A great sign indicating that a relationship is long lasting and strengthening day by day is when a couple decides to move in together. For the couple itself, it can be a very emotional and overwhelming time. This article aims to give you a few hints and tips to allow your move, and your life together run smoothly.
The first part of a relationship is compromise. This applies to all aspects of life and the relationship and will apply to this scenario too. If both of you have different ideas of where you like to live, you will have to find something in the middle. Women tend to be more romantic and optimistic, meaning that they will want the stereotypical big house with a garden and a view. Men on the other hand are more practical and may only initially want to move into a small apartment while it’s still the two of them.
I have seen couples break up whilst arguing about where to live! How they got there I will never know, but I will tell you that communication is the key to ensuring that this does not happen to you. If you talk to each other openly and honestly, I will guarantee that you two will find something that you will both like.
Now that the matter of where to live has been sorted, you will need to decide on décor etc. Once again, communication is the key, although women have an advantage here, since men tend to be more laid back when it comes to interior design. If both parties have furnishings, one of you may have to get rid of theirs. Remember, there are alternatives to throwing unwanted items away. You can sell them online on websites such as eBay meaning that you will be able to make some money whilst de-cluttering.
If you find that even after selling any unwanted or unrequired furniture you still have more items than you need, you will need to de-clutter further, or come up with alternative storage solutions. Men, for you that may mean that you will not be able to show off the whole of your car model collection or that your box of comic books may have to be stashed under the bed. Women, for you that may mean having to get rid of a few shoes here and there or purchasing a shoe storage solution that can fit under the bed etc. Either way, it is all about compromise.
Another thing you need to decide on is how the household bills are going to be split. There are a few options available to you when it comes to finances. You can either split everything 50/50, which is the fairest and most common choice. Another choice is to allocate certain bills to yourself and some to your partner e.g. one person could pay the rent whilst the other pays the household bills etc. Thirdly, you have the option of opening a joint account and depositing money into it on a monthly basis for the sole purpose of paying the bills.
Preparing for all of the above will work out very beneficial to you because you will not have to face any nasty surprises.
Moving in with a partner is a very exciting time and a major step forward for a couple. Remember, that the key to a successful relationship and a successful move is compromise and communication. By being prepared, you and your partner can have the perfect home together without any problems.