Please read this before moving in together

by | Mar 21, 2019 | Blog, couples


A complete guide for couples who are ready to move in

There comes a time in every relationship when you decide that you are spending a lot of time together and sharing a tremendous amount of sleepovers. When this comes to a realization, then there is a big decision that needs to be made….do we move in together? 

What do you consider when making this big decision? When is the right time? How do we combine our finances, space, and time?

So when IS the right time to move in together? There are some signs that could lead you in the right direction. 

SIGNS YOU ARE READY TO MOVE IN TOGETHER

  1. You understand your partner, they understand you, and you both aware of and understand each others habits. 
  2. You are comfortable discussing money and finances together.
  3. It’s getting a little inconvenient NOT to move in together. (Sleepovers and living out of a gym bag is not fun.)
  4. You both understand that it will be tough.
  5. You’re both completely independent.
  6. You make quality time for each other.
  7. You are both great at solving problems and talking out disagreements.

If you checked off more than a few of these signs you are golden! 

When moving in together, I’ve put together a couple of different lists that include tips that can help you along the way.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

  1. Understand that your life is about to change DRAMATICALLY.
    1. You’re essentially married now, and will need to consider another person’s opinion of your finances, your schedule, your time, etc.
    2. Privacy will be non-existent. (Even bathroom time can be interrupted.)
    3. Chores are to be split evenly, the house will not clean itself, and it’s unfair to rely on your partner to keep the house clean.
    4. You will need to ASK for your alone time. It’s not going to be an automatic, natural, thing to have.
  2. You will need to learn how to solve your disagreements in the best, amicable way possible.
  3. There is an art to combining space and finances. It’s personal to everyone, you and your partner will have to figure out what works best for you. 

TIPS TO COMBINING FINANCES

  1. Keep ONE account solely for paying bills (a “Bill-Pay” account) where both of you deposit money into for paying bills.
  2. You should both sit down every payday and discuss bills that are due, and expenses, together.
  3. Keep separate accounts for yourselves, but be open, honest, and give your partner access to your account.

TIPS TO COMBINING TIME AND SCHEDULES

It’s easy to forget that when you RSVP for any event, you must consider the schedule and time of the person you are sharing your life with. Here are some tips to help along the way.

  1. Sit every saturday or sunday and go over scheduling for the following week. Events, appointments, work, etc. Make sure that you are both on the same page. 
  2. Use a calendar app, like google calendar, etc. and combine it for the use of you and your partner.  Include your partner whenever you are scheduling a last minute appointment or event. 

In conclusion, moving in together can be an exciting and joyous time full of possibilities and new ways to explore each other and be part of each other’s lives! But remember that it’s also difficult to combine two lives and two personalities, into one household. So be kind, understanding, and compassionate.