There may come an exciting time in your relationship where you and your significant other decide to move in together. It can be a stressful and financially taxing experience, but with the right tools and support, a move can be a beautiful transition into a new chapter with your partner. Below are a few steps you can take while preparing to move that will promote positive communication, and increase overall happiness for everyone involved.

1. Communication is Key

It can be easy to get frustrated discussing the inner workings of a move, but being open and honest with your partner will cultivate the best results. When you disagree on a subject, use positive words like “I respect your opinion” and “let’s work on this together” instead of avoiding tough subjects. For example, when it comes time to decide which items you are keeping, you may come to a disagreement. If your partner really enjoys an item that you don’t see fitting for your new space, instead of discarding it, compromise on fixing it up to better suit the design style you’re going for! That way, you have an open channel of communication to discuss items for your new space and suggest ways to incorporate disagreeable pieces without disrespecting your partner’s interests.

2. Sit Down and Plan It Out

A move shouldn’t be rushed, and once you’ve made the decision to combine spaces you should take the time necessary to plan out the process in its entirety. You can use sites that offer a moving checklist to help you organize your thoughts, and cover some bases you may be forgetting. Schedule a few nights a week to go through each of your current homes, get your finances in order, and start packing your belongings. A common mistake is focusing too much on the granular details of moving, and missing big picture items. Be sure you’ve taken steps to pay for a moving truck, and turn on your water and power in your new home before arrival. This makes your home prepped and ready for your move-in day and eliminates any stress of your items not arriving on time.

3. Have Fun Shopping

One of the best parts about moving is being able to decorate and shop for items to match your style and interests as a couple. Whether it’s a trendy DIY project that you found on Pinterest or investing in a new, long-lasting and hard wearing furnishings for your living room space that you have had your eye on, you can choose every last detail to make this a space that reflects both you and your partner’s styles! If on a tight budget, reach out to friends, family, or neighbors and see if they have any pieces they are willing to part with. Or, if you’re interested in fix-er-up items, websites like Garage Sale Finder allow you to find a garage sale closest to you to find some unique items and antiques you’ve been looking for that you just can’t find in stores.

4. Take Time For Yourself

If living together is a new experience, giving yourselves plenty of space to understand the process and adjust can help to limit frustration and conflict. If you move too quickly or don’t take the time to enjoy the experience, you may forget valuable memories that come with sharing a space. It is important to have an outlet to clear your head when the tasks of moving become a little taxing. For example, try downloading a meditation app like Headspace for breathing techniques and positive thinking exercises to help you unwind after loading the moving truck.

Overall, moving should be a fun and positive experience for you and your partner. Take the proper steps toward success and you will have the home of your dreams in no time!

A Beautiful Move with your Significant Other