4 Unexpected Things You Might Not Want to Share Once You Move In with Your Partner

Moving in with your significant other is a big step. Still, it’s nice to know that when you wake up next to your beloved, you’re no longer a guest, but in your own home. Having someone to split the rent with isn’t too bad, either. 

When you move in with your partner, you might assume that’s what mine is now ours. But just because you live together, doesn’t mean you have to share everything. In fact, there are a few things you should definitely plan on keeping separate once you decide to shack up with your significant other. 

Here are four items you might not want to share with your partner after taking the plunge into cohabitation.

When you’re in the honeymoon phase, the object of your affection is perfect in every way, and you wouldn’t think twice about letting them drink from your water glass you or wear your favorite hoodie. But in the name of sanitation—and sanity—you should aim to keep certain personal items separate.

Travis Carroll of New York City-based Oxford Property Group hates the idea of couples sharing bath towels or toothbrushes. Not only are you swapping germs, but he says that maintaining your own personal items helps preserve your sense of self as well.

“Yes, I get it, you’re ‘clean’ when you get out of the shower, so what’s the big deal? Well, maybe I want to use a towel that is completely dry because I hung it up the day before, not use the damp one that my boyfriend just dried himself with 30 minutes prior,” Carroll explains.

It may be unavoidable to share a closet with your partner, but if there’s more than one available (even if it’s a coat closet), definitely claim your own. This is one area where your partner’s habits may clash with your own and drive you crazy, according to life coach and therapist Layla Ashley. For example, if you keep your wardrobe coordinated by season and color while your other half tends to stuff their clothes in the closet haphazardly, an argument is bound to happen.

“Unless you have a walk-in closet the size of a small bedroom, it can feel stifling to share a closet with your partner,” she says. “Having your own closet space can help couples stay grounded in who they are individually as they share a home life together.”

You share an apartment, utility bills, and maybe even a laptop, so it’s no big deal if you keep your social media pages logged in, right? According to Sam Whittaker, a relationship expert at Mantelligence, swapping passwords can spell disaster.

“While you two are essentially becoming one, it is still important that you have respect for each other’s individuality and privacy,” he explains. “By keeping your passwords to yourselves, you’re promoting the environment of trust and encouraging your partner to do the same.”

Sharing the bed is one thing you probably assume just goes with the territory of living as a couple, right? Not necessarily, says Ashley. Hear us out on this one: Although many people think sharing a bed is an essential part of a loving relationship, it can actually put a strain on your bond. 

“These days, it’s becoming more common for people of all ages to want their own sleep space,” says Ashley. “Common reasons may include loud snoring or restless sleepers, and having a healthy amount of private time and headspace can be beneficial as well.”

If you love cozying up next to your sweetie while you snooze, by all means, go ahead. But if you relish the idea of stretching out solo in your own bed, you shouldn’t feel pressured to conform to societal norms.