Things to Discuss Before Moving in Together

When a couple is moving in together, they will run into different comments and advice. Still, this is an exciting and significant milestone in any relationship. So, the most important thing you two have to do is work together and communicate openly. Only then can you create a harmonious living environment that meets both of your needs and allows your relationship to flourish. Let’s check out how to plan the entire process and have a smooth relocation.

a couple choosing movers overlay
April 5, 2023 Posted in Moving Tips

Moving in Together Requires Open Communication and Planning

Joining forces with your loved one is a growing trend in the United States, with a recent study showing that more than half of Americans cohabitate before marriage. Relocating for a relationship surely means no more long-distance Valentine’s Day celebrations, but also that you need to figure out how to move in together.

The proven way, yet not the easiest, is to have open communication about your expectations, needs, and boundaries. By working together to create a shared vision for your new home and life together, you can establish a strong foundation for a happy and healthy relationship. Also, relocating into an apartment together can be an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery, as couples learn more about themselves and each other through the experience of sharing a living space.

Get ready to move Get A Quote

The First Thing to Discuss – Financial Matters

There are many things to do before cross-country moving, but the most important one is to discuss financial matters. Money is a sensitive and often uncomfortable topic, but it’s essential to have an open and honest conversation about it before making any major decisions. With a clear understanding of each other’s financial situation and expectations, you can avoid potential conflicts and set yourselves up for a successful and stress-free life together.

Create a Shared Budget

Organizing a relocation for your life together includes discussing how you will split expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, and household supplies. Establishing a budget and determining who will be responsible for paying which bills are important steps of the entire process.

Sit down with your partner and go over all the expenses you will have to manage as a couple. This includes rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, transportation, entertainment expenses, and a new apartment shopping list. Once you have a complete list of all your expenses, you can work together to create a budget that works for both of you.

Decide on Rent or Mortgage Responsibilities

You’re probably aware that it’s not enough to say, “I think we should move in together,” and expect things to be done by themselves. In fact, one of the critical decisions to make is to choose the perfect city to live in and how you will handle rent or mortgage responsibilities. This includes deciding who will pay for what and how you will split the costs. If you’re renting, you’ll need to decide how much each person will contribute to the monthly rent, security deposit, and any other associated fees.

After house hunting, you’ll need to decide how much each person will contribute to the down payment, closing costs, and monthly mortgage payments. It’s crucial to have an open and honest conversation about your finances and expectations to ensure that you’re on the same page. By making a plan and sticking to it, you can avoid potential conflicts and set yourself up for a successful life together.

A couple with boxes preparing for cross-country movers
30% of couples who moved in together did so because it was a more convenient living arrangement

Couples Moving in Together Need to Discuss Living Arrangements

After you check your future neighborhood, continue discussing the type of housing you’ll live in, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms needed, and the amount of space you’ll each require. For example, if one partner needs a quiet workspace or a designated exercise area, you’ll need to ensure their needs are accommodated.

Additionally, it’s important to discuss any pets (if one of you is relocating with a furry friend) or guests you plan on having in your home to make sure that everyone is comfortable with the arrangement. This can help you avoid potential conflicts and create a harmonious living environment that meets both of your needs.

Find a Solution That Supports the Preferences and Needs of Each Person

Relocating for love isn’t necessarily a stress-free event. You’ll have to discuss your personal habits, routines, and preferences and find ways to accommodate each other’s needs. For example, if one partner is a morning person and the other is a night owl, you’ll need to find ways to respect each other’s sleep schedules. It’s also essential to discuss your home’s design and décor to make sure that both partners feel comfortable and happy in their shared space.

If one partner has specific tastes or preferences, it’s important to find ways to incorporate their style into the home. Additionally, it’s crucial to respect each other’s personal space and to create areas where each partner can relax and unwind.

Auto Transport

Read More

Moving Insurance

Read More

Storage Services

Read More

Have a Space Within the Home All to Yourself

While sharing a home is an exciting prospect, it’s also essential to respect each other’s need for privacy and personal space. This means determining which areas of the home will be shared and which will be designated as separate spaces for each partner. For example, if one partner works from home, they may need a separate office space or a quiet area to concentrate. Similarly, if one partner is an avid reader, they may need a cozy reading nook or a separate room to store their books.

A couple looking at a home with a real estate agent
Ensure there's enough space on the property before renting or buying

When Is It Time to Move In Together? When You Learn to Divide Chores and Responsibilities

When you figure out the best time to move in together, you’ll need to decide who will be responsible for tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping. Discuss each other’s strengths and weaknesses and find ways to divide the work in a way that is fair and balanced.

This means being willing to compromise, communicating openly, and staying flexible as needed. If you’re able to work together as a team when tackling household responsibilities, it can be a sign that you’re ready to take the next step. However, if you think you need to improve your communication skills, check out the video below for some tips and tricks.

What to Know Before Moving in Together in Terms of Lifestyle and Habits

Moving in together is a big step in any relationship, and it’s important to be aware of each other’s lifestyle and habits before making the decision to live together. Here are some things to consider before relocating to another state together:

  • Sleeping habits – Do you have similar sleep schedules? Do you need different levels of noise or light to sleep comfortably?
  • Social habits – Do you prefer spending time alone or with others? How often do you like to socialize?
  • Eating habits – Do you have similar diets? Are there any foods that one person cannot eat or dislikes?
  • Cleaning habits – Are you both neat and organized, or is one person messier than the other? How will you divide household chores?

