Moving in with Your Significant Other

February 13, 2018 / Posted in Moving Basics
Anastasia Hill

Apart from being the next fashion icon, Anastasia is also a freelance writer and expert on moving (and packing clothes).

So, you’ve decided to take your relationship to the next level – congrats! Moving in with your significant other is the ultimate test – merging your lives, your stuff, and possibly your wildly different tastes in home decor. Whether you’re excited or a little nervous (or both!), this guide is here to help you navigate the adventure of cohabitation.

Couple sitting on the bed
Getting to live together is a big step but an exciting one as well

Make an Honest Decision About Moving in With Your Significant Other

In the past two decades, the percentage of couples moving in together before marriage has risen from 3% to 7%.

This trend makes perfect sense – you get to share apartment rent and other expenses, all while living with your closest person. Plus, you finally have someone to blame when the milk mysteriously disappears from the fridge overnight!

Most couples move in within the first two years of a relationship

However, even with no second thoughts on both parts, there are still plenty of considerations and things to do before cross-country moving in together. On top of preparing for long-distance movers, you should be getting prepared for a big lifestyle change as well.

A lot of compromises will have to be made, especially if you’re relocating from a small town to a big city. Also, if one of you is taking the leap across the country for love, it shouldn’t be the only reason. It might be the most powerful force in the world, but make sure you’ve got practical reasons too, like a job, school, or a solid plan. After all, a great relationship needs more than just romance to survive!

couple holding boxes
Make sure you’re on the same page because this is a huge change

Discuss the Reasons for This Step with Your Partner

To make sure you’re on the same page, it’s important to have an open discussion right from the get-go. There’s nothing more beautiful than being in love, but you need to think about the not-so-exciting things too. From figuring out the relocation budget for long-distance moving services to how you’ll make the apartment feel like home, you need to make sure you’re both playing for the same team.

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Share Your Thoughts on the Relationship

There is a lot to think about and discuss before you get yourself in this predicament. One of them is having a big talk about the future.

What do both of you want from the future? Do you see it the same way? Will you share just space or the entire life? Are you willing to make compromises? Speak with each other openly and work on all potential issues you feel might arise.

Here Are the Signs You Might Not Be Ready for This

There’s no relocating across the country just to figure it out once you get there. You need to think realistically, as much as you can. Here are some signs you’re not ready yet:

  • Talking about money makes you both squirm,
  • You have a prosperous career and you don’t want to get a job in the new city,
  • Either one of you cherished their personal space a bit too much,
  • Small disagreements often turn into big conflicts,
  • You’ve never traveled together or the last trip left you bickering.

Don’t take such a big decision lightly. It’s not only about organizing packing, merging homes, or convenience – it is a whole new life chapter for both of you.

couple moving furniture
You have to think it through both realistically and emotionally

Sit Down Together and Make a Detailed Relocation Plan

When all the pros and cons are taken into account, it’s time to start preparing for the actual process. This is where you both have to take a good, hard look at all of your belongings and decide what you’ll bring and what you need to get rid of. After all, your shared new home can only take up so much.

If there is not enough room for the time being or you’ll have to wait for a while to get them into the apartment, you can always use a storage unit. Companies such as Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving even offer free storage for the first 30 days!

You should also think about whether you’ll need professional packing services or not. They could really help take the unnecessary relocation stress out of the way. Also, talk about the car situation – will you share one four-wheeler or each have their own? Either way, auto transport is always an option.

Have a Good Financial Plan Ready

After you’ve figured out what kind of services you’ll need from your chosen relocation and car shipping company, it’s time to talk about other expenses as well. If you or your partner lived in one place for a while, you should have a somewhat clear picture of the monthly expenses. With that in mind, you should discuss the joint budget for the rent, bills, and food

If one of you is in a bad financial situation, you should discuss splitting the monthly expenses in a way that is affordable for both of you. Also, if you’re unemployed, consider getting a job before you move so you can start your new life without any financial problems. From now on, you won’t share just a living space – therefore, make sure that all money issues are settled and agreed upon beforehand.

two girls sitting on the floor and talking
Think about the move, create money plans, and share them with significant other

Send Away Stuff You Don’t Need in Your “Together” Home

If you have to move a lot of furniture, there is bound to be some excess among your belongings. So, instead of transporting all of that stuff, you should think about bringing only the essentials. It will not only make relocation easier, but you’ll be able to save on costs as well.

To make even more cash on the side, you can organize a garage sale and sell some of these pieces. You can also donate them to charities such as Goodwill, earning some good karma for the chapter ahead.

What You Shouldn’t Bring to the New Place

The bottom line is – you shouldn’t bring any double items to the new place. Another sofa or TV set is unnecessary, and the long-distance moving company will charge you more to transport it.

Also, all of the things you don’t use anymore are pure excess. Declutter and organize with your significant other before you start packing.

boxes with prohibition sign
Some things will simply have to go

Make Time for Love, Everyday Life, and Yourself

The biggest change in all of this is that you’re gonna start living with someone from now – and not just someone, but with your significant other. While this can be a make-or-break situation, if you are in a healthy relationship with two conscious adults, every situation is solvable.

You should adjust to each other’s schedule and daily habits while not losing the core of your personality. If only one of you is ready to compromise, that is not viable for long. Never forget about all the little rituals that will show your partner how much you love them and how much your relationship means to you. Also, don’t close yourselves off in your small world – try to get out there as much as you can.

“Me Time” Is Very Important

As much as time with your partner is important, “me time” is also vital for a healthy relationship. Have time to devote to yourself and your small rituals or hobbies that you like and that do not involve your partner. This way you won’t suffocate each other.

Having some privacy in space and time of your own will allow you to grow as a person, but can have one more plus to it. You’ll always have something new to talk about when you come out of the room. After all, living together isn’t just paying bills, ranting about work, sharing the chores, and watching TV to sleep. It’s a lot more than that. Never forget the importance of personal space after getting to live together.

A couple watching a movie
Do stuff together, but also make sure you have your own things going on

Love Moves You – Let Our Relocation and Auto Transport Company Handle the Rest

Living together is a big step, filled with cozy nights, shared responsibilities, and probably a few “discussions” over whose turn it is to do the dishes. But it’s all part of the adventure, and if you can laugh through the hiccups, you’re already winning at cohabitation!

And when it’s time to make that move official, Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving has your back. Our team of experienced cross-country movers will handle the heavy lifting – literally – so you and your partner can focus on setting up your new love nest. Contact us today and we’ll make sure your stuff arrives safe and sound.

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