Moving in together from a business perspective

For many couples, especially those who are committed, and are planning long term future with each other, moving in together is a natural next step in the relationship. Still, it is important to not over romanticize cohabitation; as living together, in addition to the romantic and emotional implications, demands sharing, respect and communication. While many couples fantasize about coexisting under the same roof, they forget about the practical challenges involved. As long as the two parties involved discuss and come to agreements on the best ways to manage the relationship and the household, they can consider themselves “in business”.

Before you both begin packing up your respective belongings, make sure you both understand that you are two individuals merging one life. It is crucial to be on the same page regarding relocation, owning or renting property, and a common budget. By the same token, you also need to find ways to maintain your independence. As long as you can openly discuss your outlook on moving in together, and this new phase in your partnership, you increase the chances it will succeed.

As odd as it may sound, it is prudent to talk about the delegation of tasks before moving in together. Most people cannot afford to have live in help, so you and your partner will have to find reasonable ways to split the duties that are necessary to maintain the integrity of the household. If you do the cooking, ask him to wash the dishes. If he does the shopping, you can do the cleaning. The key is to agree on some system that is good for you both, because even if your relationship has been harmonious up to this point you might experience some trials and tribulations, especially in the first few weeks or months they live together when expectations are not being met. If possible, consider a lengthy dry run before you move in together, to gauge your compatibility and identify and address any outstanding issues.

Although this business model for moving in together may sound like all work and no play, in reality it is an investment in your common well-being. By putting your energy into the production and distribution aspects of the relationship from the beginning, you establish standards that underline mutual appreciation and courtesy, which will in turn allow you to start enjoying the partnership quicker, and with more chance of being sustainable. Not arguing over who will take out the trash, who pays the electric bill, or whose turn it is to water the plants, will allow you to focus instead on cultivating the more fun dimensions of the partnership, such as planning weekend getaways, enjoying cultural events, or going for long walks.

Even though most people would shudder at the idea of conceptualizing their relationships and moving in together as businesses, the truth is that at their cores, they share the same “values”. In order to be prosperous and healthy, they both rely on honesty, cooperation, compromise, and fair exchange. In the end, any couple needs the right design, tools and strategies, before and after moving in together, to ensure the best living situation possible.