Moving Made Easy
5 Things You Should Do Before Moving In With Your Boyfriend
Unfortunately, moving in together is not always the best choice. If you are thinking about moving in with your boyfriend, there are a few critical things you need to do first. Here are five things you need to do before giving up your apartment and moving in with your boyfriend.
Have a Serious Money Talk
Before taking such a big step, you need to think carefully about why you are doing it. Do you view moving in together as the next step toward marriage? If so, you need to make sure your boyfriend feels the same way. Are you consolidating your households out of financial necessity or convenience? If so, moving in together may not be the right thing to do. Knowing why you are moving in with your boyfriend is an essential first step no matter how long you have been dating.
Think Carefully About Your Reasons
Moving in together means you will be sharing all aspects of your lives, including financial matters. Before you move in with your boyfriend, you two need to have a serious money talk. Serious problems can arise when one partner is a saver and the other is a spender, and it is important to make sure you are on the same page before moving in together.
Protect Your Interests
Even if you are certain your boyfriend is the one and marriage is in your future, it is important to protect yourself legally and financially. Make sure your name is on the lease when you move in and maintain a separate bank account. Protecting yourself financially is essential no matter who you are moving in with.
Pay Attention to Your Gut Instincts
No matter what, always trust your gut. Before you pack up your stuff and give up your lease, take a deep breath and think about what this step will mean for your life and your relationship. If you can honestly say this is the best move for you, by all means go ahead and do it. If you have even a moment of hesitation, it is probably best to wait. Moving in together is a big step, and not one to be taken lightly. Knowing what steps to take before moving in with your boyfriend can make the move – and everything that happens afterward – a lot more fun!
Take a Good Look at How He Lives
If you are a neat freak and your boyfriend is not, you may end up going crazy after you move in. Before you even think about moving in to your boyfriend’s place, take a good look at how he lives. If you can live with his habits, so much the better. If not, you might want to hang on to your own apartment a little longer. Nothing kills the romance faster than arguing about dirty socks or underwear left on top of the hamper.