The time your parents have been dreading is here; you’re finally ready to move in with your Significant Other. It’s an exciting time, and although there are so many things to look forward to, it also may be different than you’re picturing.
I got my first apartment with my husband (then fiancé) 7 years ago and we were so excited to be living in a new city on our own. We moved to our new city with no jobs, no real savings and no concrete plans. I wouldn’t recommend it. There are a few things that I would recommend doing before you actually move in together:
Figure Out Finances Beforehand
Before you start even looking for apartments, make sure you sit down together and figure out your finances. Whose name is the lease and utilities going to be in? Will you be splitting bills and groceries 50/50? This stuff is really important to decide ahead of time so it saves you from arguing about it once you’re actually living together.
Decide How to Merge Your Individual Styles
When it comes to home décor, you want to find a happy medium between what they want and what you want. Go shopping together and get an idea of styles you can both live with, and build from there. Also try to decide what the “must haves” are for your apartment. Do they need a spare room to use as an art studio? Do you need an office? These are decisions that need to be made beforehand so you don’t end up fighting over the spare room after you move in.
Assign Household Chores
Aside from money, this is another huge cause of arguments for most households. Who does what? Setting the expectations of each other before you move in will save you from arguing when things around the house need to get done. Do you love to cook but hate doing dishes? Maybe they can agree to dish duty in exchange for delicious meals. Everyone has chores they are better at, so dividing things equally based on your strengths and preferences will keep things moving smoothly.
Understand That Everyone Needs Space Sometimes
Getting to be around the person you love all the time is really exciting! It’s hard not to want to hang out with them as soon as they get home from school or work. After 7 years I still want to hang with my husband every night, but it’s important to remember is that everyone needs space now and then. It’s healthy to have your own interests and hobbies. I like to do DIYs and work on my blog. My husband likes to come home from work and unwind by gaming. The most important thing to understand is that just because you live together, doesn’t mean you need to BE together 24/7.
Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff
It’s important to pick your battles in any relationship, but especially when you’re living together. Don’t freak out if they load the dishwasher differently than you, or forget to put the toothpaste cap on. After 7 years of living together I’ve learned that dirty socks left on the floor don’t matter in the long run, just pick them up and keep going.
Comment below if you have any of your own tips to share!
