Moving in together: a checklist for couples

Before the move

• Agree on a moving date and give notice on old places.
• Decide which furniture stays, goes or gets sold.
• Set up internet, power and any other utilities for the new place.
• Talk about money: shared costs, rent or mortgage, and how you’ll split bills.
• Book movers or friends with a van.

Moving week

• Pack an essentials box: chargers, toiletries, bedding, a kettle.
• Update your address with banks, work and subscriptions.
• Take photos of meter readings and the state of both places.
• Label boxes by room.

The first month

• Make a shared grocery list and a list of small things the home still needs.
• Agree how you’ll handle recurring jobs, like bins and cleaning.
• Add both names to anything shared, like the lease or utilities.
• Plan something fun that isn’t a chore.

Share the planning, not just the boxes

The lifting is shared on moving day. The planning often isn’t. Put the whole checklist where you can both see it, so either of you can pick things up.