10 Signs You Are Ready to Move in Together and Some Tips

After spending a considerable time together, many couples often ask when to move in together. This article shows ten major signs you are ready to move in together. Keep reading to learn more.

If you’ve dated your partner for months and believe it’s time to take the next time, you might consider moving in with your partner. Indeed, it’s a great feeling to wake up next to your spouse every morning, doing things together.

On the other hand, it’s a big change and decision that needs a lot of thinking. You might be asking yourself if it’s the right decision. Are there some moving-in-together checklists you need to tick before taking any step?

We have spent time researching the signs that tell you when to move in together. Also, in this article, you will learn how to make a move and what to expect when you eventually live together. Finally, we offer some tips for living together peacefully. Read on to learn more.

Factors to consider before you move in together

Moving in together is an important milestone for every couple. It signifies the bond that exists for you to consider moving in together. Nevertheless, you should consider certain things before you move in. 

You don’t want to go through the stress of moving your loads only to realize it’s a wrong decision. Learn about factors to check before you decide when to move in together below:

1. Do you love your partner enough?

You must ask yourself this question. Over the few months or weeks you have been dating, do you consider them your better half? Do you love them enough to condone some behavior? Remember, love is patient and kind. If they behave irrationally someday, will you still love them and stay?

Related Reading: 30 Signs Of True Love in a Relationship

2. How long have you dated?

How soon is too soon to move in? Although the time you spend with someone only sometimes determines the relationship’s longevity, moving in with a significant other when you know each other for a few weeks is not the best idea. 

It’s still a standard practice to take your time to know someone before agreeing to live with them. That way, you can decide when to move in together at the right time.

3. Expenses

Another factor to consider when moving in with a significant other is finance. Have you had a money discussion before? How does your partner react? 

Do they believe in sharing bills, or do the highest earners pay the largest portion of the bills? How is their spending habit; are you comfortable with it?

Related Reading: 5 Ways Couples Can Manage Household Expenses and Avoid Conflicts

4. Their willingness

When you hinted at moving in together, how did your partner react? Were they enthusiastic or hesitant about the idea? Since you mentioned it, have they talked about it again or tactically dismissed it in conversation? 

No matter how glad you are about the idea, be certain you and your partner are on the same page concerning moving in with them.

5. The location

Another important factor to consider before moving in with a significant other is the location of your partner’s place. Have you considered how comfortable it will be for you? Is the home spacious enough to accommodate both of you and your luggage? 

How far is the place from your place of work? Answering these questions helps you make adequate preparation that ensures everyone is comfortable.

What to expect when moving in together

Typically, a lot of people get excited about moving in with their partner. However, some are so happy that they skip the part about learning how to make a move or tips for moving in together. 

However, you should prepare to expect some things when moving or living together. It helps you understand common things that happen when couples decide to live together.

Expect a significant change in your lifestyle when you move in together. It’s a big turn of events that might change your habit one way or the other. The practical things you should expect may include sharing the bed. 

Also, you will share the TV, wardrobe space, and kitchen. You will use the bathroom together every morning or after one has finished. And every night, you will go to bed, often at the same time, and wake up next to each other. 

These new changes take time to get used to them. However, you will find what works for you if you keep going. Some decisions you will make together include sharing chores and planning when to do the laundry and who and when to go for groceries. 

These are important things you can’t evade when you decide to move in as a couple. It is best to talk about them casually before taking any step. These are only physical changes, but there will also be emotional changes.

Regarding emotional changes, it’s best not to have any expectations. Humans’ feelings aren’t stable as many things can come into play. As you get comfortable with each other, you will start noticing some habits that might change your feelings toward your partner. 

Therefore, it’s best to keep your expectations low. Focus on having honest and open communication.

Watch this video to understand why people go cold on each other:

How long should you date before moving in together

Another vital question couples ask regarding moving in with a partner is how soon it is too soon. When should you move in together after dating?

There is no time frame for the best time to move in with a spouse. It all depends on the kind of relationship and the individuals concerned. Some couples date for a few weeks and move in together, yet they quickly get the hang of living as a couple.

On the other hand, some people dated for months or years before moving in together. Then, some days into it, they realize they have made a great mistake. Regardless of the path you choose, many relationship experts agree that you should wait a year before moving in together.

Waiting for at least ten months to a year gives you and your partner adequate time to discuss the future, finances, chores, and family. Generally, waiting before moving in with a partner allows you to observe them and their habits.

Related Reading: How to Talk to Your Boyfriend About Moving in Together

10 signs you are ready to move in together

You can be happy after deciding to move on, but you must ask yourself why you want to make the decision. Often, you may move in after ticking the moving-in together checklists like finance, chores, cleanliness, schedule, communication, and arrangement of your living space. 

Regardless, some signs tell you you are ready to move in and when to move in together. Learn about them in the subsequent paragraphs:

1. You are used to each other

One sign that tells you when to move in is if you are used to each other. You’ve spent a few nights together and can tell a bit about your partner’s behavior. You can predict them in most situations and even know some of their habits. 

You know when your partner is happy, sad, excited, or gloomy. 

Also, you know his reactions in these situations and the best way to respond. You have mastered the art of having disputes or arguments and settling them together. Finally, if you have gone through life crises together and come out unscathed, it may be a sign that you can move in together.

