Moving In Together? Follow Our Guide for a Smooth Transition

What to Do — Before the Move

 

Establish Clear Expectations 

Before embarking on this relationship-testing journey of cohabitation, it's crucial to have open and honest conversations about your expectations. Discuss important topics such as shared finances, chores, personal space, and preferred social activities. It's essential to respect each other's needs and find compromises that work for both parties. By setting clear boundaries and establishing a mutual understanding from the beginning, you can prevent potential conflicts down the road (and save yourself from many rocky fights).

 

Plan and Organise Together 

Moving requires careful planning and organisation. Involve your partner in every step of the process, from searching for a new place to packing and unpacking. Make a checklist of tasks and distribute responsibilities evenly. This collaborative approach will foster a sense of shared responsibility and create a positive foundation for your new living arrangement. If only one of you does all the necessary legwork, then there will be a sense of resentment for doing all the work, and the other partner will not feel as involved in the decision making. Start off on the right foot!

 

Declutter Before You Pack

Like with any move, the first thing on your to-do list should be decluttering, which goes for both parties. Go through everything you have and get rid of whatever items you no longer want or need. Not only will this save you time and money during the move, but the less stuff you both have, the easier it will be to find them a home at the new place.

 

What to Do — During the Move

 

Merge Your Belongings 

When combining two households, merging belongings can be a daunting task. Start by decluttering and getting rid of unnecessary items. Then, decide (together) which things to keep, sell, donate, or store. Compromise is critical when it comes to blending different styles and preferences. Find a balance that allows each person to contribute to the shared space while maintaining individuality. It's a beautiful symbol in a way, this merging of stuff/souls/clutter.

 

Divide Financial Responsibilities

Financial matters can be a sensitive topic, but addressing them early on is crucial. Discuss how you'll split the rent, utilities, groceries, and other shared expenses. Consider using apps or software to help track and manage costs. Transparency and open communication about money can prevent misunderstandings and ensure a fair distribution of financial responsibilities. Money shouldn’t make or break a relationship, but it definitely has played its fair share of parts in some rough endings.

 

Establish House Rules 

To maintain a peaceful living environment, establish house rules together. Having a set of agreed-upon rules will create structure and clarity, minimising potential conflicts. Address issues like quiet hours, cleaning chores expectations, and overnight guest privileges.

 

Be Mindful at All Times

Moving is an incredibly stressful time, so don't get on each other's nerves! Your partner and the living situation will test your patience to the limit, and you are very likely to snap at each other. 

Learn to communicate and set boundaries with your partner. Be open to talking about delegating tasks if your partner feels overworked, or asking for space when you need your own time. Try to avoid over-committing to plans at this time,  and be sure to speak up when you feel uncomfortable about a particular situation. 

Everyone's patience metre is low at this time, so you need to both try and be aware of that. 

 

What To Do — After the Move

 

Continue to Communicate Effectively 

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful living arrangement. You’ve created a safe space for open dialogue, and now you’re going to have to continue to encourage understanding and resolve conflicts healthily with no lingering resentment. Get out those active listening ears, express your needs and concerns openly, and be receptive to feedback. A great way to do this is to make it a habit; encourage regular house meetings to discuss any issues that have been popping up or suggestions on improving the overall quality of living — and don’t be afraid to break out a glass of wine or two during these meetings, they can be fun too!

 

Respect the Personal Boundaries 

Now that you’ve both successfully set up a living space and you’re having regular chats about keeping it fresh and groovy for the two of you, respecting each other's personal boundaries will be an ongoing task. Honouring each other's boundaries promotes a healthy coexistence and contributes to a positive living environment. Give each other space when needed, and be mindful of your individual schedules and routines. 
 

Moving in with another person is an exciting and transformative experience. By following these guidelines and embracing open communication, careful planning, and mutual respect, you can navigate the challenges and develop a harmonious living environment. 

 

Remember, the key to a happy household is to approach the entire process with a spirit of compromise, understanding, and willingness to adapt.  If you want to make the process of moving smooth and painless, you need to look no further than Len's Self Storage. We're a family-run business, and we ensure we cater to all our customers' moving and storage needs in the best ways possible. Whether renting a moving van and boxes or storing extra items clogging up your home, we have the self storage solution you need!