If you’re considering moving in with your significant other, you’re not alone. According to a 2018 report from the U.S. Census Bureau, cohabitation with a partner has become more common than living with a spouse—at least, among individuals between the ages of 18 and 24. But creating a harmonious living situation takes planning, and there are several steps that you and your partner should take before contacting a real estate professional and picking out a place. Below are a few suggestions about what to discuss.

What to Talk About Before Moving in With Your Partner

1. Motivations & Expectations

You both should be on the same page before moving in together—simply assuming that you have the same expectations can cause problems down the line. Are you both thinking of this step as a possible precursor to marriage, for example? Will you be expecting your partner to make meals and come home for dinner regularly? Knowing where everyone stands on these issues can help avoid problematic surprises once the paperwork has been signed.

2. Finances

Along with discussing how you’ll be paying the rent, talk about how to handle household expenses, such as groceries and electric bills. There will also be moving costs to consider, as well as any fees a real estate professional might charge. Hammering these details out before moving in together is an excellent way to start on the right foot financially.

3. Neatness

In all likelihood, one of you is neater than the other. If your cleanliness habits vary wildly, you’ll both have to make some compromises. That said, discuss how neat each of you needs the house to be to live comfortably, as well as agree on a basic level of cleanliness that you’ll both maintain. It also can’t hurt to talk about household chores, including gardening and lawn mowing, and how to divvy them up before meeting with a real estate professional and beginning to look at properties.

Once you’ve discussed the above suggestions and are ready to move in with your partner, contact Nova Property Management in Anchorage, AK. For more than 35 years, this property management company has been providing expert real estate services to both property owners and tenants, and they can help you find the perfect place to live. Visit their website to check out available properties, and call (907) 522-1332 to speak with a knowledgeable real estate professional today.