[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/couples-moving-into-a-nyc-apartment-together\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/couples-moving-into-a-nyc-apartment-together\/","headline":"How to Move as a Couple into a NYC Apartment: 5 Useful Tips","name":"How to Move as a Couple into a NYC Apartment: 5 Useful Tips","description":"The biggest expense most people have in NYC is rent. While you might have been happy enough to […]","datePublished":"2024-07-04","dateModified":"2025-09-23","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/author\/kevin\/#Person","name":"Great Moving (Kevin)","url":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/author\/kevin\/","identifier":5,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b4997c379c86a878ffe0e2cbc54f56f2298ff0763e895fa10c13c22bfb54a237?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b4997c379c86a878ffe0e2cbc54f56f2298ff0763e895fa10c13c22bfb54a237?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NYC Great Movers","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nycgreatmovers-logo-20250918.png","url":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nycgreatmovers-logo-20250918.png","width":600,"height":363}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/5-Tips-for-Couples-Moving-into-a-NYC-Apartment-Together.jpg","url":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/5-Tips-for-Couples-Moving-into-a-NYC-Apartment-Together.jpg","height":645,"width":987},"url":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/couples-moving-into-a-nyc-apartment-together\/","about":["Moving Tips"],"wordCount":2000,"keywords":["budgeting","chores","cohabitation","communication","conscious decision","Decluttering","downsize your belongings","emotional connection","living with partner","moving in together","NYC","professional movers","relationship advice","relationship fresh","relationship red flags","rent savings","roommate","save money","solo time","together time"],"articleBody":"The biggest expense most people have in NYC is rent. While you might have been happy enough to split a place with your roommate when you were single, once you get a partner, you might be thinking about moving in together. After all, you want to spend time together (and save on rent).\u00a0 Moving in together isn\u2019t something you should decide on a whim. There\u2019s a lot that goes into the process, and the process of moving can really test the strength of your relationship. If you don\u2019t plan well, it could even lead to a huge fight and, in some cases, has even led to a breakup. Luckily, it doesn\u2019t have to be that way! While moving in general is stressful, there are plenty of steps you can take to make the switch to cohabitation easier.Talk About It!It might be tempting to just move in together out of convenience. There are plenty of reasons to consider cohabiting, and some of the most common include:Save moneyLease is upRoommate moved outAlready spent time at your partner\u2019s place or vice versa  Average Rent Savings When Couples Move In Together (NYC)BoroughAvg Rent (1-BR)Avg Rent (2-BR)Cost Per Person (1-BR Split)Cost Per Person (2-BR Shared)Monthly Savings (%)Manhattan$4,200$5,800$2,100$2,90031%Brooklyn$3,200$4,300$1,600$2,15033%Queens$2,600$3,400$1,300$1,70031%Bronx$2,100$2,700$1,050$1,35029%Staten Island$1,800$2,400$900$1,20033% However, before you decide to take the plunge, you both need to make a conscious decision to move in together and figure out if it is the right next step for your relationship. That means taking the time to talk to each other and figure out the why of living together versus the practical reasons. That means talking about things like your goals, what moving in together signifies in the relationship, if you both are financially and personally ready, and so on. Don\u2019t neglect smaller details like your sleep routines. Ideally, you would both have the same work hours, as that would mean you probably have similar sleep schedules. Sleep is a big deal as it\u2019s essential for both your mental and physical health. If you don\u2019t know it already, learn about each other\u2019s alarms and routines. Do you prefer reading a book or watching TV before bed? Do you both like taking a shower before bed or in the morning? The more you know, the more you can prepare. On top of that, you should hopefully know each other\u2019s dietary restrictions, allergies, work schedule, daily routine, pets, drug usage, etc. If not, discuss it! The more open you are about communication and your needs, the better. Of course, you might have to make some compromises.\u00a0 This is an important discussion, so don\u2019t neglect this step. If you need to, spread the discussion over a few days and don\u2019t feel pressured to make a decision right away. Take some time away after the two of you have talked to figure out if this is truly the right step. This might take a few days or even a week!\u00a0 Of course, you have to come to a decision at some point. If, after discussing, you or the other person still can\u2019t decide, it\u2019s probably best that you don\u2019t move in together. Even if you can\u2019t explain the reason behind the hesitancy, if you\u2019re not able to give an enthusiastic yes to moving in together, you probably shouldn\u2019t. It will only lead to issues down the road.Keep an Eye on Red FlagsJust because you\u2019re in a relationship with someone doesn\u2019t mean you have to move in together. In fact, in some cases, it\u2019s probably better not to move in! When deciding whether you should share a tiny NYC apartment together, consider the following red flags:Your relationship is newYou have a major unresolved conflictYou\u2019re trying to avoid a breakupOne of you is financially dependentOne of you feels like they don\u2019t have enough personal space alreadyThe decision is one-sided Common Chore Split for NYC CouplesChore% Split Evenly% One Partner DominatesAvg Time Spent Weekly (Hours)Cooking45%55%7 hrsCleaning (General)40%60%5 hrsLaundry50%50%3 hrsDishes60%40%4 hrsGrocery Shopping55%45%2 hrs On the other hand, if you have the following green flags, it\u2019s probably a good sign that the two of you are ready to start living together:Your relationship is stable (not on again, off again)You can resolve conflicts in a healthy wayYou are aware of each other\u2019s living habitsYou are both independentThe decision is mutualStill, even if all signs point to going, you probably shouldn\u2019t sign a lease immediately. Instead, spend a few consecutive days living with your partner to see if it\u2019s a good match. If you can swing it, a week is even better as it gives you even more time to see if your living needs are compatible.\u00a0Talk About Chores and MoneyBoth topics are huge triggers for arguments in a relationship, so if you want to live with your partner successfully, you\u2019ll have to discuss the details. Instead of trying to tackle both topics at once, break it up over two days.