Moving in can be joyful, practical, and revealing. A good conversation before the keys change hands can prevent small assumptions from becoming large resentments.
Use these ten topics as a starting point, not a test you have to pass perfectly.
What does home mean to each of us?
Discuss quiet, hosting, privacy, cleanliness, routines, and how much time you each want alone.
How will we split the costs?
Agree on rent, utilities, groceries, household purchases, deposits, and unexpected expenses. Choose equal, proportional, or another method deliberately.
What is shared and what stays personal?
Decide which accounts, subscriptions, furniture, and belongings are joint. You can build a shared home without combining everything.
How will chores work?
List recurring tasks, including invisible work such as planning, restocking, scheduling repairs, and communicating with a landlord. Divide responsibility, not just individual chores.
How often can we host?
Talk about overnight guests, family visits, parties, and advance notice. Different social needs are normal; unspoken expectations are the problem.
What are our privacy boundaries?
Agree on personal time, devices, mail, work space, and what is okay to share with friends or family.
How do we handle conflict?
Choose rules for difficult moments: no threats, no financial punishment, no disappearing indefinitely, and a commitment to return after a break.
What happens if money gets tight?
Name the first steps: pause nonessential spending, review the budget, contact providers, or ask for help. A plan reduces panic.
What if one person wants to move out?
Review the lease, deposits, furniture, shared purchases, and notice requirements. Understanding the practical exit plan is responsible, not pessimistic.
What are we excited to create?
End with the positive part. Talk about meals, traditions, mornings, projects, or the feeling you want your home to have.