Moving in with the Significant Other in New York

by aliciak - May 29, 2008

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There is no shortage of singles' and dating guides here, but what if you're one of those New Yorkers in a serious relationship? Oh noes, don't do it! Kidding. Sort of. Living with people in New York is a given if you're strapped for cash, but the beauty of living with a significant other is that you (hopefully?) CHOOSE to live with them. You get to share things! You always have a dinner partner! You have movie nights! You can walk around in your underwear at all times! Here is what you need to know if you're considering the BIG MOVE-IN. Or you can rush into it after 6 months of dating long-distance like I did. Smart. :)

Take Inventory

…not of your love life, because hopefully that is solid enough to have warranted a decision to move in together. Take inventory of your furniture and household possessions! Moving in together is a lot like marriage (an economically wise partnership), except there is no wedding registry, i.e., no one is going to buy you shit and your family will deem it “living in sin.”

Which means that if you were borrowing your roommate’s iron, microwave, and couch, you need a new game plan.

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IKEA Elizabeth

1000 Center Drive, Elizabeth, NJ 07201

In June, New York City will be graced with its first ever Ikea, but until then, you’ve got to book it to Jersey for cheap wood-framed beds and funky lighting needs.

Warning: I nearly broke up with my boyfriend over our move-in day trip to Ikea. Okay, thats not true, but this small-town Southern boy FREAKED OUT at the overwhelming weekend afternoon experience that is Ikea. We both survived (compromise! communication!) and got a dresser out of it.

In June, New York City will be graced with its first ever Ikea, but until then, you’ve got to book it to Jersey for cheap wood-framed beds and funky lighting needs.

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West Elm

112 W 18th Street, New York, NY 10011

Stylish, moderately pricey stuff. I.e., the closest I’ve come to having West Elm furnishings in my home is the presence of the catalog on my coffee table.

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Target Stores

139 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Embrace suburbia and buy the 5 lb bags of cheese, hundreds of miles of tin foil, 48-packs of toilet paper, and other household good basics.

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Sit Back and Veg

Now that you are out of the dating pool, kick back with your significant other in all your pajamified, make-up free glory. But don’t be a total sloth!

I once wore the same outfit and didn’t shower for 3 straight days in my wooing techniques, but that only works if you achieve naturally cute bedhead and clear skin (me), don’t give a damn about impressing boys (usually me), and never smell (me). Otherwise, maybe it’s time to pull out the stylish pjs and go the extra mile.

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Brunching In

Now that you’re shacking up and staying in bed till noon, you’ll find that the motivation to leave the house for the pursuit of nourishment wanes. No more running across town to meet your significant other for brunch, or in my case, taking the Chinatown bus to Boston. Yeah that was fun…

But you know what? Brunch could possibly be the most annoying meal in New York. LINES! WAITS! SUBPAR EGGS! Stay home, seriously. And if you have a kick-ass apron collection like I do, and awesome manipulative, er, convincing powers (read: irresistible smile and charm), you two will be wearing aprons and cooking up brunch in no time.

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Remember Date Night?

Yeah, me either. Well, one of the downsides (sort of) of moving in together, is that you’re, well, always together. You stop having date nights and coming up with intricate plans. In other words, instead of going out to dinner, you watch the O.C. and drink beer. Instead of seeing a movie, you sign up for netflix. Instead of walking in the park, you saunter to the washing machine. Instead of intellectual literature discussions, you talk about the bills and taking out the trash. (I’m selling you on this, right???)

Remember Date Night! Yes, you already know each other pretty well, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go to the chocolate and wine cafe around the corner. I like to pretend sometimes I’m on a first date, with awkward leg brushes and stupid questions like, “What do you like to do in your spare time?” and “Do you have any hobbies?” It’s fun! But seriously, go out and be merry with your true love.

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Cocoa Bar

228 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Wine and chocolate pairings in a warm, intimate environment. A good birthday or anniversary spot, in my experience.

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: by leigh 05/30/2008 Reply

Great guide! Now I just need to catch one of those “good boyfriend material” things that they speak of.

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About The Author

aliciak

Tribeca, New York

I like to: crochet, eat, read, write, go to museums, watch old movies, cook, bake, observe children, visit the library, travel, cut my own hair, explore New York, mix gin drinks, bike ride, take photographs, keep in touch with people, be crafty, swim in the ocean, make bets, and read blogs and ca...

Moving in with the Significant Other in New York

Take Inventory

IKEA Elizabeth

West Elm

Target Stores

Overstock.com

Sit Back and Veg

Town Shop

Brazen Lingerie

Domestic Bliss Map

Brunching In

How to Make a Mimosa

Brunch Recipes

Remember Date Night?

Cocoa Bar

Inoteca

Bubble Lounge

Moving Out?

So, you got DUMPED

Go hook-up!

The Men of New York