Understand Each Other’s Daily Routines

After booking long-distance moving services that will take care of all the logistics, you should focus on understanding each other’s daily routines, schedules, habits, and preferences. Here are some things to consider:

  • Work schedules – Do you have similar work schedules? How will you handle shared responsibilities when one person is working?
  • Exercise routines – Do you have similar exercise habits? Do you prefer to exercise at a certain time of day?
  • Meal times – Do you have similar eating habits and meal times?
  • Hobbies and interests – Do you have hobbies or interests that require specific spaces or times of the day?
  • Relaxation time – How do you like to unwind and relax after a long day?

Address Any Incompatible Habits or Behaviors

Not addressing some problems right away could lead to creating even bigger problems. For example, if one partner is messy and the other is neat, you’ll need to find a compromise that works for both of you.

If one partner is an early riser and the other is a night owl, you’ll need to find ways to respect each other’s sleep schedules. Resolve any potential issues and find ways to work together to create a harmonious living environment. This may mean setting ground rules, compromising on certain habits, or finding ways to adapt to each other’s routines.

A couple having a fight after long-distance moving
It can be hard, but be honest about what's bothering you

Discuss Your Future Plans and Goals

Uniting under one roof means you’ll share every little thing, which includes your individual goals. So, discussing where you see the relationship heading in the long term surely will come as a topic. Try to be completely open and honest about your expectations and make sure that you’re both on the same page.

This means discussing topics such as marriage, children, career goals, and lifestyle preferences. This can ensure that you’re both working towards a shared vision for your future. It’s also important to revisit these conversations periodically and to adjust your plans and goals as necessary.

A happy couple preparing for long-distance movers
Talk about the future and see if you're on the same page

Contact Long-Distance Movers to Help and Embrace the Journey

By entrusting your relocation to a reliable long-distance moving company, you can focus on embracing the adventure of your new journey and leaving the logistics to the experts. Having professionals by your side can make all the difference, helping to alleviate the stress and anxiety of the relocation process. With their expertise and experience, they can handle all aspects of the relocation.

Looking for an experienced relocation team? Instead of googling “long distance movers near me,” choose a credible company such as Trico Long Distance Movers. We offer a wide range of services to meet your every relocation need, including packing assistance and storage. Contact us to get a free quote and plan your move like a real pro.

FAQ About Moving in Together

How Should We Handle Finances When Moving in Together?

When uniting under one roof, it’s essential to have an open and honest conversation about finances. Discuss how you plan to split bills and expenses, including rent, utilities, groceries, and other living expenses. You may want to consider creating a joint account for shared expenses or establishing a system for dividing costs. It’s also important to discuss individual financial goals, such as saving for retirement or paying off debt, and how you plan to work towards them as a couple.

What Are the Best Ways to Divide Household Chores and Responsibilities?

One effective way to divide household chores is to create a to-do list of all the tasks that need to be done regularly and assign them based on each person’s strengths and preferences. Another option is to rotate chores on a weekly or monthly basis to ensure that everyone has a fair share of the workload.

How Can We Create a Harmonious Living Environment Despite Different Habits and Routines?

One way to create a harmonious living environment is to establish clear boundaries and expectations early on. This may include setting guidelines for noise levels, cleanliness, and personal space. It’s also important to respect each other’s habits and routines and to find ways to compromise when conflicts arise.

What Should We Consider When Choosing a Location and Type of Housing?

When deciding where to move and the type of housing, consider factors such as proximity to work, school, and other amenities, as well as the cost of rent and utilities. You may also want to think about the size of the space, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and whether or not pets are allowed (if relocating with your furry friends). It’s important to choose a place that meets both your needs and preferences.

How Can We Effectively Communicate and Resolve Conflicts in a Shared Living Space?

Effective communication is key to resolving conflicts in a shared living space. Make an effort to listen actively and to express your feelings and concerns calmly and respectfully. Work together to find solutions that work for both of you, and be willing to compromise when necessary.

What Are Some Tips for Combining Furniture and Belongings When Moving in Together?

When relocating furniture and belongings, it’s important to be flexible (check where you can donate furniture) and open-minded to combine it in the best possible way. Try to find ways to integrate both of your styles and preferences and consider investing in some new pieces that you both love. It’s also a good idea to get rid of unnecessary stuff and organize your belongings before merging households to avoid clutter and unnecessary stress.

How Can We Balance Personal Space and Shared Time in Our New Home?

Balancing personal space and shared time is important for maintaining a healthy relationship. Establishing clear boundaries and expectations early on can help prevent conflicts and misunderstandings. You may also want to consider creating designated spaces for individual activities, such as a home office or a reading nook.

Should We Discuss Our Future Plans and Goals Before Moving in Together?

Taking the next step in our relationship means you’ll have to ensure that you’re both on the same page. This may include discussing your long-term relationship goals, such as marriage or starting a family, as well as individual career and personal goals. It’s important to be honest and open about your expectations and to work together to create a plan that works for both of you.

What Are Some Ways to Ensure Emotional Well-Being and Support in Our Relationship?

Be attentive to each other’s needs and provide emotional support when needed. This may include taking time to listen and offer encouragement, as well as providing practical help and assistance when needed. It’s also important to prioritize self-care and to encourage each other to pursue individual hobbies and interests.

How Can We Prepare for the Logistics of Moving in Together?

The first thing is to sit down with your partner and plan a relocation. Decide on a relocation date, determine what items each of you will bring, and discuss how you will handle the logistics. Also, if you have a lot of items to move, consider hiring professional cross-country movers to help. Get quotes from several companies and compare prices and services.

Julie Grace

Originally from The Golden City, Julie has explored the ins and outs of moving and has written all the tips down.

    From
    To

      From
      To

        From
        To
        Trico Long Distance Transportation, LLC is a BBB Accredited Moving andor Storage Company in Los Angeles, CA
        Get a Free Estimate 877 666 8464