Moving in together is a big step for any relationship– so it is important to discuss some of these topics before officially packing the boxes. You will be glad you brought them up with your significant other, so moving forward you can remain on the same page.

1.Your Home

Obviously, this is the biggest one. If you are planning for a future family, will you want to consider the school district your children will be in? Is living near the coast more important to you or do you prefer city life? Will you be buying or renting. Is the home proximal to grocery stores and the freeway? These are all great things to consider when you are choosing your home together and will help you reduce stress later on. 

  1. Finances

It is crucial to discuss spending and financial arrangements before moving in together. One important consideration is choosing the best bank account setup that suits both partners’ needs and preferences. You may opt for a joint account to handle shared expenses or decide on individual accounts and split the bills accordingly. Finding a solution that aligns with both of your financial habits may require compromise, but it is essential for successful cohabitation.

You should also think about any other financial moves you should make before getting married and moving in. Things like prior debt or savings account should be discussed between the two of you.

  1. Grocery shopping and meal planning

This is something to think about as well. Who will do the grocery shopping? Who will do the cooking? It could be a great idea to split this task up depending on the other’s needs. For instance, if you had to stay longer at work, while your husband got off early, it could be his turn to cook dinner. Otherwise, it could be a fun bonding experience to cook together when you have the chance. It is also important to consider food preferences, if one person is vegan while the other isn’t you may want to grocery shop for yourselves. 

  1. Cleanliness

Are you the type to leave dishes sitting in the sink for too long or never care to hang up your clothes? Maybe, you’re both messy and there isn’t an issue. If you’re a neat freak, prioritize your concerns, and if you’re the messier one try to set up a routine for cleaning. You can also start to think about who is going to buy and replace common cleaning supplies like your toilet scrubber, bamboo toilet paper, or disinfectant wipes. 

  1. Sleep 

An optimal sleep schedule is essential for a productive day. Are you an early riser or a night owl? Can you sleep with the lights on? Are you a light sleeper and will sounds bother you? This is going to be one of the first things you notice when moving in with someone. So, you may want to discuss your sleep habits to ensure the other person gets their well-deserved quality sleep. 

  1. Chores

Will you split chores 50/50? Will one person handle chores, while the other cooks? These are questions to take into account. You don’t want your partner feeling resentful towards you because you never do any household tasks. Maybe, it works out in both your favors as you like taking out the trash while your partner enjoys raking leaves. 

  1. Sharing and Compromise

Are there some things you could never share, like your favorite charcoal toothbrush? While there are other things, like your headphones, you wouldn’t mind lending? Moving in together is going to present a lot of room for compromise. You should both consider creating boundaries where needed– and share when you don’t mind!

  1. Work 

How will your work lives merge? Will your significant other wake up earlier than you for their job? Do you travel a lot for work? Will your work schedules pose any significant issues once you live together? For many of us, work is a huge part of our lives and another schedule that you need to manage when you’re in a relationship. A discussion prior to moving in could be an excellent idea.  It’s essential to consider how these factors might impact your daily routines and overall quality of life as a couple. Starting your life after marriage means navigating these practical issues together and finding solutions that work for both of you. Open communication about expectations and potential adjustments can pave the way for a smoother transition into shared living.

  1. Pets  

Do you have any pets? Will you still be the only one responsible for them when you move in together. Maybe, your partner never compromised to having a pet and does not want to be responsible for one. Will you eventually want one together?