Moving in with your partner for the first time can be scary. Here are some tips for making it work when living with a significant other. 

Living with your partner can be both rewarding and challenging. While pretty much all of us have had the experience of living with family members or roommates, living with a significant other is a whole new adventure. Moving in together is an important relationship milestone that can be the start of many exciting things to come. However, it’s not without its difficulties. Want to know how to make living with your partner an easier and more pleasant experience? We’ve got some advice for you! 

Learn About Each Other’s Lifestyles and Establish Boundaries

Before you move in together, it’s best to establish some boundaries. Doing so will help you both respect each other’s space and avoid fighting. You probably know a lot about your partner, but you’re sure to learn some new things about them by living together.

To avoid being in for a shock, discuss your lifestyles at length before moving day. You might need some alone time, even if your partner is happy to spend every minute of the day together. Your partner might be picky about how they like to clean. Learning about what sorts of things you like and don’t like will help you maintain healthy boundaries while taking your relationship to the next level. 

Talk About Finances 

Discussing your finances is one of the most important things to do when moving in together. Be clear about what your budget is and how you’ll be splitting rent and the bills. It’s also important to talk about how you’ll divide the cost for household products and food since you’ll probably be sharing that too. Additionally, take some time to discuss any money-saving habits you have. While you might think that taking quick showers and not turning the AC on is a great way to save money, your partner might think you’re being cheap. To avoid such conflicts, talk about the standards of living you have and what you are and aren’t willing to sacrifice to cut down on costs.  

Figure Out How to Share Space 

If you grew up with siblings or lived in a college dorm room with a roommate, you’re probably familiar with the challenges of sharing small spaces. When it comes to decorating and picking out furniture, make sure that you both feel like you’re making the place yours. Even if you’re picky about interior design, it’s best to take a step back and let your partner pick out some art or a chair they like. Try not to dominate any shared spaces in the house. Make sure your partner has enough storage space to keep their things. Don’t hog the living room sofa or kitchen. Furthermore, try not to let your home get cluttered unless you’re both okay with it being a bit messy.

Split Up Household Chores Evenly 

It can be easy to begin to resent your partner if you feel like you’re the one doing most of the housework. Unless you’ve figured out a different arrangement that works for your relationship, it’s best to split up the household chores evenly.

Both you and your significant other are responsible for taking care of your shared home. Also, mundane chores like cleaning or cooking can be a great way to bond and spend time together. Time flies by when you’re with someone you love, even if the tasks you’re doing are boring. 

Try Not to Sweat the Small Stuff 

Chances are after you move in together, you and your significant other will be spending a lot more time in each other’s company. You might notice some habits and tendencies that they have and be less than thrilled about it. While it can be tough to have your partner get on your nerves, it’s best to let it go and not sweat the small stuff. Is it worth yelling at your significant other for leaving the toilet seat up or having a lot of hair products? Bickering over small annoyances will make you both miserable. Try not to let little things get to you, and when big issues come up, make an effort to communicate respectfully instead of fighting.