Moving in together with someone is a leap of faith no matter how you slice it.

Merging your lives and living spaces can create problems and stress, but could also become a wonderful experience. To make sure you’re getting more positive than negative, you need to consider some points before taking such a step.

Read on to learn more about moving in with someone.

1. Make a Note of Their Overall Responsibility

Whether you’re planning to move in with a friend or a significant other, their level of responsibility is the very first thing to pay attention to.

Signing a lease binds you with someone else legally, and you need to be sure they will hold up their end of the arrangement. Having someone stop paying the rent or bills can cause you serious financial stress.

Even if you like or love someone, never take this step unless you feel that they are an overall responsible person.

2. Be Sure They Have Consistent Income and Handle Their Money

Even if they’re responsible, it doesn’t mean much if they can’t afford the living expenses.

You should know their job and have an idea of their ability to pay the rent and bills. If it seems like it’s going to be a stretch for them, or if they’re having trouble staying employed consistently, look elsewhere.

3. Gauge How Openly You Can Communicate With Them

Having a roommate is a great way to practice and hone your communication strategies because these situations come up often.

Since you’ll be having a lot of talks, be sure that you room with someone that you can speak about these matters with. Make sure that they are great communicators and that they’re also emotionally mature enough to handle the hard conversations.

You will need to begin coordinating things starting with the move, and will then have to handle bills, scheduling, and other matters. When possible, set up some routines and opportunities that will help you stay organized.

4. Figure Out How You Mesh in Terms of Personality and Habits

Business aside, living with someone is very much a personal change also.

Make sure you only live with a person that you enjoy sharing space with. You learn a lot about someone when you live with them, and sometimes friendships and relationships are ruined because people are better off having some space from one another.

Determining how well you get along with someone and want to be around them is an honest observation that can save you some heartache.

5. Understand the Lease Agreement

You need to know where you stand in terms of the lease as well.

In most situations, the two of you are on the lease together and equally responsible for the rent. In other situations, the landlord or management company might offer a split lease, which allows them to remove one of you and not both for failure to pay.

Regardless, know what you’re signing up for and be sure that you and your roommate have several discussions before making this move.

Consider These Points Before Moving in Together

Moving in together is a serious step. Follow these five points so that you know what to expect.

Once you’re ready to take the leap, contact us for a moving quote.