Moving in together is a big step in a relationship, which is why many couples want to be sure they are ready before they take the leap. However, discerning whether or not the time is right can be a challenge. Should you be together for six months? A year? Who knows!
That’s why Rent.com asked couples what they thought on the subject. Take a look at these helpful tips before you sign an apartment lease together to determine whether or not you’re ready to take the plunge.
Source: The List
Too Soon?
When couples first start thinking about moving in together, they might consider the length of their relationship. For example, you may think, “We’ve been together for nine months, so that should be a long enough wait, right?”
A majority of the renters we surveyed (37%) agreed that six months to a year into dating is a good time to move in together. Of course, whether or not you follow that advice depends on your unique relationship, along with other factors such as views on marriage and finances.
Marriage Beliefs
Talk to your significant other about their thoughts on marriage and living together. They might not want to move in until you say “I do!” Don’t assume that your relationship is headed in the cohabitation direction until you’ve talked. In fact, the survey found that more than a third of renters between ages 18 and 24 (37%) planned to wait until after their wedding to live with their significant other!
Let the marriage talk be a lesson—you shouldn’t live together until you’ve discussed some of the big compatibility topics in relationships, such as “Do you want kids?” or “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Source: Bustle
Financial Order
Before deciding on moving in together, you and your partner must also have a serious financial discussion. Some couples let financial instability push them into a living situation they aren’t emotionally ready to handle. Once you decide the time is right to move in together, discuss how you will divide costs. Our recent survey revealed that the #1 thing couples wished they had talked about before the move was money, specifically the way they’d split costs. Talk about how you would like to cover rent and other expenses. You can divide the costs down the middle, split it based on income, combine your finances or have one person foot the bills. It really depends on what the two of you think is right.
Extra Time Together
When you live with your partner, you will spend a lot of time with them. A whopping 63% of the renters we surveyed rarely had a night with just their friends after moving in with their significant other. On the other hand, only 8 percent saw this time commitment as an issue.
Can you handle spending the majority of your free time with your partner? Just something to think about.
Source: iastatejobs.com
This post was published with permission from Rent.com
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