Will your dream come true soon and will you live with your best friend? How fun! But keep in mind that there are still some things that need to happen before you actually live together. Curious what we’re talking about? Read that quickly.
Living wishes
First of all, it is important that you agree on your housing wishes. Consider the choice of location, whether or not there is a garden and/or terrace, the size of the house, the number of rooms, the furnishings and so on. It is logical that there are differences in everyone’s wishes. Therefore, talk about this in advance to avoid discussions.
Rent or buy?
It is important to have a clear financial picture. There are different ways to finance a living space. Do you buy things together and divide the costs? Does one person finance the space and the other pay rent, or does both pay rent? Each option has its pros and cons. Therefore, make clear agreements and be well informed by a financial or mortgage advisor.
Make the financial picture clear
Although you probably know that it will cost a lot of money to live together, it is smart to be really well informed about this. It often costs even more money than you expect in advance. Perhaps you have overlooked something or there are unexpected costs that you have not taken into account. This may have major consequences. Also make clear agreements about how you will handle money while living together. Who pays for what? Are you opening a joint account?
Create a division of labor
To avoid unnecessary problems and discussions, it is smart to make a clear division of tasks in advance. Don’t just think about household tasks, such as who does the laundry and who will cook. Above all, make sure that it is clear who is responsible for, for example, administration, maintenance and care and welfare.
Privacy and living enjoyment
Although you already know each other well as friends, it is still wise to ask yourself whether you really know everything. Do you really know how your girlfriend behaves at home? And how she will react in certain situations? To respect each other’s privacy and enjoyment of living, it is smart to discuss this thoroughly in advance. Consider each other’s values ​​and standards, any rules, relationships and each other’s routines. Come together, have good, clear rules and stick to them.
Continue to have ‘me time’
If you move in together as friends, it is not self-evident that you have to do everything together. Keep doing your own thing and just go out with other friends. ‘Me-time’ is also important. Everyone needs time for themselves.
No double insurance or subscriptions?
Check carefully whether you do not have duplicate insurance policies or subscriptions. This is a shame and could potentially save a lot of money. So pay close attention to that.
Conclude a cohabitation agreement
To avoid problems, it may be an option to record all agreements in a cohabitation agreement. This records, among other things, who pays what and what assets and debts each had at the time of cohabitation.
Check all insurance
Check carefully what the consequences of cohabiting are for all current insurance policies of everyone. You may need to make some adjustments or conclude new ones. It is important that you have all of this down on paper correctly.
