How Soon Should Couples Move in Together?

Moving in together is a decision that couples face.

Define the Relationship

Communicating about goals assists in determining cohabitation readiness.

Couples should move in together when there is a well-defined and mutual understanding of the direction that the relationship is moving toward. Couples are ready to cohabitate when there is a discussion and agreement that addresses individual and relationship responsibilities, commitment expectations, personal goals, marriage, children, finances, religious beliefs and traditions.

Analyze the Data

Statistics indicate potential success rates of living together.

Couples should move in together according to collected data on the success rates of cohabitation. According to the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth, unmarried cohabitating couples have a 56 percent success rate of staying together for one year, declining to 13 percent at the five-year mark. About 25 percent of cohabitating couples transition into marriage after one year, escalating to 65 percent after five years.

Bottom Line

A couple's decision to move in together is a subjective matter.

Relationship decisions to move in together are subjective and should be based on the inclinations and goals of a particular couple. Statistical information can assist couples in assessing their present situation and the likeliness of relationship success; however open communication assists a couple in evaluating cohabitation readiness.

References

• CDC: Cohabitation and Marriage Data
• CNN: Moving in Together
• Psychology Today: Should We Live Together?