It is generally considered too soon to move in together if the relationship is still in the early honeymoon phase or if significant conversations about future goals, finances, and responsibilities have not yet happened. Many experts suggest that a deliberate, intentional decision to live together should come after clear communication and alignment on what living together means for the relationship. Research and therapists indicate a wide range of timelines:
- Some couples move in after a few months, but around one year to two years is more common and often recommended for better relationship stability.
- A Stanford study found 25% of couples moved in within four months, 50% by one year, and 70% by two years, but moving in "too soon" often means before serious conversations and mutual readiness have been established.
Signs it's too soon to move in include:
- Feeling pressured to cohabit rather than choosing it freely.
- Moving in primarily for financial or practical reasons rather than emotional commitment.
- Using cohabitation as a way to fix relationship problems.
- Not being ready to discuss difficult topics like money, responsibilities, or future plans.
Ultimately, moving in together is a personal decision without a fixed timeline; what matters most is that both partners are 100% aligned and have made the choice thoughtfully and intentionally. This summary is based on relationship experts and recent studies on when couples move in together, reflecting the idea that "too soon" is when serious understanding and communication are lacking, rather than a specific number of months or years.
