving in with your significant other is the perfect opportunity to go furniture shopping together and define your collective style. You both likely have very unique styles on your own than you will together. And that’s okay, you just need to figure out how to merge them.
Sit down and Pinterest some things you do and don’t like. Bring pictures of your Pinterest inspiration with you when you go shopping and pick out some pieces that will suit both of you and the style you’re working on building together.
Don’t: Prevent them from Having Friends Over
This is key, but sometimes hard to remember. You’re still both individuals with close friends that you turn to with life’s major changes. Make sure they know that friends are still welcome.
Pro tip: Before having friends over, sit down and discuss some guidelines. How late do you want friends over? How much notice should you give each other? This will be new to all of you, and your friends should understand that it’ll take a bit of an adjustment.
Do: Figure Out Your Schedules
Keeping open lines of communication here is key to ensuring a smooth move in with your significant other. What time do you go to bed? When do you take a shower? How early do you get up? Do you workout before or after work? Questions like this will help you settle into a normal routine much quicker.
Pro tip: Update your Google calendars and share them with each other. That way, your significant other will have access to your schedule at the tips of their fingers. But just because they have access to it, don’t assume they’re checking it daily. Sit down together on Sunday night over a glass of wine and talk about your schedules for the week, particularly if there’s anything out of the ordinary on your calendar. That will prevent your partner from having dinner on the table on a night you’re working late.
Don’t: Move Their Stuff Without Telling Them
This should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway. Don’t touch their stuff! It might not be where you’d put your keys (hence the key hook by the door), but that’s one way to anger your partner if they can’t find something where they knew they last left it.
Instead, try having a conversation with them about it. “Hey, I noticed your keys were on the kitchen counter. Would it be okay if I put them on the hook by the door?” Eventually, it’ll become a habit for them to automatically put their keys there. But don’t get frustrated if it takes time.
Do: Be Open to an Adjustment Period
Moving in with your significant other is a major life event. Like everything, it’ll take time to process and settle into this new normal. And that’s totally fine as long as you’re cognizant that things might not be perfect overnight.
Especially if your partner has moved from a new city or state, there’s a whole lot of new in their lives. You’re both losing a bit of the personal space that you’ve grown used to. Be sensitive to the others needs and feelings. You might both be struggling a little at first, but that doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed. Moving in with your significant other will require major adjustment and time is on your side.
Do: Declare a Small Space as “Yours”
This is key to maintaining your sense of independence. Pick a spot in the new place that’s yours, whether it be for work or reading. It’ll give you a great mini-escape when you’re craving a little R&R.
If you have a really small place where that’s not possible, understand that you might have to spend a little time apart. As they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder, so there’s nothing wrong with going out with your pals while you leave the other half at home.
Making the Move
Communicate, be open, and be flexible. Those are the top things to remember when moving in with your significant other. Lots of things are going to change for both of you, so be willing to adapt to each other’s quirks. You’ll definitely uncover some new pet peeves but you’ll find new things to love, too. Be patient with each other and keep the dialogue flowing. You’ll be on your way to happily ever after in no time. Here is a resource with additional tips on moving in with your significant other.
Moving in with your significant other is stressful enough. Contact us at Colonial Van Lines and we’ll do the heavy lifting for you, starting with your free moving quote.
