After nearly two years of dating, we decided it was time to move in together—a big milestone in our relationship. We had lots of discussions and made decisions beforehand to make the move smoother and to strengthen our bond.
We’re now living at Nick’s place, and it took about a month to move all of Eartha’s stuff. We’re almost settled in, with just a few minor adjustments left to make sure we’re both fully comfortable in our new home.
Moving in together is a big step for our relationship. After dating for two years, we started talking about this long before our official move-in date in mid-June. Eartha was living with a roommate but decided to end the lease due to personal priorities. Nick suggested we move in together, and we both felt our relationship was ready for this next step.
What’s in This Post
Getting Ready to Move
Moving in together is definitely a bold move for any relationship, but it felt like an easy decision for us. We’re excited to spend more time together and eliminate the “picking up and dropping off” hours. However, we also recognize that we’re two different individuals with unique lifestyles.
We know this move could make or break our relationship, so we made sure to discuss everything necessary and ensure we were on the same page before the big day.
Key Topics We Covered
We sat down and talked through all the important stuff about living together and our relationship. We covered the usual things that could lead to conflicts, like finances, chores, and personal space. Of course, we couldn’t cover everything, but it felt good to address the key topics and get on the same page.
1. Financial Agreements
We both noticed that finances are a common source of conflict for couples. We often hear about disagreements in this area. We’re open to discussing our finances and know that being transparent is key.
We explored different ways to handle our money, like combining our incomes, contributing a percentage of our salaries, or dividing up the bills. Right now, we think it’s a bit early to merge our accounts, given where we are in our relationship.
So, what works best for us is assigning specific bills each month. Nick will cover fixed expenses like his mortgage and utilities, while Eartha will handle variable costs like groceries and household items. Having these clear responsibilities helps us plan better and stay accountable for our assigned financial matters.
2. Household Chores
We both don’t mind doing chores, but it’s still important for us to discuss who’s handling what. Nick is totally fine with washing the dishes, cleaning up after meal prep, and taking out the garbage. Eartha takes care of cleaning the washrooms and handling indoor upkeep.
Just like with our finances, outlining who’s responsible for specific chores helps us stay accountable. It also makes things easier for both of us since we’re not waiting around for anyone—we know exactly what we’re supposed to be doing.
3. Daily and Weekly Routines
One major topic we’ve discussed in detail is how to navigate each other’s routines. Nick is a morning person and does his grounding routine early in the day, while Eartha prefers to do hers in the evening before bed. We also have our own “traditions” that we want to keep. Nick has a play night with the guys, and Eartha likes to go to church at least once a week. This difference is a big adjustment for both of us, so we needed to talk it through clearly.
To manage our routines, we’ve set up a schedule that minimizes disruptions. Nick sticks to his morning routine while Eartha sleeps in, and when Eartha does her evening routine, Nick makes sure to give her the space she needs.
We also make sure to give each other space during our weekly traditions. While Nick plays with the guys, Eartha uses the time to work on things like editing posts. When Eartha goes to church, Nick takes the opportunity to stop by the office and prep for the following week.
We both believe this arrangement will work because we’re on the same page about needing to compromise and respect each other’s space. We understand that, even though we’re together, we each have our own separate lives and different preferences.
4. Sleep Habits
Similar to our routines, we also had to address our different sleep schedules. Nick goes to bed at 8:30 PM since he wakes up at 4 AM, while Eartha is used to staying up until midnight to unwind in the evenings. This was tricky to navigate, especially since Eartha’s commute takes at least an hour and a half, cutting into her time for unwinding and extracurricular activities like blogging.
Instead of sticking to a rigid sleep schedule, we decided to give ourselves some flexibility. We both agreed to aim for an 8:30 PM bedtime but allowed a bit of wiggle room to stay up until 9:30 PM at the latest. This way, we can find a balance that works for both of us.
Additionally, Nick picks Eartha up from the transit, which cuts down her commute time, giving her more time to unwind. Meanwhile, Eartha is also practicing driving to eventually shorten her commute even further.
5. To save or to toss?
Since we both had our own stuff before moving in together, we had a chat about what to keep and what to toss. We also discussed how to arrange the space.
