When couples choose to move in together, it takes their relationship to a new level. Talking things over helps you both have an understanding of what to expect so that you make the best choice for your relationship. Naturally, both parties should understand that there will be positives and negatives. Some couples are ready for this next step know it might eventually progress into marriage. Below are five tips for perfectly blending your lives together.

1. New Place, New Start
This is a great time for give you both a fresh start. You should decide on a new place together versus one of you moving in with the other. A new, shared space will make sure you guys are on even footing, instead of one person feeling like the home owner and the other the home invader. Plus, it’s exciting and fun to create the ideal habitat where your relationship will thrive. What’s more fun than designing a new home with your partner?

2. Storage
Once you move in together, you might find that combining your personal belongings leaves you with extra furnishings and clutter. Take advantage of an inexpensive storage space, you can safely and securely store your goods. If you’re in an apartment or a condo, check with your property manager—some communities have storage lockers available to rent for a low fee in your own complex or neighborhood.

3. Financial Plans
Take time to create a financial plan with your significant other as soon as possible. Adjust your financial plan if one of you makes more money than the other. Decide who will be responsible for shared bills. Set a budget so you don’t overextend yourselves. As part of your financial plan, make sure you address savings (in case you want to go on a vacation, plan a wedding or buy a new home together).

4. Pick Your Battles
When you move in together, you might notice things that bother you about your partner that you didn’t notice before. Pick and choose your arguments carefully. If the toilet seat is left up, is it worth nagging about it? Choose which issues are worth complaining about and which ones can be overlooked to keep the conflicts to a minimum. Considering that you live together, you don’t want to be arguing every day.

5. Space
Even though moving in together means you want to be together more, you have to make sure to schedule enough time apart. Plan separate activities in and outside the home. A healthy break is always good for couples. Let him watch a football game while you read a book. Plan a night out with girlfriends while he hangs out with the guys. Then when you spend quality time together, you’ll appreciate it all the more. It might not seem so easy at first, but you came to this decision mutually and cared enough for each other to move the relationship to a higher level. Talk through the issues and everything will smooth out just fine.

Brionna Kennedy is native to the Pacific Northwest, growing up in Washington, then moving down to Oregon for college. She enjoys writing on fashion and business, but any subject will do, she loves to learn about new topics. When she isn’t writing, she lives for the outdoors. Oregon has been the perfect setting to indulge her love of kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking. While researching for this article, she looked into all possible resources, from extra storage space in Tampa, FL to professional relationship counseling, and she enjoyed being able to make an article to help anyone looking to move in together.