5 Signs That You Should Move In Together

Some people move in together because they are ready for the next step. Some do it simply because it’s convenient. Others do it because they are willing to take the risk. No matter your reasons for moving in with your partner, you have to be sure that you think long and hard about it first.

Living together is a tough thing indeed, as it sneakily reveals whether you are compatible with each other. It will also reveal if you can stand being around each other all the time. Remember that there will no longer be “private” time, and every moment you spend at home will be “we” time. If you are someone who needs space from your loved one, then you are probably not ready for a live-in relationship.

No matter how large your place is, you will always get in each other’s way and be faced with each other’s nasty little stay-at-home-and-do-it habits. What many naive couples do not realize is that no matter how well you think you know someone, you will never truly know each other until you live together.

# There’s financial security

One of the first things to address before moving in with your partner is to evaluate your finances. If both of you already have separate places, then moving in together and contributing to a brand new household won’t be too much of a problem. However, never make it all about the money.

Moving in together should be for emotional, not economic reasons. Although many couples are resorting to this excuse, the whole “we can save rent money by living together” reasoning is a big no-no. Banish that reasoning from the let-us-live-together conversation the moment it comes up.

If you’re both still living with your parents and are thinking of finally leaving the nest, then this certainly deserves way more thought. You need to figure out if you will be able to sustain your lifestyle with your income, not to mention have enough set aside for emergencies and unexpected expenses like a huge security deposit, paying for a plumber, new furniture, and so on. You’ll know it’s time to move in together once you’re both comfortable setting aside a bulk of your salary for home expenses.

# The timing is great

They say that garnering success in life is all about the right timing, and they’re absolutely right. You’ll know it’s a good idea to move in together when everything around you is coming up roses. There’s no family drama in the mix, no dealing with health issues, no work stress, and most importantly, no relationship problems.

If you want things to work, you must have ample time to focus on the big move and turning your new space into a home. The last thing you want is your partner resenting you for making them do all the work because you’re too absorbed in something else.

# You both agree it’s a good idea

The moment you sense hesitancy from either yourself or your partner, take a step back, and reevaluate if living together is truly what you want. 100% support from both sides sans pressuring one another is very important. Unless you can confidently say that both of you want it just as bad, take a step back, and wait it out. Always remember that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with waiting till you’re ready.

# There’s no pressure

It’s not just you and your partner that you have to worry about when it comes to moving in. The people around you also come into play. Be sure that neither of you is experiencing pressure from external forces.

Parents are one thing. Don’t blame them for their constant yearning to see you fall in love, move in, get married, and giving them a dozen grandkids. However, do not feel pressured to bow down to what they want. It’s about what you want and pursuing it when you’re ready.

You will also be surprised at how much peer pressure can unconsciously affect your life choices. In my close-knit group of 4 girlfriends, three out of four are either living with partners or are married. The fourth member of our crew constantly moans about wanting to move in with her boyfriend because she feels left behind, and she has convinced herself that she’s ready for the next step.

If you’re like her, you need to stop yourself right there. Just because other people around you are taking the next step, that doesn’t mean you have to as well. Every relationship moves at a different pace. Even if you’re a little behind, there’s nothing to fear. Remember what they say about how being slow and steady wins the race?

# The honeymoon stage is over

It’s a good idea to move in together once you’re sure that the honeymoon stage of your relationship is over. Living with someone isn’t all about romanticism and fun. It encapsulates everything from taking nasty poops, leaving greasy dishes in the sink, and determining whose fault it was for leaving the air conditioning on all weekend.

So long as you remember that reality is going to be a part of your everyday life together, then you are one step closer to being ready for cohabitation.