Checklist for moving in with your boyfriend

Are You Moving In Together? Checklist From An Expert

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The decision to share a living space with your partner can be an exhilarating and nerve-wracking experience all at once. After all, it is not just a big step in your relationship but also a new chapter of your life. To make sure this chapter plays out well, you need a moving in together checklist. And not just any list. A list verified by an expert!

You also need to address even bigger questions such as: Why do you want to move in with your partner? How soon is too soon to move in? And how to plan this transition? A recent study listed spending habits, messiness, and unfair distribution of household chores among other major points of contention between cohabitating couples. Such issues can be avoided with deliberate thought and proper planning.

To help you with it, we consulted emotional wellness and mindfulness coach Pooja Priyamvada (certified in Psychological and Mental Health First Aid from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the University of Sydney), who specializes in counseling for issues such as extramarital affairs, breakups, separation, grief, and loss. She asks important questions, advises on things to consider, and shares tips for moving in together with your partner.

Are You Ready To Move In Together?

Table of Contents

Cohabitation has more or less become the norm in long-term committed relationships today. A majority of couples prefer to live together first, and then, see where the relationship leads, rather than tying the knot straight away. But moving in too soon can ruin a relationship. Rush into this decision and it can turn out to be a disaster.

While you need to be careful with the when to move in together aspect of this decision, it is hard to put a finger on how long should you be dating before you move in together. So, how soon is too soon to move in after all? Based on the analysis of a Stanford University study and a popular survey, a majority of couples decide to move in within a year of dating.

Even though the findings from this study indicate that moving in together after 2 years or more was less common, another study found that relationship satisfaction was highest in couples who had shifted together after 1-3 years of dating. Confused? Don’t be! There is no need for you to stick to a dictated timeline. There is no prescribed good time to take the next step. What matters is, are you ready? An honest introspection of your reasons should give you your answer.

Related Reading: 4 Creative Ways To Ask Your Girlfriend To Move In With You

Signs you are ready to move in with your partner

Pooja says, “You know you want to move in with someone when you want to take the relationship to the next level.” But how can one be sure? She adds, “Both partners should have reached a stage in the relationship where they are capable of handling their lives independently and yet feel the need for stability and want to be together.” Here are a few more signs that show you are ready for the next big step:

You are looking for growth in the relationship and you want to know each other better
You now know how to fight and make up with your partner
You are open with each other about your finances and your future goals
You have similar lifestyles and common interests
You have traveled together more than a few times

For a more objective view of when to move in together, Pooja recommends a few pertinent questions you should ask yourself to assess whether living with your partner would be the right move for you and rule out a premature inclination to cohabitate with your partner:

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Are you ready to take the relationship to another level?
Are you ready for more commitment than just dating someone?
Are you capable of handling all aspects of your life independently?
Are you financially independent?
Do you feel that your partner is the one?

If you’re still unsure whether you’re in a place in your life and relationship where you can take this next step, think about your reasons for this decision. Or take this moving-in-together quiz we have designed especially for you!

Things To Discuss Before Moving In Together

This brings us to another crucial dilemma many couples face when contemplating living together. The why and what of it all. How do you know if your reasons for the move are right? And how do you make this transition as seamless as possible? Like with most things, the answer lies in clear, honest communication.

Pooja insists, “Don’t just think about these aspects. Sit and have a discussion with your partner. Communicate and converse. Use a pen and paper if you must.” Here are some things you should discuss before moving together to find out how ready you are:

1. Why do you want to move in together?

The reasons to get into a live-in arrangement can vary from couple to couple. Some do it because it seems like the natural order of progression, a stepping stone to marriage. Others because they’re madly in love and others still for practical reasons, for example, to save money or other financial benefits. When you and your partner discuss living together, talk about why you want to do it, and see if your reasons for making this decision align.

