Ready to move in together? A 10-step plan for ASD couples

8. Draw out a floor plan.

Once you have a good idea on what your living space will be like, it’s time to draw out a floor plan.  If you’re still deciding on a place to live, this will help you in your final decision making.

Things you’ll need:

• graph paper
• pencil
• ruler
• protractor
• scissors
• (optional: a design software program like Google SketchUp — the free version is all you’ll need for this exercise)

Just like when an architect depends on a house plan to construct a new home, mapping out an idea of what your living space will be like will create a dependable visual guide, and prepare you better for the move-in.

There’s no way to figure out where to put every single thing until you have all the stuff in your new place. But at least you’ll get an idea of where all your major furniture will go and how well it’ll fit.

Check out these how-to guides on eHow:

• How to Draw Floor Plans

• How to Draw a Floor Plan to Scale

9.  Make a list of  the things you’ll need to do for the move.

For the one (of both) of you who will be doing the move, advanced planning is crucial.  Write down all steps necessary in order to execute it as smoothly as possible.  Some stress is unavoidable, but if you prepare in advance, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary stress.

Here are some things you may need to consider:

• The number of days it will take to move (for long-distance moves, you’ll need at least a few days).

• Truck rental (if necessary).

• Help from your friends and family.

• Professional movers (for your heavier items) — get quotes before you agree to hire them.

• Your parents’ advice.  Ask your mom or your dad what preparations they had to take care of when they first moved in together.

• Research, research, research. Thanks to Google, there’s lots of resources.

Once you figure out what you will need to do, calculate the expenses so you will have an idea of how much the move is going to cost.  Make sure that you are able to budget a little more than you calculate.  Take my word for it –  you will be spending more than you think.

Once you relocate, there will be several things you will need to take care of. Here are just a few:

• Fill out a Change of Address form (US residents).  You can either pick one up at your local post office or fill one out online.

• Visit the DMV closest to your new location and update your new address.  For U.S. residents: if moving out of state, you will need to get a new ID card / driver’s license and vehicle registration (if you own a vehicle).

• Update your new address and phone number with all banks, insurance companies, utility companies, doctor’s offices, and other businesses you associate with.

10.  Remain supportive and positive to each other before, during, and after the process.

With any move, whether it’s halfway around the world or right across the street (I’ve done both), a certain amount of stress is expected.  However, if you follow the steps above and remain positive and supportive to each other, I guarantee the amount of stress for a couple (ASD or not ASD), will be less.  When you feel like you are just about to go off on your loved one, politely say, “I need to step out and take a few minutes to myself.”  Frequent periods of solitude gives you a time to cool down and rejuvenate, so you can stay calm and collected with your significant other and all the people who will be helping you through the moving process.

Final Note…

Depending on religious, cultural, or ethical belief, it is up to you as a couple to decide whether to move in prior to or after making a marriage commitment.  Also, because each relationship goes by a different pace, the timing will also vary for each couple.  Personally, I’d recommend you make the decision to live together once you feel that your relationship is mutually exclusive and you have a strong amount of love for each other.  You don’t move in together thinking you’re going to break up, right?

image sources: Brenda-Starr, Chris_J, Valeri/DutchBlytheFashion, TW Collins, pricklypeardesu, clevercupcakes, Bohman