Moving in with your partner is an exciting — and, if we’re being honest, an intimidating — time in a relationship. Even if you have lived with a significant other before, there are a lot of unknowns to navigate together. Focusing on the new adventure ahead — the planning and anticipation — brings many couples even closer together. That’s not to say that there won’t be tense or stressful moments, and finding a balance during this major life change can be tricky. Below are several budget-minded solutions to many problems and complications couples face when they decide to join forces and move in together.
What Are Our Communication Methods?
Communication — what you say and how you say it — isn’t just about talking. While you may have solid communication with your partner in your current living arrangement, once bills, meals, chores, and spare time are on the line, the conversations change. Before moving in together, assess your communication styles and learn strategies for talking through challenging times and topics. While this may be a time-consuming process, it doesn’t have to be a financially consuming one. There are many free online resources about relationship communication. You and your partner can also take an online course together, where you learn how to identify your personal communication strengths and weaknesses. You can also find plenty of books on the topic; find popular titles from major retailers like Barnes and Noble (and don’t forget to shop sales to save a few bucks).
How Do We Combine Our Styles?
You both will have art, decor, and tools that mean more than just their practical usage. So, what happens when these sentimental items, creative decor, and innovative artwork clash? In some cases, one or both of you may have to make some hard decisions. In other situations, you just grin and bear it. You can also make the effort to pick out new items together, starting with a clean slate in your fresh place. If that’s the path you decide to take, save money on items such as towels, dishes, rugs, lighting, and more by shopping online for special deals from major retailers like Bed, Bath, and Beyond through a cost-saving website like Ebates.
Is It Okay to Ask for Alone Time?
Yes, yes, yes! In fact, your relationship will be better for it. After all, living with your significant other requires more of your time and energy. That’s why it’s important you give each other the freedom to carve out time for yourselves. Before you move into your new home, agree to set up spaces that are solo and sacred. They can be shared spaces that you use one at a time, such as a meditation room, or areas that are yours and yours alone. For example, let’s say you love playing video games, but your partner doesn’t want the television commandeered by the latest version of Mario. You can create your own gaming space in a spare room or the bedroom. A gaming setup can get expensive, but you can save money by purchasing a used TV and resale games or using promo codes to get discounts online.
Moving in together can be full of emotional ups and downs, but it’s an exciting chapter to start, especially with someone you really love and genuinely enjoy being around. While living together will, in the long run, save you money on rent, utilities, food, and other expenses, it can require a few more up-front expenses. Save money for a vacation, a holiday, or a big-ticket item by shopping smart on the little things.
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