Do you want to test your relationship and see how compatible you are? Do you both feel committed to taking the next step? Do you want to get to know your partner better? Pooja says, “Meeting someone in social settings or briefly for vacations is different. Living with a partner is where partners discover each other fully.”

Even if your reasons align, that does not necessarily mean that it is a good reason to move in with your partner. Sometimes people move in together to save on the rent and share expenses. Experts suggest that solely having a financial motivation to live with your partner is not a great idea. Your reasons need to be grounded in a sense of commitment, love and hope at least for the near future.

2. Have the money talk

Money is not just a loaded topic but an entire value system. It’s an awkward and difficult conversation no matter what kind of relationship. But if you’re going to merge your lives, you ought to address this elephant in the room. Both partners must be open and transparent during the money talk to avoid future financial stress.

Talk about your individual financial standing. Discuss debts and assets. For example, do you have loans, credit card debts, or a financial obligation toward your family? Lack of financial transparency can sow the seeds of mistrust in a relationship, especially when you are under the same roof. It is also equally important to discuss how you want to spend and save money as a couple.

Related Reading: Relationship Advice For Couples Who Work Together – 5 Must-Follow Tips

3. Discuss your preference for chores and responsibilities

In the study mentioned earlier, household chores sat fairly high on the list of contentious issues between couples who lived under the same roof. Our relationship with household chores is often burdened with childhood trauma. A person who has seen their mother buried in chores may be sensitive about equal division of work.

This is why you need to keep expectations realistic but also approach the subject empathetically and with a problem-solving attitude. For instance, the partner who is a terrible cook shouldn’t be taking the responsibility of making breakfast or dinner. So, do they prefer doing the dishes or laundry instead? Knowing who likes to do what can ensure a life without squabbles and bickering.

4. Talk about each other’s past

It is important that you have an honest conversation about your past relationships and why things didn’t work out. This becomes even more critical if either of you has lived with an ex. Addressing these issues helps in ensuring that you don’t carry the emotional baggage of the past into your future. Eliminating the ifs and buts and all the doubts is extremely important in making this transition smoother and more fruitful.

Mutual understanding is important when you start living together

5.

What are your expectations from the relationship?

Where do you see yourself and your partner five years down the line? And where do they? Is living with a partner a stepping stone to marriage? Do you want to have kids? If yes, then when and why do you want to have kids? These are just a few of the many things to discuss to rule out any unpleasant surprises in the future.

Other long-term expectations could be something as simple as your relationship status. Pooja says, “Talking about how you see yourself as a couple and how you want to be seen helps you both be on the same page.” Don’t leave room for unpleasant surprises for your partner.

6. Share vulnerabilities and secrets, if any

When you’re dating, it’s easier to be the best version of yourself whenever you’re with your partner. Living together is a whole different ball game. That’s when you both get to see the ‘real’ person you’re with and can get a sneak peek into what married life can be like.

This also means that hiding any shortcomings, secrets, or vulnerabilities becomes that much harder. Be it a struggle with addiction or fear of spiders, it will become known to your partner eventually when you are living under the same roof. Why not address these not-so-nice aspects of your life before making the big move and spare your partner any unpleasant surprises?

7. What if it doesn’t work out?

It is a real possibility. Admit it, this scenario plays on your mind when you’re thinking about making such a huge shift in your life. And it’s never easy to break up with someone you live with. So, why not just talk about it like two mature adults? This discussion may seem completely out of sync with your present state of mind but hear us out. It will help slay a lot of apprehension and doubts that you’re not even consciously addressing. Think:

Who will stay and who will move out in case you break up?
How will you divide up the stuff?
How will you handle money and assets in this situation?

Related Reading: 7 Golden Rules For A Live-In Relationship

The Ultimate Moving In Together Checklist

Pooja says, “In a nutshell, both partners need to be sure about this decision. That this step is being taken without any coercion or fear of abandonment.” Once you have addressed whether or not you’re ready to move in together, comes the task of actually doing it. Finalizing the nitty-gritty of your cohabitation arrangement can be a demanding process in itself.