Nick was great about making room for Eartha’s things and letting her move stuff around. In return, Eartha decided to sell or donate some of her items, especially duplicates or things that weren’t needed anymore.
Although Eartha didn’t have a lot of stuff, she did have a bed frame, mattress, linens, a desk, and some light fixtures. She listed them on Facebook Marketplace, and within a day, she managed to sell the bed frame and mattress for $100 and the desk for $40—not bad at all!
She also had a few extra blankets and other items that she plans to send to the Philippines using cargo shipping. In addition to selling, we both donated a bunch of our things to a donation centre and got rid of anything that couldn’t be used anymore.
Meanwhile, we did a major clean out of the pantry and closet to make room for both of our things. We got inspired by some ideas we saw on Pinterest for organizing. We’re still in the process of sorting everything, but we’re really happy with the extra space we’ve gained from the clean out.
Moving Details and Setup
We found that there are plenty of ways to move in Calgary. You can rent a truck from U-Haul or Home Depot, hire a moving company, ask friends and family for help, or go the DIY route and move everything yourself. Here are the pros and cons for each option:
1. Rent a Truck
- Pros: Renting a truck is a budget-friendly option that gives you the flexibility to move on your own schedule. You’re in control of how everything is packed and transported, which is great if you like having things done your way.
- Cons: It’s a lot of physical work, it can take up a lot of time, and driving a big truck can be a bit tricky if you’re not used to it.
2. Hire a Moving Company
- Pros: Hiring movers is super convenient—they do all the heavy lifting and make the whole process quicker and less stressful.
- Cons: It’s usually the priciest option, you’ll have to trust someone else with your stuff, and you need to work around their schedule.
3. Ask Friends and Family for Help
- Pros: Getting your friends and family to help can be fun and doesn’t cost much—maybe just a pizza or two. Plus, it can be a good time to catch up while you work.
- Cons: It can be a bit unpredictable, and there’s always a chance it could strain your relationships if things don’t go smoothly. And of course, you’ll still need to put in some hard work.
4. DIY Route – Move Everything Yourself
- Pros: Doing it all yourself can save you the most money, and you’re in full control of the process. You can move at your own pace and make sure everything is done just the way you like it.
- Cons: It’s exhausting, takes a lot of time, and you’ll have to handle all the logistics. Plus, there’s a higher chance of accidentally breaking something or hurting yourself if you’re not careful.
The Actual Move – 4 Weeks in the Making
After weighing our options, we decided that a DIY move was the way to go. We spread it out over four weeks, moving a bit every Friday evening. This approach let us tackle the move in stages, so we could clean up and make space as we went along. It was perfect timing too, with spring cleaning in full swing in Canada. We had been meaning to donate some of our belongings, so this move gave us the perfect opportunity to finally do that.
Since it was spring, we kicked things off by moving all our winter clothes. We figured it made sense to sort those out first, pack them away, and store them since we wouldn’t need them until the next season. We used IKEA Pärkla storage bags and vacuum seal bags to keep everything compact and organized.
Next, we started moving Eartha’s extra linens, towels, and toiletries. Since these are bulky items, we wanted to get them out of the way early on. Moving these things was a lot easier with the help of a cart and trolley, especially for the extra toiletries. And of course, Ikea bags were super handy and useful for packing everything up.
By our third week of packing, we had moved most of Eartha’s stuff, leaving only the essentials for the week. This was also when we sorted through everything and set aside items to donate. Most of Eartha’s clothes were hung up, so we used simple clothes covers to keep them organized and clean. We didn’t go all out with fancy packing—just grouped everything together and used a laundry bin to move the clothes.
This was also the week Eartha started selling some things on Facebook Marketplace. Surprisingly, it wasn’t hard at all. We thought selling the mattress and bed frame might be tricky, but they were snapped up within a day!
We’d say the toughest part of moving out was definitely the last day. It’s when you have to make sure every single thing is cleared out and taken with you. By that point, most of the stuff had already been tossed, like old toiletries, clothes that were too worn to donate, and lots of little odds and ends. Overall, though, we managed to empty the place in about three hours, including cleaning up the space. It was a hectic day, but we got it all done!
