The signs are clear: it’s time to Move in with your girlfriend

You can’t find your favorite pair of boxers until they mysteriously turn up in the wash at her place. After a drunken night out, you stumble back to your flat, only to realize that your fridge contains nothing but expired eggs and milk. You’re out of toothpaste because the last shopping trip you did was together—and at her place. It’s time to face the facts: it may be time to move in with your girlfriend.

If the thought makes you nervous, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many commitment-phobic men have walked this path before, only to realize that the stereotype of the reluctant partner wasn’t quite as fitting as they’d imagined. In fact, moving in together can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. With the right mindset and preparation, domestic bliss is within reach. Here’s a guide, from an actual man who lives happily—most of the time—with his girlfriend, to help you transition smoothly into cohabitation.

Figure Out Your Finances

Before you even think about signing a lease, take the time to have an honest conversation about finances with your girlfriend. Money is often cited as a top cause of stress in relationships, so it’s crucial to get this aspect right from the start. Discuss whether you’ll need a guarantor, decide on a budget for rent, and determine how you’ll split household expenses. Will you split everything 50/50, or will one of you cover rent while the other handles utilities and groceries? It’s also wise to talk about how you’ll manage joint purchases and savings goals.

Spreadsheets may not be sexy, but they can save you from countless arguments down the road. Set up a simple budgeting system that works for both of you, and revisit it regularly to ensure you’re on track. Financial transparency is key to maintaining harmony in your shared space.

Let Go of Old Habits

The single life has its perks, but when it’s over, it’s over. Moving in with your girlfriend means you’ve chosen to be part of a team—you officially have someone else to consider in your daily decisions. While spending eight hours glued to the couch watching back-to-back sports was fine (if somewhat stereotypical) when you were single, you now have to consider your partner’s preferences and needs.

This doesn’t mean you need to change every aspect of your life, but it’s worth evaluating certain habits that may not align with living together. For instance, if your idea of a relaxing evening involves a bag of crisps and mindless TV, it might be time to mix it up with activities that you both enjoy. Remember, compromise is part of any healthy relationship, and it’s important to strike a balance that makes both of you happy.

Weed Out the Clutter

Unless you’re living on a tech mogul’s salary, your first shared space isn’t likely to be a mansion. This means that you’ll need to be strategic about what you bring into your new home. Weeding is the act of getting rid of extraneous and superfluous items—whether it’s outdated clothes, books you’ll never read again, or that box of broken watches you’ve been holding onto for no good reason.

Parting with your belongings can be tough, especially if you’re sentimental or a bit of a hoarder. But when the stuff surrounding you suddenly doubles, you’ll be glad you made the effort. Create a system for sorting through your possessions, and don’t be afraid to donate, sell, or toss items that no longer serve a purpose. Think of it as making room for new memories and experiences in your shared space.

Discuss Expectations

This piece of advice applies to anyone entering a serious relationship: What are you both hoping to get out of this? Sit down together and have an open, honest conversation about your expectations for living together. Do you expect to eat dinner together every night? Are you hoping to create a party-friendly household, or do you prefer a more relaxed, low-key environment? What are your thoughts on pets—dogs, cats, parrots, or none at all?

Discuss anything and everything that’s on your mind. This is the time to lay the groundwork for how you’ll live together, so don’t shy away from the tough questions. By addressing your expectations upfront, you’ll avoid misunderstandings and potential conflicts down the road.

Respect Each Other’s Personal Space

One of the best parts of living together is the fact that you can see each other every day and night. However, this can also be one of the most challenging aspects of cohabitation. It’s important to strike a balance between togetherness and personal space. If she wants to stay out late with friends or enjoy a quiet evening reading in bed while you head out for a morning run, embrace it. Living together doesn’t mean you have to be joined at the hip 24/7.

In fact, maintaining separate hobbies and interests is healthy for your relationship. It gives you both the opportunity to recharge and return to each other with fresh energy. Set aside time for yourselves and support each other’s need for space. This will help you avoid feeling stifled and keep the relationship strong.

Keep the Romance Alive

Spending a lot of time together can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, you’ll never have to spend another Friday night alone; on the other, there’s a risk of falling into a routine that dulls the spark. The key is to keep the romance alive by making a conscious effort to plan dates and surprise each other with thoughtful gestures.

Don’t let the comfort of daily life lead to complacency. Plan regular date nights, whether it’s a fancy dinner out, a weekend getaway, or a cozy night in with a movie and takeout. Surprise each other with small gifts, romantic notes, or spontaneous moments of affection. The goal is to remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.

Embrace the Inevitable (Bathroom) Realities

Let’s be honest: living together means getting up close and personal with each other’s less glamorous habits. You’re going to hear—and be heard—during bathroom time. It’s a natural part of cohabitation, so why not embrace it with a sense of humor? Don’t act like you’re committing a crime every time you walk into the bathroom; instead, make light of it and move on.

Making jokes about these inevitable realities can help ease any embarrassment and bring you closer as a couple. After all, part of living together is accepting each other’s quirks, both charming and otherwise.

Don’t Become Hermits

Living with someone you love can be wonderful, but it’s important not to let your social life wither away. One of the worst things you can do is cut off your friends in favor of spending all your time with your significant other. Maintaining your friendships is crucial for your well-being and the health of your relationship.

Make time to go out with your friends, and encourage your partner to do the same. Enjoy the fact that you can see each other whenever you want, but don’t forget that your friends also play a vital role in your life. A healthy balance between your relationship and your friendships will keep you grounded and fulfilled.

Throw Parties Often

You’ve got your own space now, so why not make the most of it? Hosting parties is a great way to enjoy your new home and share it with friends. Whether it’s a themed party with ironic decorations or a casual gathering with drinks and snacks, throwing parties can be a fun way to celebrate your life together.

Don’t feel pressured to host elaborate events—sometimes the best parties are the ones that are laid-back and spontaneous. The key is to enjoy the freedom of living together without roommates or parents and to create memories with the people you care about. So go ahead, throw a party, and make the most of your shared space. And hey, don’t forget to invite us over!