One of the major relationship milestones that couples face is taking the leap into co-habitation. That’s why Moishe’s Mobile Storage has created tips on how to shack up, properly. (What will they think of next?) And, if you moved in with a scrub, Moishe developed tips for that, too.Â
TOP FIVE TIPS FOR MOVING IN WITH A SIGNIFICANT OTHER:
- Pack and Plan Appropriately – Go through the items you have and decide what you can part with and what you need to invest in. (I have about 80 pairs of shows – most I will never wear – that I am not willing to part with.) Most importantly, discuss the big items like furniture. Decide before you move in together whether or not you really need the second sofa. Sell old furniture on Craigslist.
- Discuss Finances – Sit down and figure out who will pay for what. Are you going to combine bank accounts? (don’t do it, unless you are married.) Whose name will the utilities be in? Figure it out.
- Divide Responsibilities –This includes cleaning the bathroom, doing the dishes, and a wide assortment of less-than-sexy tasks. Make sure you rotate and take turns in terms of who handles what, so one person isn’t stuck resenting the other. (Um, it’s like pulling teeth to get my boy to do anything)
- Make Sure to Keep your Own Time and Space – Moving in with a significant other can become smothering if you don’t make time for yourself. Make sure to make and keep plans with friends and schedule activities and outings to keep your own individual life active. The same goes for within the apartment, keep certain space to yourself –even when sharing a small studio!
Keep Things Exciting – When living with someone, it can take a certain level of excitement and mystery out of the relationship. Make a consistent effort to expand dates beyond the couch, and even designate certain date nights that involve an exciting night out on the town.
 ….. AND FIVE TIPS FOR MOVING OUT
Divide Mutual Items Peacefully – Over the course of your relationship and time as roommates, you likely compiled a lot of items that are mutually owned. Instead of consistently fighting over what belongs to who down to everything from the big furniture to a tiny dish, make a point of taking time to sit down one afternoon and figure out exactly what is shared and what is own. Divide the items or sell and spilt the cash.  - Figure Out Leasing Arrangements – Dealing with the lease, particularly if the relationship ends before the lease expires, can be one of the biggest hassles of all. Take care of this first and be sure to figure out who will stay and who will go, and if you both want out, immediately start posting on roommate boards and asking around for a subletter. And, when all else fails, break the lease.
- Seal Up Any Finances – Since the relationship is coming to an end, it is best to discuss and figure any and all finances before parting ways for good. You don’t want to be chasing down an ex for money or being forced to stay in each other’s life because you didn’t square away finances from the get-go.
- Rely on Your Network of Family and Friends – Now more than ever you need to rely on friends and family to help get you through difficult times. This might involve sleeping on someone’s couch or having your friends help you find a new place or roommate. Â
- Get Rid of Leftover Evidence – After dating someone for awhile, there is a lot that reminds you of the significant other and these memories multiply after living together. Redecorate and revamp to make the place brand new. If getting a new place, leave behind anything that reminds you of him.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Moishe's , Moishe's and Rashidah Ferguson. Rashidah Ferguson said: Black Beauty News: Couples Playing House… http://beyondblackbeauty.com/2010/07/01/couples-playing-house/ [...]
Very good info for moving. However, I don’t agree with shacking up!!
I don’t see anything wrong with shaking up but of course that’s what I’m doing so… I didn’t that much into it when we did. But definitely look into the finace thing and its so hard to have you on time and space. They know every move you make but you eventually get use to it and figure out a place and time for alone time.
This is an excellant article by Ms. Ferguson. I believe every couple should refer to this article and discuss some of the points Ms. Ferguson made (especially tips for moving out) before they shack up. With that said, I do have some challenges with a few points Ms. Ferguson covered. The point that sticks out the most is the discussing finances part before breaking up. Let’s really be honest, how many of relationships really end on good terms? If there is bad blood between both parties and someone might owe the other person some money. I dont know about the rest of your ladies, I would rather part with some money than share a space with someone that I have lost feelings for. Seriously, that sounds like a miserable existance to me.