Did you know that the number of couples who decide to live together is on the rise? According to the Pew Research Center, by 2016 the number of cohabitating couples had risen to 18 million. Also, a lot of people simply choose to live together even though they are not romantically involved. If you’re about to join this statistic, take a look at the top questions you should ask yourself (and each other) about coupling, cohabitating, and the moving process before you give some of the Fairfax County movers a call and change your living arrangements.
Are you moving out of your parent’s house for the first time?
Whether it’s your first time flying solo (without immediate at-home parental support), or not, makes a major difference when it comes to this move. The transition from living by yourself to as a couple is challenging enough as is. Add in a change from living at home to living on your own, and you have some serious planning to do.
Coupling, cohabitating, and the moving process AND living without your parents for the first time
Set a clear move date. It’s not only your significant other who needs to know when to expect you at your new joint abode. Your parents will want to know how long they get to spend alone time with you at home.
Ask for important documents. This step is essential if you’re moving out of state or far away from your family. You’ll likely need your birth certificate, social security card, medical insurance information, car title or loan information, and anything else that’s similarly important. Also, discuss what items you can take. Your close and personal belongings will move with you. But what about furniture, kitchen items, and decorative accents that you would like to take?
Ask about your soon-to-be old room. What will happen to your old bedroom? While some parents preserve it as what seems like a shrine to their now-adult child, others quickly turn it into an office or home gym. If your parents don’t have a specific use for your room, use it for storage. It’s unlikely that you’ll take everything you own. This provides you with additional space to save belongings that you don’t need now – but may want in the future. However, if you have a lot of belongings, make sure you discuss this matter before you hire a packing service Northern Virginia offers, for example. You don’t want them wasting time on packing stuff you eventually will leave behind.
Coupling 101
Moving in with your significant other is super exciting. But let’s be real, it also needs some serious chat and planning. First off, talk about the everyday stuff like who’s paying for what, who’s doing the groceries, or who’s in charge of cleaning up. Maybe you guys can split everything down the middle, or figure out a system that works best for you both. It’s all about keeping things fair and avoiding any silly arguments later on.
Additionally, think about how your daily routines are going to take place. Are you a night owl, but your partner’s up with the sun? Do you like things super tidy, but they’re more chill? Finding a middle ground here is super important for keeping the peace.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you guys figure things out:
- Bill splitting: 50/50 or another way?
- Chores: Who does what around the house?
- Personal space: Make sure you both get ‘me time’.
- Plans for the future: What’s this move all about for you both?
Also, when it comes to coupling, cohabitating, and the moving process, don’t forget that everyone needs their own space sometimes, even if you’re crazy about each other. Make sure you respect each other’s need for alone time or hanging out with friends. And lastly, chat about what you both want from living together. Is this like a test run, something more serious, or just a convenient setup for now? Being on the same page here makes living together way more awesome.
Cohabitating with a roommate
Lately, due to financial and safety reasons, many who are single or not ready for marriage choose to live with a friend. However, moving in with a roommate, whether they’re a close friend or someone new, can be just as tricky as moving in with a significant other. Here are some tips to make cohabitating with a roommate a smooth experience:
- Set clear boundaries. Right from the start, have a chat about personal boundaries and shared spaces. Who gets which shelves in the fridge? What times are quiet hours? Getting these little details sorted early can prevent a lot of misunderstandings.
- Create a cleaning schedule. Nobody likes living in a mess, but everyone has a different tolerance level. Make a cleaning schedule that works for everyone. This can include assigning chores or picking a day for a joint clean-up.
- Handle the finances. Just like with a partner, figure out how you’ll split the rent, utilities, and any other shared expenses, such as those related to moving services Northern VA companies provide. Consider using apps that make tracking and sharing expenses easy.
- Respect privacy. Living with someone doesn’t mean you have to be best friends or do everything together. Respect each other’s privacy and understand that it’s okay to spend time apart.
- Communication is key. Whether it’s about a noise complaint, a broken item, or just feeling uncomfortable about something, talk it out. Keeping an open line of communication helps prevent small issues from turning into big problems.
- Have a plan for guests. Discuss how you’ll handle visitors. Is it okay for friends to crash on the couch? How about overnight guests? Having a clear understanding helps avoid awkward situations.
In essence, always bear in mind that the key to a good roommate relationship is mutual respect and communication. With these tips, you can ensure your home is a peaceful and enjoyable space for everyone.
What should you leave behind before coupling, cohabitating, and the moving process?
Moving in with another person means that you most likely will suddenly double everything you own. Two beds, two microwaves, two form-sized fridges, and two sets of pots and pans aren’t necessary. So, what should you do with doubles? You have several options, including:
- Store items at your parents’ house. Again, if your parents have the space, store extra items for free to hold on to potentially usable belongings just in case you need them down the road.
- Rent a storage unit. If you don’t have space at Mom and Dad’s house, rent something like a self storage Lorton VA unit, but make sure it’s near your new home to solve the extra stuff problem.
- Donate everything. Items that you don’t, and won’t use, can go to a charity.
- Sell everything. Make some extra cash for your move and sell anything that someone else could use.
There’s no magic list of what to leave behind and what to take. Aside from doubles, you may not want to bring old or worn belongings. Some couples prefer to start fresh and buy everything new.
How should you move?
The first move may seem like a challenge. Nevertheless, don’t stress. Simply follow these easy-moving process steps:
Hire a mover. Book a moving company as soon as you know your move date. Hire a professional, such as the moving company Fairfax Transfer and Storage. That way you don’t need to carry heavy boxes, rent a truck, pack a truck, drive a truck, or figure out how to unpack your stuff.
Coordinate with your significant other. Having two moving trucks in front of your new house, at the same time, can get confusing. So, schedule two different move-in days, one after the other.
Pack your belongings. Depending on how much you’re moving, you may need anywhere from days to weeks to pack.
The final step is to let the movers do their job. This is the easy part. While it’s acceptable to supervise, they’re the experts.
Living with another person is scary but beautiful too!
Clearly, coupling, cohabitating, and the moving process are not the easiest pills to swallow, or not in the beginning at least. Choosing to do something like this is a big step, but it’s also a pretty cool adventure. Just remember that whether you’re sorting out whose coffee mug is whose, or figuring out how to share the bathroom in the morning rush, it’s all about communication and a bit of give and take. Also, don’t sweat the small stuff, and keep in mind that this is a chance to learn, grow, and create some awesome memories. Sure, there might be a few bumps along the way, but that’s all part of the journey. So, pack up your boxes, grab a sense of humor, and dive into the world of cohabitating. It’s going to be one interesting ride!
