Ways to Make Moving in With My Boyfriend Easier

Moving in together is a major step in a relationship.

Moving in with a boyfriend is a major step in a serious relationship. Making this work, particularly if you are used to living alone, can be fraught with challenges. Before moving in, some guidelines should be set that will work for both of you and will quell any arguments before they arise. Reaching some agreements ahead of time is vitally important, such as who is going to do what around the house, how the bills are going to be paid and when friends can come round.

Set Ground Rules

Agreeing on some ground rules will help you to know what to expect.

It might seem churlish to set ground rules even before you have moved in, but it will save many difficulties and arguments in the long run. If there are things that you know will be a problem, work out a compromise and write it down. Keeping the ground rules pinned up on a piece of paper will remind you both of what you have agreed on. If you have agreed that on Thursday nights he will be using the lounge to play cards with his friends and on Mondays you are having a girls night in, then write it down.

Make a Rota

Making a rota for chores will save any future arguments.

If you are worried that you will end up doing all the chores in your new place, then put a rota in place. Alternate the nights you wash up and the days that you vacuum and clean the bathroom. A rota is essential for domestic harmony and works better if agreed prior to moving in. As soon as you move in, it is easy to slip into the "habit" of you always doing certain jobs and the same for her. Share the menial jobs and make it fair and you will both feel happier.

Finances

Make sure you know how much you and your partner are contributing to a shared place.

Money is always a tricky subject to broach in a relationship. Some people prefer to opt for a joint bank account to pay all the bills so that both of you contribute the same amount to each month. Some prefer to keep finances separate and share the commitments between them. One way or the other, arrangements should be made and you have to be clear about what is the financial commitment to your shared place.

Private Space

Making a private space for yourself in the house is important.

Moving in together should be exciting and sharing can be fun, but it can also seem claustrophobic at times. Making sure that you and your partner have a private space where you can be alone to work, play or just sit is extremely important. If you have nowhere of your own to go, you can start to feel rather hemmed in. If you're short of space, find a corner under the stairs to place a chair and a desk or partition off a part of the dining room or bedroom. Making private spaces will help your relationship; there is nothing wrong with wanting time alone.

Have a Contingency Plan

Keeping some money aside for an emergency is very sensible.

If you are really concerned and worried that things might not work out, have a contingency plan. Set aside money in a savings account that would pay for you to move out and live elsewhere. If that is not possible, arrange with a friend that you could stay with if things go wrong. Making a back-up plan is not mean. It is rational to ensure that you will be okay even if this move does not work out.

References

• Seevice: Moving in with your Boyfriend - Living In A House Together
• Home Removals London: How To Make Moving In With Your Boyfriend Less Stressful
• Kip Linger: Five Money Rules For Moving In Together