Deciding Where to Move Together

A change of pace is always nice, but often a scary to initiate. If you are single, it is a little easier to decide to get up and move to a new city. But even then, there are many factors to consider such as leaving family and friends behind. Add on a relationship and it becomes that much harder.

Moving away together may sound like a dream, but it is a lot of work. (Photo: Dreamstime)

If you have already decided to live with your significant other, that is an accomplishment in itself. If you are thinking about uprooting yourselves to a new city or state, that is a whole new challenge. To start, you need to first figure out if your partner is onboard to take the plunge and move to a whole new area. If he or she isn’t, you have to decide if that is a deal breaker or not. A long distance relationship is certainly possible, but is something you would need to seriously discuss with your partner to plan it out. However, if your significant other is open to moving to a new area, that is a totally different conversation.

Below are three key conversations you need to have with your partner before you plan your move together:

Location, location, location

For starters, you need to decide where you are going. Torn between a big city or small town? Maybe considering the suburbs? Sit down with your partner and each writeg a list of top 10 locations. Then swap lists and see what you have in common. This will help narrow your options and give you a good starting point.

Talk lifestyle

After you have decided on a location, then you need to discuss lifestyle. Are you looking for warmer weather or want to keep the four seasons? Are you looking for a big space or small nook? Apartment, townhouse or single-family home? It all depends on the point of your life you are both at. If it is just you two, you may settle for a smaller place and prioritize a more prime location. However, if you are thinking about starting a family, bigger is better if you have the budget.

Money bags

Talk about a budget, this is a big factor you can’t avoid. You need to chat about how you plan to split the rent. Is it an even split or does it vary? Or if you have a joint account, who will handle the bills? Money is always awkward to talk about, but you can’t move without first setting a budget and agreeing to it.

Choosing a new city can be a fun, new adventure together. (Photo: Tom Merton/Getty Images))

Moving in together will be a challenge, but if you are open and honest with one another it will do wonders. Don’t expect it to be flawless though. No matter what, you will face obstacles when moving in together let alone to a new city or state. But if you continue to communicate and talk things through, you can face anything life throws your way.