2. You’ve started living together

When it comes to living together, most couples usually have a pre-living together. It is a phase where you occasionally spend some nights and days together. Your toothbrush has a place in your partner’s bedroom and vice versa. 

In addition, your partner may already have some clothing like shorts, slippers, and a few shirts in your wardrobe. The only difference is that you still need to make it official to start living together. When you eventually do, it’s usually easy because you know your partner to some extent.

Related Reading: Living Together before marriage: Pros & Cons

3. You are on the same page about finances

Talking about money is one of the best tips for moving in together. Don’t be blinded by love that you skip money discussions once you start living together. Ensure you have an agreement on how to share bills. 

Do you share expenses equally? Who earns the most? Should this person carry the highest responsibilities? Are you sharing bills equally regardless of who makes more? Knowing each other’s views on finances is best before you leave your space for another.

4. Have you discussed chores?

House chores and some responsibilities may seem insignificant, but they are important. You both have a life, and it’s not fair that one person will be predisposed to doing the house chores while the other enjoys their hobbies. 

Ensure you both have a solid agreement on this. You may consider how they behave living alone to judge how they will do chores when you eventually live together.

5. You’ve set boundaries

You may be living together, but you still need to have clear and healthy boundaries as a self-sufficient person. How much do you encode each other’s space? Is me-time allowed? Are you allowed to rant or complain to each other? 

Are phones allowed during discussions? Do you recognize your partner’s schedule and know when not to disturb them? Setting clear boundaries will enable couples to understand each other better.

6. You’ve learned to argue in a healthy way

Another critical aspect to consider when you ask when to move in together is how you fight. Have you considered arguing healthily? Have you agreed to focus on communication instead of blaming and guilt-tripping each other? 

Have you both learned to take responsibility for your actions as expected? As a couple, you will have arguments occasionally, and learning to settle them amicably will help you move on quickly.

Related Reading: How to Handle Relationship Arguments: 18 Effective Ways

7. You can be yourself

At the beginning of a relationship, we always feel like we can hide some humiliating behavior and act perfectly with our partner. As time passes and you get used to each other, you release yourself from this drama. 

You behave freely with your partner without minding what they think. If you have reached this stage with your partner, it may be time to move in.

8. You are both excited

One of the important tips that can help you decide when to move in together is your level of excitement. One partner must be positive and enthusiastic about moving in; it’s another if the other person isn’t happy or is reluctant. 

You both should be on the same page. That way, it won’t appear like you are encoding their space. Indeed, someone may love you and not appreciate the idea of moving in together just yet.

9. You aren’t moving in to solve a problem

Another sign that indicates when to move in is if you aren’t doing it to solve a particular problem. Are you moving in to help your partner save more money? You should move in only if you love the idea rather than because of expenses or accommodation problems. 

Although some situations warrant accommodating your partner, it’s important to have an agreement and work towards a more feasible plan.

10. You communicate effectively

Many problems can be solved in a relationship if partners communicate effectively. Have you reached this stage in your relationship? Do you have regular talks and focus on listening actively to each other? 

You both must know how to communicate your needs and intentions. Once you have checked this box, you may move in together.

5 tips for living together

Living in together is all about building a successful partnership and assessing what the future holds for you under this camaraderie. It’s good to go by your own rules but there can be some handy tips you can consider while moving in with your partner.

1. Communicate regularly

Make it a habit to communicate with each other frequently. Intentional communication is one of the healthy ways to build a relationship. It is a way of listening to understand your partner and being sensitive to their feelings. 

When you have open and honest discussions, you understand your partner better, guiding you in behaving appropriately.

Related Reading: 5 Effective Strategies For Communicating With Your Spouse

2. Check on each other regularly

The beginning of your life as a cohabiting couple might not be as expected. It will affect both of you in ways you can’t describe, and getting used to it is certainly not easy, even if you have prepared adequately. 

Therefore, check in on your partner to ensure they are faring well with the arrangement.

4. Take responsibility

Whatever happens in your union, ensure you both take responsibility and accept your fault in issues that come up. Taking responsibility also means taking accountability for something within your role. Blaming your partner often prevents you from seeing what is wrong.

5. Give each other space

Even as a couple living together, you both need privacy. Me-time gives you time to yourself, to think, and have fun personally. Everything doesn’t have to revolve around your partner. You may be living together, but you are still independent humans.

6. Respect each other’s boundaries

No matter how close you are, understanding the boundaries put in place by your partner will prevent unnecessary fights and arguments. If you are comfortable posting your life as a couple, but your partner doesn’t respect their wish.

Related Reading: Respecting Boundaries: Meaning, Example and Why Is It Important

How to talk to him about moving in together

The best way to help you communicate the idea of moving in together is to be honest, and straightforward. Tell your partner why you consider the idea and the benefits for both of you. Ask him how he feels, and listen attentively. That will guide you on your next action.

Ask yourself if you’re ready or not!

Many couples want to know when to move in together. There is no perfect or right time to move in together. Many marriage and relationship experts agree on a year because it will give you time to get to know each other better. 

When to move in together should be a joint decision with your partner. Importantly, you should move in when you agree on finance, chores, living space, sharing bills, etc. If you need more help or are unsure, consider going for relationship counseling.