Making the big decision to move in with your partner is exciting! No more coordinating visits or spending nights apart. You finally get to fall asleep and wake up next to your favourite person every day. However, shacking up isn't all cuddles and rainbows filled with sunshine.
Moving in together brings an entirely new dynamic to a relationship. You quickly learn things about each other that can make or break your status as a couple. But having an open and honest conversation with your partner before combining two households can set you both up for success.
So before you cram everything you both own into a moving truck, read through this comprehensive 10 step checklist to make sure you and your honey are ready for this next chapter.
1) Communicate Expectations
First things first, have an open and honest conversation about your expectations. Discuss your daily routines, cleanliness preferences, and any habits that might impact your shared living space. Understanding each other's expectations from the get-go can prevent problematic misunderstandings down the line.
Take time to evaluate your relationship's strength and readiness for cohabitation. Ask yourselves:
- Are you 100% solid in your commitment to each other? Living together when there are doubts spells trouble.
- Do you fight fair and communicate well? Living under one roof can aggravate conflicts.
- Have you discussed major deal breakers like marriage, kids, finances, etc.? Serious incompatibility in these fields can end things, which is made worse when you live together.
2) Purge and Declutter
Moving in together is the perfect opportunity to declutter your life. Go through your belongings and decide what you need and what you can live without.
Now comes the fun part — mixing your belongings to fit them all into one home! Before tossing items together, have some sorting sessions:
- Audit all possessions and purge what you don't need. Less is more in a shared space!
- Compromise on furniture, storage, and décor. Don't let one person's taste dominate an area.
- Take an inventory and see what is missing from both of your belongings and then go shopping together to find the missing pieces.
Tip: Consider donating, selling, or even using self storage for items that hold sentimental value but may not fit in your shared space.
3) Budget Wisely
Finances can be a touchy subject but it's critical to have a transparent discussion about your money matters. Create a budget that includes shared expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries. Knowing who will cover what will help you avoid financial conflicts in the future.
4) Choose the Right Space
Selecting the perfect living space is vital for a successful move. Take into consideration factors like location, size, and amenities.
If you're downsizing, self storage facilities can provide a secure and convenient solution for storing extra belongings that may not fit in your new space.
You want a space that accommodates both of your needs, lifestyles, and budgets.
Make sure you're both on the same page about:
- Renting vs Buying: Do you want the flexibility of renting or would you prefer to invest in home ownership?
- Traffic Times: Calculate driving times and commutes from potential new places based on both your schedules.
- Space Planning: Work out how much room you both need, not only presently but also for future needs if you plan on staying long term (hobbies, family growth, etc.).
- Cost Splitting: Determine total expenses for rent/mortgage, utilities, and incidentals. Then decide who pays for what.
5) Compromise on Décor
Decorating your shared space is exciting, but it requires plenty of compromise from both sides. Discuss your design preferences and find a middle ground that reflects both of your styles. Remember, it's about creating a space that feels like home for both of you.
6) Create Shared Spaces
While it's important to respect each other's personal space, creating shared spaces where you both feel comfortable is equally vital. This could be a cosy corner meant purely for reading good books, a joint hobby area, or even a dedicated movie night spot for cuddles and chats. Shared spaces strengthen the bond between partners.
7) Discuss Responsibilities and Routines
Divide the household responsibilities to guarantee a fair distribution of chores. Whether it's doing the dishes, taking out the trash, or handling grocery shopping, having a clear division of labour prevents one person from feeling overwhelmed and taken advantage of.
After the move, you'll quickly realise all sorts of life logistics need coordinating. Avoid tension down the road by having discussions about:
- When can visitors stay over? Where will these guests sleep?
- Nightly routines: Will you wind down together or does one person need alone time?
- Who wakes early? Who hits snooze 15 times?
- How often do you need quality check-ins?
Mapping out these lifestyle logistics gives each person reasonable expectations for their new living situation.
8) Be Patient and Flexible
Moving in together is a considerable adjustment, and it's natural to face some challenges along the way. Be patient with each other and remember that meeting mid-way is key.
Patience and flexibility will help the two of you navigate any inevitable bumps in the road. If one of you needs more time emotionally or logistically, then wait. Forcing things too soon rarely ends well in the long run.
When you both feel 100% ready, set a move-in deadline. This locks you into decision mode. Of course, extenuating circumstances like an unexpected job relocation may shift the timing. However, having an initial target date keeps you focused and motivated.
9) Keep the Romance Alive
Among all the logistics and practicalities, don't forget to keep the spark burning with your romantic relationship! Set aside a time for date nights and maintain those little gestures you did when you were still in the early dating phase. It's these moments that make living together truly special.
10) Consider Self Storage Solutions
If you have more belongings than your new space can accommodate, consider using self storage solutions. Whether it's seasonal items, sentimental belongings, or furniture you can't part with, a self storage unit offers a convenient and secure option.
Moving in with your partner is an exciting journey filled with growth, compromise, and shared experiences. By following this comprehensive checklist, you'll be well prepared to tackle the challenges and savour the joys of cohabitation. Here's to the next chapter in your love story!
Of course, moving in together has its logistical challenges too. Let us here at Len's Self Storage hold onto your extra stuff as you merge households. We'll keep your items safe so you can focus on creating a loving home with your partner!
Call us today:
Edinburgh
Granton Branch
Sighthill Branch
Glasgow
Hillington Branch
Kinning Park Branch