This ultimate checklist will help you through the planning, preparation, and execution of the move, helping ease the process of moving in with your boyfriend/girlfriend and celebrate this momentous step you are taking.

Work together to finalize the first apartment

1. Finalize your first apartment with your boyfriend or girlfriend

First and foremost, you need to finalize your first apartment with your boyfriend or girlfriend. Living together can start with a lot of exciting decisions. Discuss where you both would like to live – at either of your old places or a brand new dig.

You will have to discuss budget and location, both of which can depend on the nature and place of your work. How will you shift your belongings? Would you need movers? You need to talk about the size of the new space, the number of rooms, preferences for hard fittings, division of the closet space, purpose and use of the living space, etc. See if you would like to have a legally binding cohabitation agreement.

What is a cohabitation agreement: It is a legally binding agreement between an unmarried couple who live together. The agreement helps protect the partner’s individual rights should their arrangement break down in the future. It also helps in cases of mortgage applications or for securing child support

2. Agree on the division of bills

So, you have already gone through the rigmarole of the money talks. Now is the time to get into the finer details. Figure out how you will be sharing expenses. You need a concrete game plan. Address these questions before you sign a lease or start packing up your boxes:

Should you be getting a joint checking account for running expenses?
How would you handle grocery shopping or other household bills?
How will you divide the rent? Will it be half and half or based on individual earnings?
What about utilities?

3.

Set ground rules for house guests

Guests often become the bone of contention in a live-in relationship. Both you and your partner are bound to have your individual social life. This may involve hosting people or having house guests every once in a while, which can become a trigger for bickering and unpleasantness if you’re both not on the same page. But, open communication can help you set boundaries about family and visitors. It’s important to discuss the following:

How do you feel about guests and hosting?
How often would you like to entertain?
How long can a friend in need crash on your couch, if at all?
Who would move their stuff when guests need extra space?

4. Talk about the impact on your sex life

The initial days of any relationship are defined by the can’t-keep-hands-off-each-other phase. But that honeymoon period is bound to wither away over time and your dynamics change even more once you start living together. The stability and rhythm of a settled life will make the passion fade a little but don’t make the cardinal mistake of letting the passion die down completely.

Have a conversation about it to see how you both feel about this possibility. First, how you and your partner react can be a litmus test for whether or not you are moving in with your boyfriend/girlfriend too soon. Second, you can prepare yourself to deal with this by committing to spending quality time with each other.

Pooja adds, “Even issues like contraception need to be discussed in a new light.” See this as an opportunity to discuss your individual parenthood plans. These tips for moving in together, in a way, are guidelines for the leveling-up of your relationship!

Limit screen time for quality bonding

5. How much screen time is acceptable?

Another thing to help ensure quality time with your partner doesn’t take a hit once you start cohabiting is a discussion about screen time. Staring blankly at laptops and TV screens has become just an inherent part of our personalities. Most people don’t even recognize when this tendency becomes excessive.

However, this can become a sore point in a relationship. Burying our heads in our phones, and swiping through social media affects our relationships. Every minute spent looking at a screen is eating into your time together. So, it’s important to set a mutually acceptable limit on screen time beforehand.

6. Eating habits must feature on your list

Even if you have been sleeping over at each other’s place often enough, it is important to talk about eating habits and get them in sync as much as possible. This will make your living arrangement smoother and hassle-free. This doesn’t mean that you have to have the same food meal after meal, day after day. But it’s nice to know each other’s preferences.

This discussion becomes even more imperative if your eating habits are poles apart. For example, if one partner is vegan and the other a hardcore non-vegetarian. In such cases, you must learn to make peace with each other’s preferences.

Related Reading: Did You Know That Your Attitude To Food Could Reveal Your Attitude To Love As Well?

7.

What about me-time?

