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Moving In Together Checklist
The talks to have, and the shared-home decisions to sort out, before two homes become one.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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Start with why you're doing this. HireAHelper points out that saving on rent shouldn't be your only reason to move in together, so say your real reasons out loud first. Couples Learn puts money before the lease, not after. This list covers the setup of your shared home: the conversations first, then what to do with two sets of furniture. It's the small, unromantic talks that make the new place feel calmer. Tick the talks off together; sorting the duplicates can wait until you've had them.
Why these items are on the list
- Talk about why you're moving in. Be honest about whether you want to build a future together or mostly save on rent.
- Share outstanding debt. HireAHelper says to share student loans, credit card debt, personal loans or any major balance affecting your monthly budget.
- Compare credit score ranges. HireAHelper says you needn't swap full credit reports, but both should know if credit could affect a rental application.
- List recurring obligations. HireAHelper names car payments, child support, family support and subscriptions as examples; list anything else that leaves your income monthly.
- Agree on a savings buffer. HireAHelper says decide what each of you can set aside for surprises like a broken appliance or vet bill.
- Decide how to split bills. New York Life says 50/50 isn't always feasible; where incomes differ, a split by income may be more equitable.
- Spell out expense categories. Gottman's Sophia and Ryan agreed to 'split everything' and argued over toilet paper. Say what everything includes.
- Choose joint or separate accounts. New York Life suggests a joint checking account for household costs, with each partner contributing a portion regularly.
- Decide whose name is on the lease. New York Life says the name on the paperwork carries legal and financial responsibility, and often depends on credit scores.
- Choose who pays the bills. New York Life calls it often overlooked. One person or shared, an app can help track it.
- Agree on a household budget. New York Life says both of you should feel it's fair. Check in regularly and adjust.
- Divide chores by preference. Gottman: start by splitting jobs by who likes or minds each, and consider doing disliked ones together.
- Agree on cleanliness standards. Gottman asks whether the bed gets made every morning and dishes get done right after eating; find a middle ground.
- Plan groceries and meals. Gottman's prompt: talk through how you each shop, what you like to eat, how you cook.
- Set guest and noise rules. HireAHelper says private time, guests, chores and noise levels are better settled before move-in day.
- Protect alone time. Couples Learn says keep your own hobbies, friendships and solo time; you don't need to be together every second.
- Plan the what-if conversation. Couples Learn notes leases are legally binding, so plan who moves out if things go south, and finances.
- Sort duplicate furniture together. HireAHelper: decide together what to keep, sell, donate, or replace as a couple.
- Schedule regular check-ins. Couples Learn's therapist says regular check-ins on how you're both adjusting can help stop resentment before it grows roots.
- Plan date nights. Couples Learn says sharing a lease doesn't mean the romance takes care of itself, so plan intentional date nights.
It's easy to share, so you can both tick things off as you talk them through. The awkward ones feel smaller when you can see the whole list.
When to use it
Use it once you're talking seriously about a shared place, before you sign a lease or start packing.