Moving in with your significant other is a big step in any relationship its important for couples to think through this transition and come up with a plan before taking it.

One of the most crucial aspects of this process is establishing how bills will be split this is where many couples run into problems so addressing these topics early on is essential.

Know Your Expectations

Moving in together is a huge step for any relationship but it also brings new challenges to the table. From deciding how to divvy up chores and figuring out how to handle finances there are a lot of different things to consider.

If you and your partner aren’t on the same page about what it means to be in a relationship and show love for one another problems may arise once you live together. That’s why its important to talk openly about these topics before you decide to move in together.

For example, if you’re both a little bit messy and have different cleaning habits, you might want to discuss how that will play out once you’re living under the same roof. You’ll also want to agree on how you plan to deal with conflicts that are bound to happen, especially if you have a different communication style than your partner.

If you can come up with a conflict resolution strategy early on it will help prevent those arguments from spiraling out of control.

Set Aside Time For Financial Talks

When couples move in together its a big step that forces them to become more involved with each other’s financial lives. Sharing a bank account for example, can create tension if you’re not both on the same page about your goals, spending habits and saving priorities.

It’s also important to discuss how you’ll split expenses like rent and utilities. This can be particularly difficult if you’re on different incomes. It’s not uncommon for one person to be a spender while the other is more of a saver, which can lead to conflict over bills.

It’s also a good idea to determine if you’ll be splitting everything 50/50 or based on each person’s income. Being honest about your expectations and checking in frequently can keep frustration, arguments, and hurt feelings at bay. It will also help you figure out if you’re on the same page about spending limits, debt repayment and savings for future plans such as a wedding or retirement.

Create A List Of Must-Have Qualities

Moving in together can quickly reveal habits, grooming styles and etiquette deal-breakers that weren’t previously apparent. You can avoid these issues by discussing your expectations around things like housekeeping, sex and living styles before you start looking for a place to live.

For example, if your partner can’t stand a messy living room but you have no problem with it, be clear about this upfront. It’s also important to discuss how you’ll handle conflict resolution so that there are no surprises down the road.

Ultimately, the decision to move in together is a personal one and should be based on whether or not you see your relationship heading towards marriage. If you do, it’s likely a good idea to wait until after you’re engaged or married before you decide to live together. This gives you time to grow and build a strong foundation before taking such a big step. Otherwise, it may be harder to reconcile in the event that you break up.

Make Sure You’re On The Same Page

Before you take this big step, it’s important to make sure that you and your significant other are on the same page about what you expect from each other. Whether it’s finances or household chores, having an open line of communication is crucial for a happy and healthy living arrangement.

Make sure that you and your partner have the “future” talk, too. If one of you is expecting this cohabitating experience to lead to engagement or marriage, it’s important to make that clear so that neither of you is disappointed in the end.

It’s also a good idea to discuss your expectations about your partner’s cleanliness style and personal hygiene habits before moving in together. This way, you can avoid hurt feelings if, for example, your boyfriend always leaves his socks around the house. You can discuss if that’s something that’s worth arguing about or if you should simply leave it alone. The key is to communicate with your significant other and check in often.