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Moving in together before marriage is more common than ever. The moving in before marriage statistics show that among U.S. adults ages 18-44, nearly 60% have lived with a significant other, while only 50% have been married.
But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Researchers have found that couples who cohabitated before marriage have a 33 % higher chance of divorcing than couples who waited until after the ceremony.
So how do you avoid the pitfalls of moving in for love? How can you make your San Diego love nest a happy place? Consider this advice on what to expect when living with a partner:
- Make this decision about the relationship: Don’t move in together merely out of convenience. Sure, saving money is nice, but don’t move in together unless you’re certain it’s the next best step for your relationship. Are you making a practical choice, or is this a step toward marriage?
- Make a mutual decision on where you’ll live. One of you may be changing ZIP codes to join the other, and it’s important to work together to choose your new home. Discuss which furniture and appliances you’ll bring to your new home. This is also the time to hire a full-service San Diego moving company like McCarthy Transfer to help you relocate.
- Have the tough conversations now, not later. Finances and the division of labor can start fights. You can head those off by reaching an understanding up front. Who will take out the trash, wash the dishes, do the laundry? More importantly, who will pay the bills? How will you split your rent/mortgage payment?
- Have your own life. Just because you shacked up doesn’t mean you have to spend every instant by one another’s side. It’s healthy to make time for yourself. Maintain your own friends and hobbies. This will give you fresh material for conversation over dinner!
- Hope for the best, plan for the worst – Of course you don’t want to think about a potential breakup, but it’s best to establish an understanding ahead of time. Have an honest, open and loving talk about how you will divide property and debts if the relationship doesn’t work out.
- Anticipate rough patches. Moving for love is romantic, but you have to be realistic. There will be occasional disagreements, especially at the beginning, as transitions can create friction. Try to think about the “we” more than the “me” and focus on the greater long-term good of the couple.
- Keep the lines of communication open. You’ll be going through a new experience as you live together. In addition to discussing expectations in advance, keep checking in down the road.
There is much to be said for moving in together before marriage. That’s why 78 % of adults ages 18 to 29 support living together, even if they don’t plan to marry. Follow these tips before – and after – your professional moving crew arrives, and you will enjoy a harmonious home.
Once you’re sure you’re ready to move for love, be sure to call San Diego’s top movers, McCarthy Transfer. Call us at 619-596-2594 or visit us online for your free moving quote!
If cupid missed his shot this year and you need a change this winter, check out this article on moving to Portland in the winter from our friends at A2B Moving & Storage!