Living together doesn’t mean being joined at the hip at all times. You will both need your personal space and time to catch a breather once in a while or just to unwind after a long hard day. Address how much alone time you need when cohabiting with your partner and make space for it, both literally and figuratively.

When doing up your first apartment with your boyfriend or girlfriend, earmark a room or a corner as personal space that you can each recede into when you need some downtime, and make sure there are no grudges or resentment over this need for space. That can only happen when you accept that space is not an ominous sign in a relationship but a necessity for a healthy bond.

8. Prepare the first apartment essentials list

Deciding to live together means you will be setting up a new home with your partner. So, do your homework on couples’ first apartment essentials and prepare a list of all that you are going to need. From furniture to mattresses, curtains, linens, cleaning supplies, utensils and kitchen essentials, tools, first aid kit, and décor items. Be sure you’re both involved in deciding what is needed, and buy it together.

Let go of some of your personal stuff

9. See what you want to keep and toss out

This new home that you’re setting up with your significant other will have a lot of ‘we’, but it also must have some ‘you’ and ‘I’. While you decide on things to buy when moving out of your place, also consider what things you’d like to keep. We all have stuff that we’re sentimental about. It can be anything from a favorite blanket to a comfy chair. But make this choice prudently. Keep in mind that your new place ought to have space for your partner’s stuff as well as all the new things that you’re buying.

10. Divide up storage space

Before moving into your first apartment with boyfriend or girlfriend, divide up closet space fairly. Women often need more space to fit in their personal belongings. But that shouldn’t mean that the man is left with a measly drawer or two in a chest kept in the living room. Such insensitivity, even though seemingly small, foreshadows unfairness in larger issues and could lead to resentment in a relationship in the future.

11. Decorating the first apartment with your boyfriend or girlfriend

Once you have taken all the valuable advice into account and done the groundwork comes the exciting part. Decorating the first apartment with your boyfriend or girlfriend. How do you want to go about it?

What will the vibe of your new home be like? Cool and casual? Or chic and classy? What color would you like on the walls? How about the curtains and rugs? What kind of coffee mugs and wine glasses? There is so much room to play around here. It’s hands down the most fun and exciting part of shifting with your partner. We hope you enjoy it and make lots of memories.

12. Put your checklist in writing

Given that there are a lot of factors to consider and a lot of choices to make when moving in together, it helps to put all that you’ve discussed and agreed upon in writing. Even if you do not want to have a legal cohabitation agreement, just some broad outlines on finances and key ground rules that you can refer to can be helpful in times of disagreements.

Of course, the dynamics of your relationship and the rhythm of life together will change as you grow as individuals and as a couple. So, this written checklist mustn’t be set in stone. But it can act as a reference point in those initial days when you’re learning the ropes of sharing a home.

Key Pointers

An honest introspection of your reasons to live with you partner should help you decide if it is a good idea for you
Before moving in, talk about your finances, discuss preferences for household chores, share your past and other emotional vulnerabilities, your expectations from the relationship
Discuss with your partner and prepare yourself in the eventuality of the relationship not working out
For the actual step, you need to finalize the space you will move in to based on your requirements. You need to chalk out division of bills, chores etc
Lay down your expectations and boundaries. Think house guests, screen time, personal space, relationship status etc

That should set up you for turning over a new leaf in your relationship and life. A few careful decisions is all it takes to make it last.

This article has been updated in October 2022.

FAQs

1. How long should you be dating before you move in together?

Based on the analysis of a Stanford University study and a popular survey, a majority of couples decide to move in together within a year of dating. The findings also indicate that cohabiting after 2 years or more is far less common.

2. Is it normal to have doubts before moving in together?

It is very normal to have doubts before moving in with your boyfriend/girlfriend as it’s a big step you are taking in your relationship and you can never be sure how it will pan out.

3. How do you know when to move in together?

It is hard to put a finger on how long should you be dating before you move in together. Some couples could be ready to move in together after 6 months of dating, while others may wait up to a year before making this decision.

