Questions to ask a partner before moving in together

If you've been thinking about taking the plunge and moving in with your partner, you know already that this will likely constitute a big change in both of your lives. With that in mind, you need to find as much common ground as you can. That starts with a conversation and, more specifically, with a handful of questions that help you get on the same page about why you're doing it, what your expectations will be and so on.

The biggest question

First and foremost, that means discussing why you're moving in together in the first place, and what changes that will bring for you individually and as a couple. After all, if it's a matter of convenience and to save money on rent, that creates some very different expectations than if you're counting it as an important milestone on the road of your relationship as you grow and change together.

The financial details

You also need to nail down who will pay for what. In many cases, you may just decide to split your expenses right down the middle, but the question of in whose names the bills will be, how you will pay each other back when there's a disparity for one person handling certain bills and the other person taking care of others. Will you split the grocery bill? Will you combine mobile phone plans? Will you share automotive expenses if only one of you has a car? These are all questions that need to be answered in advance.

The day-to-day business

Sometimes, living together is a breeze, but there are inevitably going to be daily issues you may not have considered initially. You need to nail down as many particulars of daily life as possible. What if you don't want to cook every day but your partner isn't exactly an expert chef? Who will be in charge of walking the dog or emptying the cat's litter? Who cleans? Who does the dishes?

Finding the right home

Finally, you should consider what you're looking for in your house or apartment. How many bedrooms will you need? How close should it be to your respective workplaces? Do you want an in-unit washer and dryer? What about a dishwasher or other amenities? What's an acceptable square footage?

If you need help answering any of those last few questions or just want to navigate the real estate market more effectively, turn to the experts at Ray White Surfer's Paradise. Get in touch today to learn more about your options for moving in together successfully!