On average, most heterosexual couples move in together after dating for 2 years. For homosexual couples, that average is closer to 6 months.
On the flip side, if you and your partner don’t get alone time very often, this is a good time to try it out before moving in together. Plan a weekend away where you two can bond and spend time together as a “practice” for moving in.
If you and your partner aren’t great at fighting respectfully, try working on that together before moving in. Make it a habit to talk about issues as you and your partner vs. the problem, not you vs. your partner. Maybe you and your partner haven’t gotten into any arguments yet. That’s likely a sign that your relationship is still fresh, and you may want to hold off on moving in just yet.
If you haven’t met your partner’s family yet, talk to them about why that is and ask if you can do that soon. This is a good step to take before moving in together, since it shows that the relationship is serious and on the right track.
If the idea of sharing your full, authentic self with your partner sounds daunting, that’s okay! It might be a sign that you two need to get to know each other more before taking the next step in your relationship.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of only spending time with your partner, especially in a new relationship. Talk to your partner about how much time you’ve been spending together, and stress the importance of living your own lives, too.
If your anxiety or dread outweighs the excitement, it might be a sign that you need more time before moving in.
The opposite is true, too: your partner should have a good idea of who you are as a person.
You may also have to talk to them about things they do around the house, like making messes or leaving dirty dishes in the sink. If you feel like that might blow up into a huge argument, take some time to think before moving in together.
In many cases, the best way to build trust is just to spend more time together. If you feel like you don’t trust your partner quite yet, maybe it’s because you haven’t known them long enough. However, you should always trust your gut. If you feel like your partner is hiding something from you, bring it up so you two can talk about it.
Problems like these can be tough to tackle on your own. Consider talking to a couple’s counselor to get an outside perspective on your relationship.
Saving money is great, but you should save moving in together for when you’re ready to take the next step in your relationship. Always have a back up plan in case you and your partner break up. If you suddenly need to move out, do you have the finances or the resources to do so?
Many couples see moving in together as one step closer toward marriage. It’s important to be on the same page about what this means for your relationship and what’s going to happen next.
During this conversation, you should also talk about where you want to live in the future. If you’re content with staying in your current city but your partner wants to move across the country eventually, that could cause conflict.
In terms of chores, moving in with a partner is a lot like moving in with roommates. Everyone should do their fair share to keep the home neat and tidy.
While it might feel awkward to talk about money with your partner, it’s a very important discussion to have. If you don’t feel like you and your partner can talk about your finances openly, it might be a good idea to wait before moving in together.
