Mike Henson, counselor and social worker at Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute has defined Cohabitation has something you don’t think about, but talk about until you reach the mindset required for adjustment, compromise and balance.

Unplanned cohabiting is much like an unplanned pregnancy, the shock of someone invading your space may leave you feeling unbalanced and conflicted.

Here are some signs to help you know when it is time to move in.

You are comfortable making independent choices in each other’s space

There’s no need to ask for permission to rearrange the house or decorate, and with enough flexibility, you accommodate each other’s tastes.

You have cohabitation escapes

You have strong relationships with other people other than your partner. You have date nights with friends, family, colleagues, among others. You enjoy time together outside the house , make friends together and have scheduled dates to go out and do something fun.

You are independent and have your own interests

You respect one another’s interests and support each other even though you are not into the same things, activities and hobbies. You have well-established boundaries with one another.

You have an understanding about paying bills

You have had a conversation about money, paying the bills, revealed your individual resources and incomes. Whether it is a joint account or separate accounts with a mutual account just for bills. You are both financially independent or at least understand each other’s financial status.

You both have an understanding of what you can and can’t do

There’s a clear understanding of who does what, who likes to do what, who hates to do what and which chores you both don’t mind. Your partner is comfortable with the chores they do to completion, and you are too.

Dividing chores is all about learning new habits together, unless it affects work, in which case flexibility will help.

You are ready to let somethings go

You are willing to give away some stuff to avoid clutter that comes with combining both your belongings. Either that or you easily handle clutter through organisation equipment like boxes, drawers and space bags. This is not only for tidiness, but also to bring order and control.

You have a clear understanding of what your essentials are and what is hoarding, donate or sell excess to free up room for the both of you.

You are good at communicating

You are okay with talking about your mental and emotional baggage and are willing to get couples help to stay together. Communication and couples counselling are emotional investments in a long-term relationship.