Moving in with your partner for the very first time? Good luck. Sorry, we mean congrats! But seriously, it’s going to be great, and we’re here to help you make the process as smooth (and as fun) as possible.
How? Well, we’ve pulled together a bunch of top tips for moving in together! From scheduling regular date nights to sharing out the chores, here’s how to make moving in with your partner a breeze. Oh, and we’ve also thrown a few tips in there for the actual moving day itself (you’re certainly going to need them).
Know someone else who’s recently picked up the keys to their new pad? Check out our fantastic collection of new home cards:
Our guide on what to write in a new home card is filled with message inspiration, and we’ve also pulled together some new home gift ideas for the perfect cherry on top!
1. Talk about the boring stuff first
From bills to budgets and bin days, get all the boring but important chats out of the way before you dive into the movie nights and takeaway rituals. You’ll need to decide who’s taking on which chores, as well as what both of your deal breakers are (we’re thinking piles of dirty dishes and trails of socks lying around the house?).
If your partner’s a wannabe chef, you could volunteer for washing up duties to make meals a team effort. And if you both hate doing the weekly food shop, do it together to make it less painful.
2. Have a huge declutter
No one needs two kettles, five spatulas, and fifteen mugs, so before moving day, make sure to have a proper clear out and decide what’s actually worth keeping. Make a keep, donate, and sell pile, then turn up to your new place with only the things you actually use.
The best bit about this is that it gives you a perfectly good excuse to shop for some new bits and bobs. We’re picturing matching mugs, cosy bedding, and a fancy lamp you definitely don’t need.
3. Don’t neglect date nights
It’s easy to let romance take a back seat when you’ve been living together a while, so we’d recommend setting time aside each week to do something intentional together. Even if it’s as simple as cooking dinner or having a movie night, it’s a great way to add some fun into the everyday.
Need more inspo? Our guide on things to do at home has plenty of ideas. And little surprises can keep things exciting too, like an unexpected bunch of flowers on a drizzly day or picking up your partner’s favourite dessert on your way home.
4. There’s no perfect time
Wondering when to move in together? The truth is, there’s no magical moment where everything aligns. Sometimes it’s after six months, a year, or two years of being together, the best time is simply whenever it feels right for you. If you’re excited about the prospect of building a life together (and have built at least one piece of flat-pack furniture with no big blow outs) you’re probably ready.
5. Create a cosy space
From cushions to candles and cosy rugs, we recommend making your home feel completely your own. Yes, this even means compromising on your boyfriend’s neon gaming chair that completely ruins the vibe. Sorry.
Also, remember that living together doesn’t mean you need to spend 24/7 together. Creating distinct little nooks or hobby corners can be a great idea, giving you both a space to retreat to when you fancy a bit of downtime.
6. Discuss your boundaries
It’s super important to discuss things like how often you’d like to have family over and spend time apart too. Whether you’re into hosting friends every Friday or prefer chill nights in, you’ll need to set boundaries early on and learn how to balance couple time, friendships, and outside activities.
7. Have a housewarming celebration
The quickest way to make a house feel like a home is by inviting all your favourite people over for a housewarming party! Whether it’s a chilled dinner or a BBQ in your lovely new garden, having friends and family around helps fill the space with all the good vibes. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to show off your new place, and maybe get a little helping hand with some unpacking…
8. Give yourself time
As with most good things, the transition from living separately to together might take a little bit of time. Adjusting to living with another person, no matter who it is, won’t always be plain sailing, so don’t stress if it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
The same goes for your actual space, as it might take a few weeks before things start to feel super homey. Just get the walls painted, unpack everything, and schedule a few home décor shopping trips as a starting point.
9. Celebrate your quirks
Think you know your partner pretty well already? Moving in together means discovering hundreds of little habits you didn’t notice before (like their tendency to leave the lights on and leave little toothpaste blobs on the sink). While some of their quirks might leave you feeling a little frustrated, you might just have to laugh them off… After all, it’s these quirks that make them who they are, right?
10. Keep moving day stress to a minimum
Want some advice for moving day itself? Pack plenty of snacks, label your boxes, and laugh through the chaos. When it’s 11pm and you’ve got no idea where your pyjamas and pillows are, the only option is to make light of things. You might be sleeping on a mattress surrounded by towers of moving boxes for the first few nights, but at least you’re doing it together.
And there you have it, our top tips on moving in with your partner. Hopefully they’ve been helpful, and you’re now feeling super excited about the big day! Remember to communicate, have fun, and then communicate some more. Oh, and happy new home from all of us here at thortful.
Looking for more insights? Just head over to the thortful blog for plenty more. There you can explore our guide on how to help a friend move house and browse our housewarming hamper ideas.
