Living with a partner can be an important milestone in a relationship. However, if you want to live a happy home life with your partner, it’s worth doing some preparation and planning. Failure to do this properly can lead to disagreements and conflict.
But what exactly are things worth discussing prior to the move?
Financial planning and transparency
If you’re not upfront about the way you handle money, you may end up resenting—or resenting—your partner. Make sure you understand how the bills are divided. For some couples, this means an even split; for others this will not be the case. It’s about reaching an agreement.
You can possibly create a joint account for shared costs. This gives you the freedom to spend or save with your own money. According to a recent studyAround a quarter of Brits in long-term relationships hide their savings from their partners. This is not a recipe for a healthy long-term relationship.
Legal considerations and cohabitation agreements
If you live together, you do not enjoy the same automatic rights as married couples. This means you run the risk that your assets will be taken from you in the event of a division. It is often worthwhile to conclude a formal cohabitation agreement, so that any ambiguities are removed and both parties know exactly where they stand.
If you add up all your expenses, you may have to pay for things collectively. This can often save money for both parties. For example, you can insure both your vehicles with multi-car insurance.
Balancing career and household responsibilities
Because you live together, you have a new set of household chores to take into account. It’s worth figuring out how this workload will be allocated. If one partner earns much more than the other, it may be wise for that person to work long hours while their partner does the dishes, laundry, and vacuuming. On the other hand, this assumption is not always justified. It’s worth discussing what your career goals are and how you can support each other while maintaining a sensible work-life balance.
Nurturing the relationship
After you move in together, you may be surprised at how your relationship changes. Make sure you can communicate openly with each other. A fixed schedule, and making time for things like date night can be helpful. During this period, you are likely to encounter problems. In a healthy long-term relationship, you can openly discuss any issues and see if you can find a solution that meets the needs of both parties.
