Moving In Together? Here’s How to Avoid the Common Traps (As Featured in Apartment Guide!)
Recently, I had the pleasure of being featured in an article on Apartment Guide about the big move—yes, the one where you take the leap and officially move in with your partner. It’s an exciting milestone, but let’s be real—it can also be a huge adjustment. Between figuring out whose side the couch should face and whose throw pillows make the cut (hint: probably not all of them), blending your lives together under one roof can be a minefield of potential conflicts.
In case you missed it, you can check out the full Apartment Guide article here. But for now, let’s dive deeper into some practical tips I shared, along with a few extra insights on making this transition as smooth as possible.
Don’t Just Move In—Be Intentional About It
Moving in together isn’t just about deciding whose Netflix account to keep (although that’s important too). It’s about being intentional with how you’re merging your lives. Before you bring in that moving truck, have a conversation about what your shared living space will look like.
Pro Tip: Decide together what you want your home to feel like. Cozy? Minimalist? A mix of both? This helps you set the tone for what stays, what goes, and what new pieces you might want to invest in together.
Let Go of the ‘Mine’ vs. ‘Yours’ Mentality
I get it—we’re all attached to our stuff. But when you’re merging two households, it’s crucial to let go of the “mine” and “yours” mindset. It’s no longer your bookshelf and their coffee table—it’s now our home.
Blending Styles: One of the most common traps couples fall into is trying to fit both people’s furniture and décor styles into a single space. It’s a recipe for clutter and conflict. Instead, focus on keeping the things you both truly love and agree on.
Pro Tip: Create a “yes,” “no,” and “maybe” pile when combining furniture and décor. It’s a fun way to figure out what makes the cut and might even spark some great conversations (or a debate over whether that neon sign really needs to stay).
Communication Is Key—Especially About Finances
Ah, the dreaded ‘money talk.’ If there’s one thing that can derail the excitement of moving in together, it’s financial disagreements. In the Apartment Guide article, I shared how important it is to be transparent about expenses before you’re knee-deep in boxes.
Budgeting Together: Discuss how you’ll split the rent, utilities, groceries, and those inevitable takeout nights. Will you split everything 50/50? Or will you divvy up bills based on income? There’s no right or wrong way—only what works best for both of you.
Pro Tip: Consider setting up a joint household account for shared expenses. It keeps things clean, organized, and helps you avoid those “but I paid for groceries last week” arguments.
Make Space for Personal Time
This one might seem counterintuitive, but hear me out: just because you’re living together doesn’t mean you have to be glued to each other 24/7. Having your own space and time to unwind is crucial for keeping the relationship healthy.
Setting Boundaries: Maybe you need a corner for your morning yoga routine, and your partner needs space for their evening gaming session. Respect each other’s need for alone time, even within the same four walls.
Pro Tip: Designate a “me-time” night once a week where each of you gets to do your own thing—no questions asked. It keeps the spark alive and prevents you from feeling like you’re losing your individuality.
Celebrate the Little Wins
Moving in together can be stressful, but it’s also a beautiful new chapter in your life. Remember to celebrate the small victories, whether it’s successfully assembling a piece of IKEA furniture (with minimal swearing) or finding the perfect spot for that quirky wall art you both love.
Pro Tip: Plan a special date night to celebrate your move-in. Cook dinner together, pop open a bottle of wine, and toast to this exciting new adventure. It’s a great way to remind each other why you’re doing this in the first place.
Moving in Together Should Be Fun—Not a Stress Test
As someone who’s been there and seen it all, my advice is to approach this transition with patience, humor, and a willingness to compromise. Moving in together is about creating a home, not just sharing a space. And if you can navigate this new chapter with love, openness, and a little laughter, you’re already on the right track.
Ready to dive in? Don’t forget to check out the full Apartment Guide article here for even more tips and insights!