4. What is the best moving in together advice?

The best advice is to ask the most important questions as to why you want to live under the same roof. When you have answered satisfactorily then draw up the exciting moving in together with boyfriend or girlfriend checklist.

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What To Do Before Moving In Together: Couples Checklist

Photographed by Savana Ogburn.

There are a lot of benefits to moving in together. You no longer have to spend time driving or commuting to see your loved one. You can say goodbye to the toothbrush in your purse and the overnight bag under your desk at work. Splitting the rent might even mean you could move to a nicer place (or at least stop living with roommates).

According to 2015 report, the number of young and middle-aged Americans who cohabitate with a partner they’re not married to has doubled in the past 25 years — and 66% of married couples have lived together before marriage. But when do you know it’s time to move in together? And what conversations do you need to have before you sign a lease or buy a home? We talked to Moraya Seeger DeGeare, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the co-owner of BFF Therapy in Beacon, NY to find out more.

Examine Why You Want To Move In Together

First, think about why you want to move in together. Particularly in cities with a high cost of living, some couples move in together to save on rent — and then discover their relationship wasn’t ready for that step. One 2014 study found that while 27% of people moved in with their partner within the first six months of dating, only 7% said they’d recommend living together so early. While there is no specific length of time you need to be dating before moving in together, you’ll want to consider what your motivations are, and how much you and your partner share your lives — especially if you’ve been together for less than a year.

“When you know that this is the person you want to be with, that’s a really good time to start talking about it,” DeGeare says. Other things to consider: Do you know your partner really well? Do you know their family and friends? Do you have established routines together? How comfortable do you really feel with them?

Decide How You Want To Split Finances

“You definitely want to talk about money in advance, and I think a lot of people know that,” DeGeare says. But although this advice is common, it’s still necessary. Decide how you’re going to split the rent, bills, and shared expenses — including groceries and household necessities like toilet paper. Are you going to combine your finances, even partially? What about savings? What are your financial priorities when it comes to your home — are you going to invest in new furniture together, or are you all about the IKEA MALM?

You should also talk more generally about how you handle money: what's your budget like? Do you budget? “Even if you don’t have bad spending habits, most people are going to have different relationships with money,” DeGeare explains.

Open Up About Your Debt

One thing many couples often overlook when talking about finances is talking about debt. With over 80% of millennials carrying some kind of debt, paying off student loans and credit card debt are a big part of most people’s monthly expenses. How will debt figure into how you split your costs? Will you contribute to paying off each other’s debt? “It can be really positive to think about it as a combined debt,” DeGeare suggests — particularly if you’re planning on getting married in the future.

Discuss How You’ll Split Chores

You’ve probably read at least a few think pieces about "the second shift," aka the gender gap when it comes to who's responsible for chores and childcare — and it’s a real issue, particularly for couples made up of a man and a woman. But queer couples may also have different expectations about who does the chores, too — or simply different comfort levels with dust and grime. How long are you okay with letting dishes sit in the sink? How often do you deep-clean? If you're planning on children in the future, this is where you have the childcare discussion, too.

DeGeare suggests beginning by talking about how your family split up chores while you were growing up — and share if you want to stick to those patterns or create something different. And be realistic — know that you’ll continue to have conversations about household labor going forward as your circumstances change. “When you move in together, you can put up rigid rules, but you’re going to have to adjust,” DeGeare says.

Talk About How You’ll Create A Home Together

DeGeare specializes in culturally diverse counseling. She says that talking about how you’ll combine your cultures is important — and can also be really fun. “When you’re dreaming together, imagine what you want your home to feel like,” she says. Talk about both your past and the future you want together — the sort of food you’ll share, your home decor, and how you’ll celebrate holidays. Don't forget the nitty-gritty details: Do you come from a shoes-on or a shoes-off household? Did your family eat dinner together every night?

