DOS AND DON'TS: MOVING IN WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
Nowadays, cohabitating with your partner is super common and oftentimes is the next big step in a relationship. This past year my boyfriend of 5 years and I decided to move into an apartment together. We decided on an apartment complex in West Chester (where we met and our college town). Overall, it has been amazing but it’s also a learning process! Living with a boyfriend for the first time, splitting finances and learning to compromise! Sharing space can be difficult in a relationship so I want to share the DOs and DONTs I learned when moving in with my boyfriend. I hope these tips help your mode go smoothly, whether you’re moving in with a bestie, bf, or random roomie!
DO: IT AT THE RIGHT TIME
First things first, moving in with a partner is not something to rush into. Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons and your relationship is totally stable.
DONT: BRING EVERYTHING
Before you move in with a partner, make sure to do some spring cleaning. There is no need to bring every single thing you own to your new place, especially when you’re sharing the new space. Only bring the necessities and a few of your favorite things. This one was hard for me as I have A LOT of (Stile) clothes and wanted to bring everything.
DO: DECORATE TOGETHER
Ok I learned this the hard way…when I moved into our apartment I was so excited to buy my new Chanel coffee table book and pink accent pillows, BUT my boyfriend wasn’t as pleased. It’s important to decorate together and make it a neutral space for the both of you. My bf brought a few of his favorite paintings and of course I had to add a few of my feminine touches, BUT we did the real decorating over time together. It took awhile but overtime we bought things together. Highly recommend going to Bob's discount furniture for the couch!
DO: BE PREPARED TO COMPROMISE
The first time my bf and I went grocery shopping was when I learned this one. He wanted to get white bread, I wanted to get rye. The soap I wanted was $6 - he was trying to convince me that’s too much for soap. When moving in together, you definitely have to be prepared to compromise. Decor, groceries, living space, etc. It is all a compromise!
DO: DISCUSS FINANCES
One of the most important things before moving in is communicating openly about finances. What you both can afford together, how you’ll split the costs, etc. Be open and honest about what you can and can’t afford. This will help in the long run!!
DONT: FORGET TO COMMUNICATE
Communication is key to every relationship but especially when you are cohabitating. Before we moved in, my bf and I discussed sharing living space as he was going to be working from home and I wasn’t. It's super important to set boundaries and expectations before moving in together. If you’re like me and need to recharge your batteries and watch some vanderpump rules in silence, communicate that to your partner. I told my boyfriend that my me time is super important to me to recharge.
DO: INVEST IN 2 TVS
This is a tip from my co-manager, Maddie, who also recently moved in with her boyfriend (now fiancee!) Invest in 2 TVs if possible! One for the bedroom and one for the living room. This will be a big help when the finale of the Bachelor is on but your bf needs to watch Sixers finals!!!
Overall, enjoy the ride and new exciting adventure of living with your partner!!!
