If you have never lived with someone before, the decision to do so is a big one. It’s one of the largest milestones in your relationship and one you want to take with care and consideration. The last thing you want is to rush into the place you live and not be happy with it! Suppose you’ve never lived with anyone before. In that case, it can also be difficult navigating compromises between you both, perhaps changing the sort of place you pictures yourself living in order to find something that suits you both. In this article we take a look at some top tips on how to navigate moving into a new home with your partner for the first time. Keep reading to get inspired and soon be in the home of your dreams.
Lay out both of your expectations on the table
So, you’ve decided to move in to your own place together, now what? Firstly, you need to lay both your expectations down on the table. Consider what you’re looking for in a new home, the sort of location you want to live in, for example do you want to be in a city or the countryside. Do you want to stay where you are or move somewhere completely new? Do you want to move into a swish new build such as Terrapin apartments near the Under Armour global headquarters, or do you want a little cottage in the countryside? These are all things you need to think about and make sure you’re both on the same page with.
Find something that suits you both
Once you’ve both sat down and discussed your expectations and what you’re after, you need to reach something that suits you both. You might be lucky in that you both agree and what the exact same things, but if you don’t, it’s time to consider some compromises. Find something that will work well for you both – whether that is moving to a location in the middle of where you both are now, ow choosing a house that perhaps has some features you like and some they do, as opposed to just going for something one of you likes and the other doesn’t. Finding something that suits you both can be the first real test in the whole process, but will bring you together even closer.
Look around properties together
Looking around properties together is one of the most fun things you will do in the whole moving in together chapter of your lives. Some couples leave it to their other half to go around and send photos or videos, but you want to ensure you are both happy and get a real feel for it. For most properties, you might love (or hate) the pictures you see, but it isn’t until you really see it in person that you know if it’s right or not. It will also give you a chance to spot the little details and talk about things as they arise, deciding whether or not it’s the right property for you as a couple.
Decide how finances will work
Before you get the keys, have an open and honest conversation about money. Discuss how you’ll split rent or mortgage payments, bills, groceries, and shared expenses. Will everything be 50/50, or divided based on income? Will you open a joint account or keep finances separate? Clear agreements from the start prevent misunderstandings and ensure you both feel secure and respected. Transparency is key, set a plan, review it occasionally, and make sure it works for both of you as your circumstances evolve.
Think about an area that suits you both
Choosing the right location is just as important as choosing the right home. Consider commute times, proximity to family and friends, lifestyle preferences, and the kind of neighbourhood you each enjoy. One of you may prefer a buzzing city vibe while the other leans toward quieter suburbs, so aim for a compromise that feels balanced. Spend time exploring potential areas together, checking out local cafés, parks, and transport links. Finding a location that supports both your routines and long-term goals will make settling in much smoother and easy.
Decide if you want a new house or doer-upper
This is one of the biggest decisions you will make when it comes to choosing your home together. You need to consider if you want a new home or a doer up, taking into account things like your personalities, abilities, budget and your time commitments. A new-build is convenient and offers a range of new amenities, plus it won’t need too much maintenance, meaning the move tends to be pretty stress free. A doer-upper on the other hand, can be exciting if you want to really make it your own, and if you are a creative person. It can be cheaper as you can buy the place for less than a new build, but it can also mean you live in a house that isn’t finished for a long time while works are being done. Be realistic about the amount of work you are willing to do, both in terms of your finances and your lifestyle and align your expectations to help keep everything running as smoothly as possible.
These are just a few top tips that can help when it comes to navigating moving into a new home with your partner. Whether this is your first time moving in with a partner, or your first time moving in with this particular one, the elements and reasoning behind them are the same. You need to be prepared to lay both of your expectations on the table and find something that suits you both and what you’re looking for. Look around properties together and think about something that will work for your jobs and lifestyle. What are some top tips you have for navigating moving in a new home with your partner? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you..