The UAE is a mosaic of cultures and people from different ethnicities and races are the residents of the country. The government took practical steps to facilitate them including the recent amendment to the law of living together. Previously, it was prohibited for unmarried couples to live together or share an apartment. However, the government recently amended this law and permits couples to live together.
Now, moving in together with partners is a massive lifestyle transition that needs proper preparations. There are multiple aspects that you need to consider before sharing your accommodation with your loved ones. For a peaceful and hassle-free transition, here we have drafted a list of chores that needs to be done by the couples moving in together.
Is it Legal to Move in With Your Partner in the UAE
It is legal for expat couples to live together in the UAE following the major amendment in Federal Law no. 3 of 1987. The amendment, Federal Decree Law no. 31 of 2021 concerning the UAE Penal Code allows couples to cohabit together.
Alongside, cohabiting together, the law also caters to other social issues such as puberty age and the rights of children born out of wedlock.
Moving in Together Checklist
Now, are you ready to move in together? Here are some things that you need to consider before creating your home moving checklist and shifting with your kin.
Talk Over Legal Issues
The first step in the hassle-free moving-in process is to discuss all the legalities that you may face in the near future. This starts with informing your landlord and seeking their permission to share accommodation with your partner. Along with this, you may need to apply for the move-in or move-out permit in Dubai and other Emirates prior to shifting with your partner.
Apart from these, couples can discuss a wide range of other legal issues to secure their future. If you have more than one issue to discuss it is better to sign a cohabitation agreement to avoid any unlikely situation.
Discuss the Division of Household Expenses
Budgeting and dividing expenses are one of the most essential steps to cater to before moving in together. The wage difference between couples impacts their buying and expenditure power which may lead to differences in the long run. Therefore, it is essential to discuss the expenditures, earnings and savings prior to moving in.
Decide Whether to Relocate or Not
Your current location may not be feasible for your partner and vice versa. Therefore, consider relocating to a new place that will be feasible for both of you. Few things to consider while deciding whether to relocate or not include: distance from the workplace, public transportation facilities and others.
You can browse through these properties for rent in the UAE and relocate to a residence that is feasible for you and your partner.
Consider Your Partner’s Choice in Decorating House
Once you have catered to the aforementioned steps, it’s time to bring the necessary changes to your residence. Start by changing decoration and making it feasible for both. It is suggested to take ideas and consider your partner’s preferences on major decorating elements like the colour of walls, interior decoration and type of furniture.
Deep Clean your Home
Deep cleaning is the essential step to include in the ready to move in together checklist. Start by sorting out the additional things that you have in your house that will no longer be needed. A junk drawer or closet is the best to start from. Once done with discarding all the unnecessary items, it’s time to deep clean your house.
If you have a tough working schedule, use some of these DIY tips to clean your home effectively.
Replace Furniture
Picking new furniture or adjusting your partner’s old furniture in your residence is necessary to make space a home. It is also essential to make a home suitable for a couple like a larger couch and a king-size bed. It is up to the couple’s understanding whether they need new furniture pieces or want to adjust the existing ones.
If you want to replace furniture on a budget, visit these second-hand furniture stores in Dubai and other Emirates.
Create Additional Space in Closet
When living together, sharing a closet is a difficult zone to reach an agreement. However, you have to compromise on the closet space and share it with your partner while moving in together. Before unpacking your stuff, divide the closet according to the available space. If you have limited space, try some closet organisation and storage hacks.
Select your Spot
Despite the fact that you are willing to share your space with your loved ones, personal space is necessary for a healthy relationship. Claim your spot in the house and decorate it as per your own will.
This point can be any place in the house: a corner in the living room, balcony or a workstation. Use interesting bookshelf ideas or balcony decoration hacks, the purpose is to create a space that makes you feel comfortable.
Household Chores
Similar to emotional labour, physical labour also needs to be regulated when cohabiting with your partner. Therefore, to avoid exhaustion and overburdening a single person in a relationship, equally divide your household chores.
Ranging from washing dishes to paying utility bills, every household chore must be discussed and divided among the couple equally. This will not only help in managing the household effectively, but will also reduce unnecessary arguments.
Talk about Pets
Pets are counted among the most loyal partners of humans. However, not every individual is comfortable living with a pet. Discuss this issue with your partner and inform them regarding your pet’s daily routine and the attention they require.
Along with this, you also need to consider your residence, as not all societies are pet-friendly. If your society is not one of them, consider these popular pet-friendly societies in Dubai or in the Emirates you are currently living in.
These were all the items that must be included in your moving in together checklist. Make sure that your residence is large enough to accommodate two or more individuals. If not, browse through these apartments for rent in the UAE and shift into a larger apartment suitable for a couple.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s property blog for more tips for couples moving in together.