\u00a0 It might seem like micromanagement, but deciding who does what chore the majority of the time can help reduce resentment. Talk about chores and responsibilities. Maybe you don\u2019t mind washing the dishes, but you\u2019d rather not vacuum the apartment. Or maybe you like cooking, but you want your partner to wash the dishes afterward.\u00a0 Sit down and talk about everything and how you will split up the duties. Start by delegating tasks based on what you both prefer. From there, split the other tasks based on availability. If one of you works 12-hour days while the other only works 8 hours, the person with fewer hours should pick up a few more chores. Once you\u2019ve delegated the chores, discuss how often each one should be done. Maybe one of you is more affected by messiness than the other. See if you can compromise on the frequency of the task. Do you really need to scrub the tub every day, or can you reduce that to once a week? There might not be compromises for certain tasks like vacuuming, especially if you have pets. So work together to come up with a solution you can both agree on. After that, it\u2019s time to discuss money! Sure, it\u2019s not the most exciting topic; however, it\u2019s important to know each other\u2019s expectations and set boundaries early on. If one of you makes significantly more than the other, you should discuss whether splitting all the bills 50\/50 makes sense or if the person who makes more should pay a larger amount. You should also draft a budget together that works for everyone and decide whether you want to keep your accounts separate or open a joint account for rent, bills, groceries, home supplies, and other necessities. The more detailed you get, the less conflict there will be about money.Take Inventory of Your StuffMoving in with someone means you both will probably have to downsize your belongings. After all, you\u2019re not going to need two beds, and you probably won\u2019t be able to fit two couches in a standard NYC apartment.\u00a0 Once you have decided to live together, create an inventory of every item you own and have your partner do the same. You can keep two separate documents, but it\u2019s better to have a shared document where you can both make changes or notes. That way, you can easily see if you have any duplicate items. While you can organize this spreadsheet however you like, you should make sure to include things like:AmountDimensions (especially for furniture)Approximate date of purchaseBrief descriptionCondition Take Inventory of Your StuffItem% of Couples with DuplicatesAvg KeptAvg Donated \/ DiscardedNotesBeds80%11Keep a newer \/ larger mattressCouches \/ Sofas70%11Choose the best size for the apartmentTVs65%21Often one in the bedroom + living roomKitchen Appliances75%3\u201342+Keep the best-quality or newest itemsDining Sets40%10\u20131Usually limited by NYC spaceClothes \/ Shoes95%Varies5\u201310 bagsDecluttering highly recommendedPet Supplies25%1\u201321Keep best best-condition items Once you\u2019ve put together the list, it\u2019ll be a lot easier to downsize your belongings. Does your partner have a newer mattress? Then you can get rid of yours. Go down the list and decide how many of each item you really need. There\u2019s no need for two blenders, but you might want to combine your silverware and plates, especially if your partner only has one or two. Outside of this, you can start decluttering your own stuff, like clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc. Chances are, you probably have items that you no longer wear or use, so get rid of them! You\u2019re making a brand new start in a shared place so you want to make sure you both have enough space for your own things. Make sure your partner does the same. You should both be decluttering your apartment, even if you are the one moving into their apartment or vice versa.Schedule Solo and Together TimeBack when you lived separately, the time you spent together was precious because there was always a time limit. Once you live in the same apartment, you\u2019ll be seeing each other every day, even on days you don\u2019t want to! In order to keep your relationship fresh, make sure to schedule time apart. There\u2019s no reason to drop hobbies or activities once you start living with someone, unless it is something that is actively harmful to you or your partner. Instead, embrace the differences! You\u2019ll have a lot more interesting things to discuss if you\u2019re not spending every waking second in the same space. At the same time, make sure to spend some time together doing something you both enjoy. Have special nights and find ways to express your love and appreciation to keep that emotional connection strong. This can include things like a weekly call to talk about what\u2019s going on and to share what each of you are thankful for in the other person. It might seem cheesy at first, but it\u2019s a great way to keep an eye on how the relationship is going and what you both could do better.Ready to Move in Together?Taking that plunge to live together is a big deal. No matter how much you talk about it, you\u2019ll still probably be nervous. But having important conversations ahead of time can help make the transition a lot smoother. And once you\u2019re ready to move, make sure to contact professional NYC movers!FAQ                    \t\t\t\t Can NYC movers pick up items from two apartments and drop them off at our new place?                \t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\tThey sure can! Just make sure to let them know ahead of time so they can provide the appropriately sized truck and make the necessary stops.                                                        \t\t                    \t\t\t\tWhat do I do if I need to move out of my apartment before the lease starts at my new place?                \t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\tYour best bet is to put your belongings in storage. Many NYC movers offer storage solutions for occasions like these. You should always ask before booking the movers if they do offer this service. If they do, let them know how long you need to rent the unit.                                                        \t\t                    \t\t\t\tWe broke up, what do I do now?                \t\t\t\t\t                    \t\t\t\t\t\tIf you broke up before you moved in together, you still have time to cancel the movers as well as the lease. You might not get your deposits back, but you can avoid paying a cancellation fee. If it was a last-minute breakup, you should reach out to friends and\/or family members to see if you can stay with them until you\u2019re able to find a more permanent solution.                                                        \t\t    {\t\t\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\t\t\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\t\t\"mainEntity\": [\t\t\t\t{\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\t\t\t\t\"name\": \" Can NYC movers pick up items from two apartments and drop them off at our new place?\",\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"They sure can! 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