Be mindful of any assumptions. “A lot of people go into relationships with expectations like ‘that’s just how people grow up,’ without really thinking about it,” DeGeare says. Instead of being critical, think of this discussion as a way to imagine your shared life together.

Consider How You Handle Stress

When you live together, there’s no avoiding each other — including when you’re stressed. DeGeare suggests partners discuss how they react to everyday stress and how they act in times of crisis. “Are they more likely to pull away, or are they more likely to go after the problem?” she says. “Those are the conversations you want to be able to comfortably have before you move in together.” Know that you're going to argue sometimes, and be honest about how you'll react.

Be Honest About Past Relationships

Get real with yourself and your partner about why past relationships didn’t work — especially if you’ve lived with a partner before. “Be really honest about why it ended,” DeGeare says. “Not just the breakup, but why the living together part might have been challenging.”

She also suggests doing some soul-searching about any lingering trauma from past romantic relationships, as well as from childhood. “Because that’s absolutely going to show up, especially if this is the first time a person’s moving in with a partner,” DeGeare says.

Share Your Long-Term Expectations

Before you move in together, talk about your long-term plans for your relationship. Are you planning on getting married? If so, discuss your timeline. The same goes for having children: Do you want children? If so, how many children do you want to have? When? “It’s crucial to be on the same page,” DeGeare says. “I see this a lot with couples, where they have different ideas and their timelines are really far apart. One person ends up with a lot of resentment.”

Get Vulnerable

DeGeare says that you need to be able to have vulnerable conversations with your partner — starting with, “What’s your biggest fear for this relationship?” Be open about what your fears are about moving in together or getting more serious.

“The amount you can hide really goes down once you’re living together,” DeGeare says. So open up about any addiction struggles, or any fears about or family history of addiction. Talk about what your habits really look like — Do you watch Netflix to fall asleep? How much alone time do you need?

“You need to wait if you can't be vulnerable with your partner," DeGeare says. "If you’re like, ‘oh, I really like them,’ but you can’t risk it and have an honest conversation, you absolutely need to wait because that’s going to blow up in your face. All of us are craving connection, but if we’re not willing to be vulnerable, then sure, we’ll save some money, but we’re going to feel really lonely.”

What do you need to move? List of essentials for moving

You need to prepare for moving to a new house no less seriously than for a hiking trip, keep a lot of information in your head, because there will be no time to correct it. We want to share an experience that will simplify the process of preparing and packing personal belongings. First of all, make a list of the most important items in your opinion and collect them separately from others.

During a lifetime, a large number of things accumulate in one place in the house. A comfortable life requires a lot of various furniture, dishes, textiles, clothes, books, appliances, plants in pots and vases... Figurines, children's crafts, framed family photos - oh, how many little things dear to the heart create comfort and a feeling of home... But right after When you move, you will need things that can provide a little bit of comfort for a while while you unpack boxes and settle in a new place. nine0004

Essential items should be packed in separate boxes. You will greatly facilitate your life if you sign these boxes in as much detail and clearly as possible. You can even allocate a marker of a different color (for example, red) for them. It will be necessary to load these boxes into transport in the last place, so that when unloading in a new apartment, they will be the first to get and unpack them.

So, the things of the very first necessity.

1. Food and drink for the first time

In Hollywood movies, happy lovers move into a new home with just a bottle of champagne and two glasses. In life, you will not be full with one glass of sparkling wine. You can be sure that during the move, the appetite will play out serious. Therefore, be sure to collect a small supply of products that are not demanding on storage conditions (moving is a long process, not all products will remain fresh outside the refrigerator). Do not forget water, tea and coffee, a kettle or a thermos of hot water. A plate and a cup for each family member, forks, spoons, a knife, napkins or paper towels - do not hide it far, collect it in a separate box. You can also order delivery of products to a new address. nine0004

2. Clothes and shoes for the first time

Save your time and set aside a couple of sets of clothes and shoes in advance, in which you can go to work. By the way, shirts, blouses, suits and coats can be packed in special wardrobe boxes. The design of such boxes allows you to transport (and, if necessary, store) clothes directly on hangers. In addition to work clothes, you will need to collect home clothes and shoes, underwear for all family members. Pack an iron and a clothes brush with your clothes, so you can quickly put your clothes in order. nine0004

3. Towels, hygiene products, hair dryer

It is not necessary to put all the accessories from the bathroom and toilet in the box with essentials. You can limit yourself to the bare essentials: toothpaste and toothbrushes, shower gel, shampoo, hair combs, hair dryer, a few towels, a couple of toilet paper rolls.

