Don't Get Lost in Transition

Your living situation changes.

Whether you're moving into your first home together or transitioning your whole family to another city, relocating is a major stressor. On top of financial worries and packing, you also have the potential loss of your old community to deal with, says Litzinger. In order to get through these major changes, she stresses, talking about your feelings and approaching everything as a team are important. Humor can be particularly useful. "Instead of using your spouse as a dumping ground for all your shared stress, try to laugh at it together," she says.

While you're in the process of moving, stay on the same page with each other regarding your budget. And once you have moved, seek out new connections as soon as you can, to avoid relying solely on each other for support and companionship, a stress that can lead to resentments—especially, for example, if one of you moved because of the other's job, says Litzinger.