So, you’re moving in with the one you love in Michigan. You’ve packed boxes with hearts above your head and called Michigan movers before moving in before marriage. This is an exciting, but also scary time. Benefit from the experience of others who have moved in together: Follow these tips and avoid pitfalls.
Cohabitation is more common than ever. The moving in before marriage statistics show that among U.S. adults ages 18-44, nearly 60% have lived with a significant other, while only 50% have been married. But this doesn’t mean it’s easy.
In the past, you’ve seen your beloved in their own environment, and probably on their best behavior. Now that you’re together 24/7, there are adjustments to be made. Consider these words from the wise, whether you’re moving in together before marriage or moving after marriage:
- Make a relationship decision: Don’t “shack up” for the sake of convenience. There are practical considerations – saving money is the big one – but you need to make sure moving in together is next best step for your relationship. Talk about what moving in means to both of you: Is it merely a pragmatic choice, or a step toward marriage? Know where you and your partner stand going in.
- Have a plan: Speaking of getting on the same page, make a mutual decision on where you’ll live. While you’re at it, talk about what each of you will bring – furniture, appliances, etc. – to your new household. This is also the time to hire a full-service Michigan moving company like All Around Moving & Storage to help you relocate.
- Have hard conversations now, not later: Money and the division of labor can start fights. You can head off some of those tiffs by reaching a mutual understanding on the front end. Who will do the laundry, wash the dishes, take out the trash? More importantly, who pays the bills – and how will you split your rent or mortgage payment?
- Preserve your individuality – Just because you live together doesn’t mean that you and your beloved have to spend every waking moment by one another’s side. Not only is it OK to schedule time away, it’s healthy. Maintain your own friends and hobbies, if for no other reason than it gives you fresh material for conversation over the dinner table.
- Make a contingency plan – Nobody wants to talk about a potential breakup, but it’s better to reach an understanding ahead of time than in the aftermath of a split. It’s probably best to keep your money separate, at least at first. Later on, you can establish a joint checking account for paying bills. First have an open, honest, loving conversation about how you will divide property and debts if the relationship doesn’t work out.
- Expect rough patches – Forget anything Walt Disney ever told you. Go into your cohabitation expecting there to be occasional conflicts – especially at the outset, as transitions tend to beget friction. Try to put “we” over “me” during stressful times and focus on the greater long-term good of the couple.
- Communicate – Hopefully you’ve noticed what these tips have in common: All highlight the importance of communication. You’ll both be going through a new experience as you unite under one roof. In addition to agreeing on expectations up front, keep checking in from time to time: Keep the lines of communication open.
Now you know what to expect when moving in together before marriage and after. Follow this advice before and after your professional Michigan moving team arrives, and you will enjoy a harmonious shared household.
Be sure to call Michigan’s best moving team, All Around Moving & Storage, for a free quote at 734-941-2280 or fill out our online form.
Is your paramour in Savannah, GA and you’re thinking of moving to Georgia? Check out what you can expect when moving for love in Georgia, from our friends at American Moving & Storage!
