Schuetz

There are three significant milestones in every established and committed relationship. The first being traveling together, the second is meeting the parents and the last one is the ever nerve wracking move in. Sharing your space with the one you love can be both blissful and abysmal, with some luck and by following these easy guidelines, you and yours are sure to settle comfortably into your humble abode.

Start with communication, it's crucial that personal needs are discussed, whether it's in regards to how the bills will be paid or how to decorate the bathroom. Usually one love bird will move in with the other, rather then finding a separate place of residence. If this is the case then set boundaries, talk about what stays and what goes. Out of common courtesy, any memento's of past relationships should be packed away. As to paying the bills, pay according to percentages. If your plumber boyfriend makes 20k a year and your lawyer's net salary is 70k, divide the lower salary by the higher salary to get the ratio of what you both should be paying towards your bills. If you don't want to be nit picky about who pays for what, allocate certain bills (he pays hydro, you pay cable). The number one topic that couple's fight over is money, communication can put frugal partners at ease and make the move financially fair for all.

On the moving day, have all of your close friends around to help unpack, or paint. Their reward can either be alcohol or a barbecue once all the work is done. This is a great way to save money and is a great way for friends to meet. When it comes to decorating, compromise is crucial. If you find yourselves fighting between different dcor styles, then let him have his zen living room while you enjoy your country kitchen. One fun way to decorate together is by creating a bedroom centered around your love for one another. Include comfort items such as big soft pillows, a comfortable bed and lots of pictures of the two of you. Always remember to keep your sense of privacy, you don't have to share everything together. Go ahead and keep your naughty drawer, hide away those oh so comfy undies you've had forever, or the retainer you wore in high school. Living together is a way to share intimacy but that doesn't meet you need to lose all mystery and allure.

When the moving van heads out the driveway, share in the knowledge that your new nest is the best place to establish a new bond together, replete with communication and compromise.