4. Bed linen, blankets, pillows

You can definitely use them on the day of the move. The bed (or beds) will be assembled and you will be able to sleep in comfort. nine0004

5. Baby clothes

If you have children, then you are well aware of how many things your offspring need. Just like adults, children will need clothing for the first time, bed linen and hygiene products. If the child is small, then he will need diapers, bottles. Schoolchildren will need to collect textbooks and workbooks. And be sure to have age-appropriate toys so that the child has something to do while the adults unpack. nine0004

6. First aid kit

Be sure to bring medicines that your family members need (for example, your parents need medicines to control blood pressure, and your husband needs medicines to care for contact lenses). In this first aid kit, you need to provide adhesive plasters, painkillers, iodine or similar antiseptics, food poisoning drugs.

7. Tool kit

Screw a shelf, attach a router or other equipment to the wall, hang a chandelier, cornices, paintings, photographs, hooks in the bathroom - small household work will be enough. Collect the necessary set of tools (screwdriver or screwdriver with interchangeable nozzles, hammer, pliers, pliers, wrench) and a small supply of fasteners. You will definitely need several rolls of tape when you need to collect, pack and take out used packaging, garbage, cardboard sheets. nine0004

8. Household chemicals

During the arrangement at the new place, there will be a big cleaning. Think about what you need to clean up and collect a small supply of cleaning products, sponges, rags, a mop or broom, garbage bags. A vacuum cleaner may also come in handy. And we strongly recommend that girls grab a pair of thick rubber gloves. Not everyone likes to use them, but hands need to be protected and protected.

9. Stuff for animals

Do you have a cat, dog, hamster or other pets? You need to collect the essentials for them: tray, filler, food, bowls, collars, beds, cages, toys, etc.

10. Chargers for phones and tablets

Perhaps comments are unnecessary here. This item includes wires and adapters for all computer equipment that you may need immediately after moving. The main thing is not to forget to pack them together with the rest of the essentials. nine0004

11. Stationery knife or scissors

You will need a cutting tool when you start opening the boxes. Therefore, do not pack the knife with any other things so that it can be easily obtained in case of emergency.

We have compiled this list based on our many years of experience. Of course, you can add to it according to your needs, but in no case reduce it. And most importantly, do not worry, because all the main concerns for packing your property, assembling and disassembling furniture, transporting and loading personal belongings, will be taken over by professional specialists if you order a turnkey move from the Delicate Moving company. Let your arrangement in a new place be easy! nine0004

15 things to know before you move in with your boyfriend / Reads for women

Are you moving in with your boyfriend? Well good for you! But here are a few things you need to keep in mind to make this the perfect romantic start.

Maria Lopez

Moving with your boyfriend may seem like more fun than a major life change.

While moving is fun, it's also something you need to think about a lot.

So you know if he's a great guy? nine0004

Do you think both of you will have a great relationship after the move?

Will you move in lead to a proposal and children soon?

The only way to really know for sure is to try it, right?

Moving with your boyfriend

No relationship is like this and when it comes to moving, the experience will never be the same.

But there are a few things that often happen when moving together.

There are correct moves. And then, there are some wrong moves.

If you want to make sure you both have a romantic start after moving in, here are a few things you need to talk about with your boyfriend and ask yourself real answers.

5 things to think about before you move

If you haven't moved yet, consider these signs. Sometimes the little things you miss out on can make a big difference.

