When your boyfriend or girlfriend asks you to move in with them, this is an exciting time, but you want to be smart about it. You don't want to get rid of things that you may need down the road or get tied to the situation in ways that you can't get out of later on. Here are some of the things that you need to take into consideration, and ways you can be smart about moving in with your boyfriend or girlfriend for the first time:
Keep Your Stuff
Don't get rid of your stuff because there isn't room for it the new space. You two may move out at a later time and want the stuff that you originally had, or if things don't work out and you need your stuff, you don't want to have to buy new things to replace them. Keep all of your items in a mini storage unit, or in a storage unit that fits your items, and re-evaluate when the lease is up.
Don't Have Joint Names on the Accounts
If you want to get cable, electricity, or another account put in your name, then have it in your name only. Don't have both of your names on the leases or the utilities, in case you separate and move out. That way you can just cancel the service, and you don't have to go through the process of trying to get your name off the different accounts.
Talk About Finances First
Talk about the financial situation in advance, so you can figure out who is going to pay for what, what expenses you will have, and what the budget will be. If you both know upfront who is going to be paying for what things, and what each of you has to contribute when you move in together, this can save fighting and confusion at a later time.
Moving in with your boyfriend or girlfriend is a great way to find out if you want to date them long-term, and if you think that you could spend the rest of your life with them. In case you don't make it until forever and you decide after moving in that you want to move out, you will be able to do so if you did the things listed above. Talk with the local storage company to get your items put away before you move in, and create a budget with your new roommate.