The Ultimate Couples-Moving-In-Together Checklist

So, You’re Moving in Together – What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

So, you’re taking the plunge and moving in together. Congrats! You’re officially joining the 76% of couples who have lived together before marriage – that is if you even plan on tying the knot.

Everyone might be doing it, but it doesn’t mean it’s a breeze. In fact, the way you start this new chapter together will set the tone for everything that follows. Get organized, stay on the same page, and try not to trip over each other’s stuff – both literally and metaphorically. Trust us, some good ol’ planning will save you a lot of headaches later on.

Establish Open Communication Right From the Get-Go – That Includes the Money Talk, Too!

When you’re living with your girlfriend or boyfriend, communication is the key to not driving each other nuts. This is the time to talk about the big stuff – who’s hogging the remote, what side of the bed you’re claiming, and yes, what to do when the dishes pile up.

Of course, there’s also the money talk. As un-fun as it sounds, discussing finances is crucial. Who covers what when it comes to the relocation budget? How will rent and bills be split? Who’s responsible for groceries or that subscription to way too many streaming services? Get all of this out in the open before the first bill shows up and surprises you both.

The First Task on Your Couples-Moving-In-Together Checklist – Decluttering

Decluttering is like a rite of passage for anyone moving across the country. Sure, love is great, but do you really need that beanbag chair from your college dorm? If you don’t declutter before the move, you might end up tripping over each other’s belongings for the rest of time (or at least until the first argument about whose stuff has to go).

So, how do you downsize for a move? Start by sorting through your stuff and asking – do I really need this? If it hasn’t seen daylight in a year, chances are it’s time to part ways. Make it a team effort, and consider donating to charities such as Goodwill to earn some good karma for this exciting chapter ahead.

Be Ruthless – You’ll Need to Make Room for Two

When it comes to making space for two people, there’s no room for sentimentality. You’ve got to be ruthless, especially when it comes to the furniture! Decluttering means tough decisions, but it’s all in the name of creating a home that works for both of you – without making it feel like a storage unit.

Next Up – Choose the Right Long-Distance Moving Company

Choosing the right relocation company is like finding that perfect pair of shoes – comfort and reliability are key. And since you’re both in this together, doing the research as a team is a must. Take the time to dive into your options, read reviews, and check out what each company offers. From pricing to services, this decision will set the tone for the entire move, so pick wisely.

Pick the Services Needed for Moving Cross-Country

With the basic cross-country moving services, the movers will take care of furniture disassembly, the heavy lifting (goodbye, back pain), transportation, and even unloading at the new place.

And for those who want the full package – pun absolutely intended – there are packing services too. Yep, long-distance movers can wrap up those fragile dishes and awkwardly shaped lamps, so you can sit back and focus on arguing (sorry, discussing) what color the curtains should be.

One Car? Two Cars? Either Way, Your Movers Can Handle That Too

Companies such as Cross Country Movers know that convenience is key for a stress-free move, which is why they also offer car shipping. You just have to figure out how many four-wheelers you actually need. Maybe you’re a one-car couple now, or maybe you’re still debating the pros and cons of keeping both of your rides. Either way, auto transport is always an option.

Preparing for the Big Day Requires Some Team Effort

Interstate relocation is no solo mission – it’s a full-blown team effort. One of you might be great at organizing, while the other excels at packaging fragile items (or maybe you’re both talented at ordering pizza when everything gets too overwhelming). The key is working together to get everything done without any last-minute meltdowns. After all, teamwork makes the dream move work!

Here Are a Couple of Crucial Packing Tips if You’re Going With the DIY Route

If you’ve decided to take on the packing yourselves – congrats, it’s a bold move! But before you start throwing everything into boxes, here are some essential packing tips to keep things from turning into a total disaster:

• Create a “don’t pack” zone for essentials you’ll need right away,
• Keep heavy items in small boxes to avoid injury or damage,
• Besides packing materials, use clothes, towels, and blankets for wrapping,
• Label your boxes like your life depends on them,
• Keep important documents and valuables with you,
• Make a playlist for packing together to make everything more fun.

Don’t Forget an Essentials Bag to Get You Through That First Night!

Moving day is exhausting, and by the time you get to the new place, the last thing you’ll want to do is dig through boxes to find the toothbrush. So, pack a bag of essentials such as cosmetics, a change of clothes, phone chargers, and, of course, snacks! Don’t underestimate the power of an easy-access bag to save you from first-night chaos.

Now, the Fun Part – Making the Space Feel Like Home

You’ve arrived at your new home, boxes in tow, and it’s time to do the unpacking dance. Hopefully, you’ve already hashed out some ideas about what goes where – because now’s the time to turn those plans into reality.

This is where your couch finally finds its forever spot (or at least until the next rearranging spree), and the debate over which artwork goes in the living room can officially begin. The space is yours, and it’s time to make it feel like home.

To do that, it’s all about finding that middle ground – where your favorite comfy chair meets their collection of houseplants. Blend your styles, add personal touches, and create areas that reflect both of your personalities. Think cozy blankets, framed photos, or maybe even a quirky statement piece you both love (or at least can tolerate). And don’t forget the small details – like setting up a comfy nook for Netflix marathons. That’s absolutely crucial!

The Aftermath – Settling in Without Driving Each Other Crazy

The first few weeks will be a mix of unpacking, adjusting to new routines, and figuring out how to make this whole thing work without stepping on each other’s toes. The key? Compromise, patience, and maybe a designated “cool-off” zone for those inevitable moments when you both need a breather. Create personal spaces, find time to unwind together, and don’t forget to laugh when things go sideways – because they probably will, at least once or twice!

Make Sure to Be Clear on Chores to Avoid Passive-Aggressive Cleaning

Ah, chores – the silent battle in every household. To keep things running smoothly, set clear expectations from the start. Divide and conquer! Maybe one of you tackles the kitchen while the other handles laundry – just make sure it’s fair and, most importantly, clear. This way, no one is stuck doing the dreaded passive-aggressive dishwashing with extra loud scrubbing as a not-so-subtle hint.

And They Lived Happily Ever After… Once They’ve Said Goodbye to the Moving Boxes

So, there you have it – everything you need in a checklist for couples before moving in together. Sure, there will be some bumps along the way, but you’ll be officially building a home together. It might not look like a fairy tale every day, but with some teamwork, compromise, and a sense of humor, you’re well on your way to living happily ever after!

And if you’re still feeling overwhelmed by the logistics, remember, there are experts out there, like Cross Country Movers, ready to help. Packing, transport, storage, car shipping – you name it, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today, and we’ll handle the hard stuff while you focus on the fun part – making this new space truly yours!