Resources Blog

January 29, 2021

More unmarried couples live together in Canada than in the U.S.

And the number of unmarried couples living together in Canada continues to grow. In 2016, 21% of all Canadian couples were living together, compared to just 16.4% in 2001.

Are you and your partner considering moving in together? Here are five moving tips to help ensure a smooth transition in this next phase of your relationship. 

Moving Tips for You and Your Partner

Many couples see cohabitation as the first step, or "trial run," toward marriage. Think about it: By living with your partner before getting married, you get to see them in their truest, most unfiltered form.

You learn what makes them tick — and what ticks them off. You discover how to split the personal and financial responsibility that comes with maintaining a home. 

But it can also reveal new ways in which you're compatible. Read on for what every couple should know before moving in together.

Out With the Old, in With the New

Moving into your partner's existing home is drastically different from moving into a home that's new to you both. You're moving into a space that was likely already furnished and decorated, so it may feel more like your partner's space than truly your own.

But it doesn't have to be that way. Now is an opportunity to focus on creating an atmosphere that infuses both of your personalities and interests.

Start by discussing how much space both of you need in the closet, in the bathroom, in the medicine cabinet, and any other shared areas in the house. 

Then, begin eliminating the "duplicates" that you won't need, like extra beds, sofas, and small kitchen appliances. There are also several things you can part ways with when packing for a move, anyway. 

Next, start exploring ways to integrate both of your styles into one cohesive vision. 

Be Transparent

When moving in with your partner, both of you should have a firm grasp of the other's financial situation.

While moving in together doesn't necessarily mean you need to share a bank account, it's important to know how you'll split the cost of rent, utilities, groceries, and other expenses. 

Similarly, you and your partner should discuss whether you're paying off any debts. This could include student loans, car payments, or credit card bills. Knowing this information about each other will make it easier to understand where they're coming from or if they might need help making ends meet. 

Another way to be transparent with your partner is by setting boundaries and expectations. Who will cook dinner, and who will wash dishes? Will you do laundry together or separately? How often will you clean the house, and should you split the workload evenly or trade it off every week? 

Setting healthy boundaries is another essential to moving in together for the first time. Your partner is going to become the person you see most often.

How do you plan to handle the need for personal space? How much alone time do you need to recharge, and what does alone time look like for you? Are there certain belongings, like cell phones and diaries, that are off-limits to the other person? 

Being upfront from the beginning about your finances, expectations, and boundaries is the best way to avoid built-up resentment in the future. While bickering may be inevitable if you have different routines and lifestyles, your trust in each other should never be called into question.

Practice Patience

Remember that you aren't the only one adjusting to a new living situation. Your partner may have a hard time getting used to sharing a space they once had to themselves. 

For example, you may find your home or apartment becoming cluttered. Maybe you underestimated how much "stuff" both of you truly had. 

If that's the case, there's no reason to panic. You can make your home feel more spacious and relaxing without purging half of your belongings. Consider using a storage unit for the items that you don't immediately need in your home.

Don't Forget Quality Time

Your idea of quality time might just be kicking back and watching movies together. After all, it's easier than ever to spend time with your partner now that you live together. 

But once you've settled in, try thinking of less passive ways to spend time together, too. Maybe you want to try cooking new meals together. Maybe there are DIY home improvement projects you've been dying to try. Maybe you just want to get out and explore or start a new exercise regimen. 

Take the opportunity to try new things and learn more about each other. You might find you have more in common than you thought!

Remember to Have a Life of Your Own

It can be easy to want to spend every day with your partner. If you moved in together, chances are, you see them not only as a romantic partner, but also as a best friend. 

But don't neglect the life you had before you moved in with your partner, either. This doesn't have to look like going out every night, but remember to check in regularly with friends and family. 

If you moved a long way away from home, FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom can help you feel more connected than ever to your loved ones. Maybe there are games you can play together online or shows you can binge simultaneously, too. Get creative in finding ways to show your loved ones that you're still thinking about them.

And don't abandon your hobbies. Whether you're an artist, a writer, a musician, or a gamer, keeping up with your interests is a great way of getting your fix of alone time.

Home Sweet Home

While moving in with your partner may seem like a challenging adjustment at first, you'll likely find it to be a rewarding learning experience.

Now that you're equipped with the right moving tips to make it a successful transition, it's time to contact us for your free moving quote.