Challenges We Faced During the Move
1. Deciding What to Keep
One of the toughest decisions we had to make was figuring out what to keep, donate, or toss. It was really hard, especially since some items held sentimental or perceived value. For instance, Eartha wanted to hang onto her bed because it was still fairly new and the mattress was quite pricey. It took a lot of convincing to decide to sell it, especially since we just didn’t have the space for it.
In the end, everything worked out for the best, and we don’t regret donating or tossing the items we did.
2. Time Constraint
Another challenge was the time constraint. We had a limited window to move, and most of it happened on Fridays when we could meet up. We avoided moving on weekends because we had other plans. It was pretty exhausting since we had to do most of the moving after work.
3. Handling Bulky Items
We’re definitely not moving experts, so it was pretty challenging and tiring to get everything moved, especially the heavy stuff. We had a small trolley that was really helpful, but the handle kept coming off during sudden movements. Plus, maneuvering everything up and down a flight of stairs was tricky. Fortunately, nothing got broken, but it was definitely exhausting.
Overall, we were glad we went the DIY route for the move. Even though it was exhausting, it felt great to have full control over everything. We’d definitely invest in a better trolley next time, but other than that, we were really happy with how it all turned out.
How Things Are Going So Far
Since moving in together in June, we’ve been really enjoying our time together. A week after the move, we were still pretty busy with organizing and cleaning up our new place to make it work for both of us. We also started looking at ways to improve our finances by sharing responsibilities, like grocery shopping. It’s something we did before, but it feels different now that it’s for both of us.
One major adjustment has been Eartha’s use of transit. She now spends twice as much time commuting, which is a hassle, but we’re using it as motivation for her to practice driving. In the meantime, Nick is helping out by dropping her off and picking her up from the nearest transit stop.
A week after we moved in, Nick went to visit his parents in England for two weeks. That was a big adjustment for both of us. It was tough, and it really made us appreciate how challenging long-distance relationships can be.
Two months in after moving in together, we’re still really enjoying each other’s company. We’re trying out different ways to optimize our living situation, like becoming Costco members to manage our groceries better. We’ve also been talking about doing more content and taking on challenges to help us improve. After nearly two years of dating, we felt ready to take the leap and move in together—a huge milestone for us. It might be a bold step, but it felt like the right one. Here’s what we did and a quick update on how it’s going so far!
What’s Changed
A lot has changed since we moved in—some things were immediate, while others took a bit more time to adjust to. Here’s what we’ve noticed has changed since moving in together:
1. Texting Less Often
We don’t text as often now. Before we moved in together, we’d send sweet messages throughout the day and check in with each other. Now, we mostly catch up on our way home instead. It’s a small change, but it happened pretty quickly.
2. Enjoying Time at Home and Meal Prep
We used to go to the movies a lot, which is why we had that Cineplex subscription. But now, we’re happy just watching our favourite shows on Disney+. We also used to eat out a lot, but now we prefer cooking and prepping meals together. These changes happened naturally rather than being forced, and we both really enjoy it.
3. Missing Each Other Less
Before, every time we met up, it felt like a big event. Our weekends were packed with activities and dates since we only saw each other then. Now that we see each other every day, the gestures are less grand, but it feels more comfortable and natural.
4. Becoming More Alike
We didn’t really get how couples start looking and feeling more alike over time, but we’re starting to understand it now! Since we’re together more, sharing our thoughts, and agreeing on things, it’s like we’re syncing up more. We’re even thinking about creating similar capsule wardrobes. It’s funny how much we’re starting to mirror each other’s style and habits!
5. More Intentional with Our Time
Before moving in, our weekends were mostly about indulgence and entertainment. Now, we’re more focused and productive with our weekends. We both want to improve ourselves and do something creative rather than just hanging out. Since we see each other every day, we’re finding that hanging out is less of a priority and we’re enjoying making the most of our time together.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Join the Conversation
We’d love to hear from you! Share your own moving experiences, tips, or any thoughts you have about transitioning to living together. Feel free to comment below, collaborate with us, or share your insights.
Let’s connect and support each other through these exciting changes!
