Moving in as a couple is always a challenge: you’re trying to merge two lives (and often two different styles) into one space. But it’s also a great opportunity to create the home of your dreams—the one you’ve been imagining for years, together.
We’ve put together some tips for making this important transition as smooth as possible, so you can get back to enjoying each other ASAP. From personalizing your walls with beautiful art prints to visiting your nearest store to buy the best couches in Montreal, here’s what we recommend:
1. Get Organized
If you are looking for tips on how to make moving in with your partner easier, first, get organized. This means making a plan of action together and discussing all the details of the move. For example, decide who will be responsible for what before and during the relocation process.
Since this is going to be a shared living space, it is significant that you both feel like you have contributed equally to this process. Also, keep in mind that things might not go exactly according to your plan, so stay flexible and be ready to adjust if something goes wrong.
2. Plan a Move-in Date and Cleaning Schedule
You and your partner should decide early on when you want to move in together and stick to the plan. Pick a day of the week that works for both of you, and block out the time necessary for moving in, unpacking, and cleaning up. If one of you has more stuff than the other, or if one of your places is dirtier than the other, that’s okay—just make sure whoever is doing more work is comfortable with their role in the move-in process.
On moving day, make sure you have all of the supplies you need before getting started—boxes, tape, markers, etc. If you don’t have them, buy them online and schedule a delivery date, or go out to get them yourself. You don’t want to waste time going back and forth between locations when you could be packing or unpacking!
3. Set Aside Time for Disagreements
People disagree—it’s only natural. But when you’re stressed out about packing up all of your belongings and making sure everything goes off without a hitch, communicating about even the smallest of issues can feel like a major struggle.
It’s helpful to have some space where you can air any disagreements or frustrations that come up during planning or packing. Having this kind of non-judgmental space can help you reach solutions that work for both of you much more quickly and easily.
4. Learn to Compromise on Things That Matter to You Both
Make sure you’re both passionate about the same things and that you’re both willing to compromise on those issues. For example, if you’re both super into supporting sustainable development and helping your community thrive, consider looking for an apartment that’s near a lot of local businesses. That way, you’ll be able to walk or bike to most places you need to go and can enjoy spending more time together while helping the planet.
5. Don’t Forget That Two Minds Are Better Than One!
If you’re moving in with your partner for the first time, you may be surprised to learn that you’ll need to make decisions together, from what kind of mattress you want to whether or not to get a bathmat. This can take some getting used to, but it’s important to remember that your partner is an ally, not the enemy.
It’s also essential to note that two heads are better than one, and there are things that only you can know about your own preferences. For instance, if you love having lots of blanket options for cold winter nights and your partner doesn’t really care about blankets at all. Then it’s up to you to make sure someone has them on the list when it comes time to pack!
