Are You Ready to Share the Same Space?
Thinking about moving in with your partner? We get it—the idea can spark excitement and make you feel even closer together. But before you sign the dotted line, you'll want to make sure you're both truly ready for this. Whether you’re nervous about splitting the bills or convinced this is the perfect next step, here are 10 signs you're not ready to move in with your partner—and 10 signs you are.
1. You Still Argue Over Small Things
Good communication is a must in a healthy relationship, so if you and your partner still argue over small things (like who cleans the dishes and who cooks), you're both probably not ready to move in together yet. Think about it: if you can't resolve conflicts even when you're not living in the same space, that's already not a reassuring sign.
2. You're Not Used to Spending Extended Time Together
What's the longest time you and your partner have spent together? A week? Two weeks? None at all? If you're both thinking of moving in together but don't yet know what it's like to be in each other's space for that long, you might want to consider taking a vacation together first.
3. You Haven't Discussed Finances
If you're both not great with money and talks about finances are usually avoided, that's another glaring sign that you and your partner aren't ready to move in together. After all, even if living in the same space might save some costs, bills can still pile up quickly.
4. You Like Your Personal Space
Do you prefer having your own personal space? Do you like sleeping in your own room, your own bed? If so, moving in with your partner might only make you feel suffocated. Before committing fully, you may want to try spending a few weeks or a month under the same roof first, before making the arrangement permanent.
5. You're Hoping It Will "Fix" Your Relationship Problems
Don't move in with your partner if you're expecting it to "fix" your relationship problems. Being trapped under the same roof when you both don't see eye-to-eye on most things will only magnify your conflicts and make them worse. Resolve any lingering issues first, then see if you're still ready to move in together.
6. You Don't Trust Each Other
Moving in with your partner when you don't trust each other is a major no-no. After all, trust is foundational for any relationship, and without it, you're likely both not ready to live under the same roof. Build open communication with your partner first, or seek therapy to resolve any lingering doubts or issues before signing a lease together.
7. You Haven't Outlined Your Dealbreakers
Pet peeves can make or break a relationship, so it's always best to clearly outline any dealbreakers first before deciding whether it's a good decision to move in together. If you or your partner have any habits that the other person doesn't agree with or appreciate, living under the same roof may only make everything more intolerable.
8. You Feel Pressured
If you feel pressured to move in with your partner, you should probably listen to your gut. It's completely normal to want to take a step back and have a thorough discussion before signing the lease. Don't do it just because your partner or others, like your family and friends, say you should.
9. You're Doing It to Copy Friends
Just as you shouldn't sign the lease if you feel like you're being pressured to, you also shouldn't move in together with your partner if it's only to mirror your friends. Remember: every relationship is different. Every person is different. Even if your friends feel like they're ready, that doesn't mean you are.
10. You Feel Anxious
Getting cold feet when you're about to sign the lease, or just from thinking about living under the same roof? That's a clear sign you're probably not ready. While some nerves are normal, it's another thing to feel like this might be the wrong move. It's best to talk it out with someone first and understand the source of your anxiety before picking up the pen.
How do you know if you are ready to move in with your partner, then? If none of the above resonated with you, then that's already a good clue. Read on for 10 clear signs you're ready to sign the lease.
1. Your Communication Is Solid
If you and your partner are already excellent communicators, that's a major green flag. This means you both aren't the type to give each other the silent treatment when you're upset, and you know how to bring up issues without turning them into full-blown arguments.
2. You've Discussed Finances
Money can become a big problem in a relationship, and financial issues may only be magnified when you're living under the same roof and sharing bills. If you and your partner have already clearly discussed your finances and how you'll split the costs, that's a good sign that you're both ready to take the next step.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels
3. You Understand (and Accept) Each Other's Quirks
As mentioned earlier, pet peeves can make or break a relationship. But if you and your partner have already seen all sides of each other and you both understand your individual quirks, living under the same roof may only bring you even closer together.
4. You Already Spend Most of Your Time Together
Do you and your partner already spend most of your time together? Maybe you've taken several trips that lasted longer than two weeks, or maybe you've lived under the same roof before. If things went well before, and your relationship has only gotten stronger since, then those are great signs that you're both ready to officially move in together.
5. You Trust Each Other Completely
Trust is extremely important in a relationship; without it, your bond may quickly crumble. If you and your partner already trust each other completely and never feel the need to question or overthink, that’s a solid sign that you're both secure and confident enough to share a set of keys.
6. You Can Handle Conflicts Maturely
When conflicts arise, are you and your partner able to talk through them calmly and maturely? If not, that's something you'll both want to work on first. But if yes, then that's a great sign—especially if your disagreements actually lead to better understanding.
7. You've Discussed Boundaries & Dealbreakers
You and your partner don't just understand and accept each other's quirks—you both also understand and respect each other's boundaries and dealbreakers. While you love spending time together, you also know when to step back and let the other have their own personal space.
8. You've Talked About the Future
Even if you technically haven't discussed marriage, you and your partner have both talked about sharing a future together. This shows that you're both committed to each other and are ready to take the next step—maybe even the next 10 steps—whether that means moving in, getting married, or starting a family.
9. This Feels Right
If the idea of moving in together feels like the perfect next step in your relationship, that's another clear sign that you're both more than ready to go for it. After all, this is exactly how it should feel: like you're making the right choice.
10. Moving In Together Excites You
Moving in together doesn't just feel like the perfect next step—the thought of it excites you. Sure, you might still have some nerves, but it's the kind that feels like butterflies in your stomach, not the kind that makes you want to flee. If you're already elated about this decision, then what are you waiting for?