#1 Set ground rules. This may seem trivial and unnecessary, but it will save both of you embarrassment and frustration later on. Establishing clear ground rules can help both of you talk about flaws and confusion without argument. If you don't set the rules, there is no way to tell why the frustrations started in the first place.

#2 Be confident in your decision. Are you sure you want to move in with your boyfriend? Take the time to decide about this and weigh all your options. It's okay to feel confused if you're excited about moving in together. Don't let the infatuation cloud your judgment, though. nine0004

# 3 Consider your independence. Moving together is something that is inevitable when you are in love. It could happen now or in a few years. You may be in love with your sweetheart, but are you in the right frame of mind and have the intellectual maturity to give up your own freedom just to share a bedroom space with your lover?

# 4 How is your boyfriend really? Is he a great guy? Do you really see yourself walking down the aisle with him in so many years? If your boyfriend is gentle and considerate of your feelings, this is a safe move. But if he's bossy or wants his own way, ask yourself if he's really for you. nine0004

# 5 Can you make decisions together? Relationship decisions must be made jointly, no matter what. Both of you should agree on this before moving. Everything from deciding on monthly expenses to hanging out with friends should be made jointly without argument.

10 things to think about after moving

Have you already moved? Not too late. Here are a few more things you need to consider in order to have a perfectly romantic relationship. nine0004

# 1 Be prepared to see his not-so-nice side. We all show off our good sides when we are with someone. But you have to live with someone to see your true side. Your boyfriend may have some flaws or differences from your behavior. It's not strange. He's just himself.

# 2 Separate household chores. Think about it seriously, even if it's curly and awkward to talk to. Create a to-do list and break the work down the middle, unless one of you wants to take on more responsibility. But unless there's a really good reason to unfairly divide household chores like one work partner and one housewife, try to keep the balance. nine0004

# 3 Find time to settle in. Dating is very different from moving. When you move, you practically live with each other 24/7. Accept the fact that relationships can feel different in the beginning. He may have spoiled you like a princess until now, but now that you've both moved in, he can expect you to be more comfortable and less of a wretch.

# 4 Let's talk about the differences. You and your boyfriend are not two peas in a pod. Both of you are two people with different desires and interests. So talk about your differences and lifestyle choices with your boyfriend. When you move in together, you both have to make a few compromises, whether it's watching your favorite show on TV or deciding how many times to go out a week. nine0004

# 5 learn to forgive. When you move together, there are inevitably a few differences and misunderstandings at the beginning. You and your boyfriend should go out of their way to help the other person feel comfortable in their new surroundings. And if mistakes happen, learn to forgive.

# 6 Always communicate. Talk about your feelings, this is really the right thing to do after you move. Forgive those little mistakes, but talk to your boyfriend about it and let him know what's on your mind. Misunderstandings are good because they help your boyfriend understand you better. But conflicts just don't help in a relationship. Avoid conflict, but communicate each other's thoughts. nine0004

# 7 His friends and yours. Both of you should avoid bringing friends over often for a couple of weeks or months. Take the time to understand each other and live with each other before bringing confusion and new people into the house.

#8 Avoid making unsafe ones. You can date for a while, but living together is a fragile stage in a relationship. Can you stop calling or texting other guys late into the night if it makes your boyfriend uncomfortable? Sometimes insecurities in a relationship increase when people move together. It takes several sacrifices, encouragement, and fellowship to experience water movement. nine0004

# 9 Let's talk about money. Let's talk about money, individual savings and expenses. Some things are better left in plain sight than cleaned under the carpet. Moving is like a little marriage experiment. This can help both of you experience the reality of marriage before you take the plunge.

# 10 Be serious. Living with your boyfriend is no joke and should not be taken lightly. It's better to take it seriously and live seriously than to see it as an easy way to spend more time with each other or have more sex. Any mistakes here will only tear you both apart.

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