When you decide to move in with your partner it is one of the more important decisions of your life. It is a life-changing event that will have a long-lasting influence and that doesn’t have an easy transition period. It is an important decision in a relationship and a milestone. However, the decision to move in together is much more than a simple relocation issue. It carries a whole list of issues that you have to deal with during the process and that will influence you in time to come. All of this will certainly cause stress so it is important to find out how to handle the stress of moving in together.
Why stress
The moving process by itself is a stressful experience. It is a change that requires some time to get used to it. Hence, proper planning and organization are compulsory to perform the process smoothly.
Besides that, moving with your partner entails a list of changes and facts that cause stress on a lot of different levels. Also, it opens up a lot of hidden questions and issues that you have to handle together and that you weren’t aware of before. Some of the questions that you both have to handle and find a suitable answer to are:
- where are you both going to live,
- how to handle your belongings,
- handle bills and money,
- how to adapt to living together,
- organize chores and duties in a joint apartment etc.
Not handling this question and stress properly will cause problems in the future and be a burden in the relationship. Bear in mind that these are practical issues that always influence the emotional aspect of living together.
How to handle stress
Handling stress in these situations is a matter of good preparation, planning and thinking things through. In this process, you have to be sure to work together to push the move and joint living through with as little stress as possible. Moving in together is not only an emotional decision. It is also a financial decision and it has a lot of dimensions and points that can cause stress, misunderstandings, and problems between partners.
Making a plan, preparing and communicating are the first steps that will help elevate stress and make functioning easier and better. It will also help strengthen the bond and make the relationship stronger.
Where should you live?
One of the first things you have to decide on is where you are going to live. There are options for moving in together in one of your existing apartments or finding and renting a completely new one. When moving into and existing apartment both partners might become uneasy, which can cause stress. The host might have the feeling that someone is invading his/her space while the other partner might feel unwelcome.
One of the best solutions is to find a new apartment and move in together in a new place that will mark a new beginning in your relationship. This new place can be chosen after you analyze the location, commute times, proximity of other amenities that the couple needs and uses. The joint decision should benefit both partners and lead to the choice of an apartment perfect for both.
If the couple is looking for an apartment or house in Florida, then one of the best places might be the city of Bellaire. With its white sandy beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, it is a top choice for couples. The town offers a perfect beachfront, natural parks, entertainment, and shopping. Couples considering starting their life together in a new city should ask for professional assistance when relocating to Belleair.
A new home will allow partners to decorate and organize their living space together. This will create a sense of belonging for both and be their joint statement. Both partners will feel at home equally, which will help with the stress of living together.
Decluttering is a must
When joining in, partners usually find out that they have too much stuff and not enough room for it. Both partners accumulate a lot of stuff with time and, when moving in together, they are forced to get rid of some of it. Two coffee tables or sofas are too much so the partners have to make a decision on what to keep and what to get rid of together. If they already have a new apartment, then they can decide to keep the furniture that will fit. The key is to make those decisions together to avoid stress and be fair to each other.
Surplus items can be sold, donated or given away. Sorting out the belongings and decluttering can help with the move a lot. The less stuff you have to move the easier and cheaper the move will be Professional movers, like Big Man’s Moving Company Florida, can give you estimates and even assist when decluttering. Making this decision before the move and not putting it off will also help you in the long run. Not managing this issue will only lead to a chaotic and cramped living space that you have to deal with after you have settled in.
Joint finances
Moving in together usually means that the couple will be able to save more money than by living alone. They will be able to pay rent, utilities, and other expenses for just one apartment. At the same time, they will spend less on food by cooking and eating together. But it is not always simple. Financial issues are the most common cause of tension so it’s important to learn how to handle that stress. Sometimes joint financing can be problematic and needs discussing and planning. This means that both partners should agree on some of the financial issues and priorities. Some of the issues are: how to split and pay the bills and rent, define the savings priorities and how to spend or invest money. To avoid stress when moving in together you should agree on these issues and also set up a monthly budget to keep track of your finances.
Housekeeping rules and chores
Defining rules on housekeeping is not that obvious but it is a way of avoiding stress and eliminating conflict later. If everyone is clear with the chores and duties, it is much easier to keep the place organized and tidy. It will also help keep the balance between partners.
So, living together is not easy and it can be stressful and frightening in the beginning. There is not a sure recipe for living together and creating a perfect and harmonious life. There are, however, tips and advice that you can follow and that can lead to a joyous and rewarding life together. This article is just a start, find out how to handle the stress and make your life together a harmony.