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Updated Mar 06, 2025How to Move in With LDR: Moving in Together After Long Distance
Your go-to guide for closing the distance—for good.
Photo: Prostock-studio | Shutterstock
In 2025, you might have a few New Year's resolutions: hit the gym more, build community, follow that lifelong dream or hey, maybe even close the distance between you and your partner. It's probably on your list to learn how to move in with a long-distance partner if your love life is full of plane tickets and counting down the days until the next visit with your honey.
"There's no universal timeline for when long-distance relationship couples should move in together," says Michelle King Rayfield, a licensed marriage and family therapist at Ocean Recovery. "But rushing into it without careful thought can create unnecessary stress and strain."
The key, she says, is to ensure that both of you have spent meaningful time together—not just on vacations or short visits, but in everyday scenarios where daily routines, habits and even disagreements come into play. But when it comes down to it, if you're in a long-distance relationship and you're interested in moving closer, you can only do what is right for you and your relationship.
If you're looking for advice for moving in together, you're curious about how to navigate discussing closing the gap or you're interested in the ins and outs of living together, we've got you covered with this ultimate LDR moving in together guide, below.
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In this article:
Things to Discuss Before Closing the Distance
Before you jump from a long-distance relationship to moving in together quickly, there are a few things to consider discussing before you take the plunge. Before moving in together, Rayfield adds, couples must have open, honest conversations.
Have the Money Talk
One of the biggest conversations to have, perhaps, is the money talk—and how you're going to manage finances as a couple. "Finances are often one of the most significant sources of tension," Rayfield says. "So it's crucial to discuss how expenses will be shared, what budgeting habits each partner has, and how financial responsibilities will be managed."
Your Daily Routines
"Daily routines are another essential topic—how do your schedules align, and how will household chores and responsibilities be divided?" If you can discuss how you'll share the responsibilities, it will get you off on the right foot.
Your Personal Space
Another big one? Personal space. After all, when you're in a transition from a long-distance relationship to living together, you'll learn that living together doesn't mean spending every moment together. It's so important to have your own individual time and hobbies—and how you choose to spend your personal time is a great conversation to have.
How You Handle Conflict
"Conflict resolution is equally important—how do you handle disagreements, and what strategies will you use to work through conflicts respectfully," Rayfield adds.
Align on Personal Goals
You should make sure that if you're transitioning from a long-distance relationship to local living, you should always align on long-term goals. Think: marriage, children or career paths. This helps ensure you're building a shared vision for the future together.
My Place or Yours?
If you're on the hunt for how to move in with LDR advice, another huge point of discussion is the "My place or yours?" topic. Except this one is about who will live with whom or if you'll get a new place together.
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Who Should Relocate?
"Deciding who should relocate in a long-distance relationship is a deeply personal choice that should be made together," Rayfield says. "Factors like career opportunities, family obligations, financial stability and emotional readiness play significant roles. The decision shouldn't feel one-sided or like one partner is sacrificing everything. Instead, it should feel like a mutual agreement that benefits the relationship as a whole."
Sometimes, she adds, couples relocate to a neutral city where neither person feels like they're giving up too much. It's important to know how to communicate with one another so that both partners can feel heard and understood throughout the decision-making process.
Transitioning From LDR to Living Together
Now that you know what to talk about when long-distance relationships are moving in together, we've got TK pieces of advice on how to make the transition go even smoother.
1. Take Time to Adjust
Adjusting to living together after a long-distance relationship is a significant shift, and it's normal for there to be an adjustment period. "First, take time to adjust. Moving in together is exciting, but it's also a significant change," Rayfield suggests. "Give yourselves time to settle into your new routines without putting pressure on everything to feel perfect immediately."
2. Have Regular Check-Ins
For either couples who've been living together for a long time or LDR couples moving in together, having regular check-ins can only be beneficial. But especially for those closing the distance. Regular check-ins, Rayfield says, allow both partners to share their feelings, address concerns early and celebrate small wins together.
3. Respect Each Other's Space
"Remember to respect personal space. Just because you're living together doesn't mean you need to spend every waking moment side by side," Rayfield suggests. In this new (and exciting!) time, remembering to give each other time to adjust and still have your own space isn't just healthy, but important for the relationship as a whole.
4. Set Clear Expectations
Who doesn't love clear expectations and boundaries? Make sure to discuss and agree on responsibilities and expectations ahead of time—like chores, finances and routines—to avoid misunderstandings or resentment down the line.
5. Keep the Romance Alive
When you're long-distance, it can be easy to be excited and keep the romance alive. But sometimes, when closing the distance in an LDR, it can also feel easy to slip into a roommate dynamic after some time. But remember: small gestures, thoughtful date nights and intentional time together help keep the emotional connection strong.
Moving in together after a long-distance relationship is a significant milestone but a major transition that comes with challenges and rewards. "Remember, there's no rush—moving in together should feel like a natural step, not a forced decision. If challenges arise, seeking support from a relationship counselor can provide valuable tools for navigating this new chapter," Rayfield says. "With patience, respect and intentional effort, closing the distance can pave the way for a profoundly fulfilling partnership."
