So, you’ve come to the decision that you and your partner are going to be moving in together – congratulations! This is bound to be one of the scariest yet exciting steps you’ll ever make in life. Not only will your partner be seeing your quirky behaviors every day, but you’ll also be finding out more about them than you may have seen before.
You may need some careful thinking time to decide if it’s the right time for you both to make this move – and of course, how to live harmoniously for the rest of your days.
If you’re thinking about moving in with your partner in the near future, here are some things to take on board:
Be open with one another
Moving in together is a huge deal, and you’re likely to both feel apprehensive at some stage of the process – especially if you have never lived with a partner before. Don’t be afraid to express your feelings and fears, as your partner may feel exactly the same. Some people worry they’ll lose their independence, feel cut off from their family or that the relationship will break up. Whatever is worrying you, be open and come up with a plan as to how you’ll tackle certain challenges.
Talk about your long-term goals
Have you thought about your long-term goals? If not, it’s certainly about time you did, as this can have an impact on the type of property you go for. Are you thinking about having a family or pets in the next few years? If so, a one-bedroom apartment may not be the most suitable choice. Plan for how much room you’ll need and the type of property that is suitable to align with your goals and you’ll find the house hunt much more straightforward.
Have an independent space
When the time comes to move in with your partner, it’s natural to feel smothered in the early days, as you’ll no longer have your own space to do your own thing, especially if you’re used to living independently. Rest assured; this is completely normal.
It’s healthy for you each to have a place you can retire when you need some downtime or to cool off after an argument. Feeling trapped will only heighten emotions and lead you to feel even more stressed. If your budget allows, you could consider investing in Eco Rooms. They can be installed at the bottom of the garden to create your own ‘man cave’ or retreat room.
Be open about your finances
As you’ll be living together, it may be the case that you’ll be no longerable to keep your finances separate. It’s time to be open about your financial situation and what you can realistically afford; otherwise, you may face serious complications later down the line. It may be the case that one person pays rent and the other pays the household bills – but to avoid arguments, it would be best to work it out fairly based on your yearly income.
