PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

So you and your partner have been dating for a fair amount of time, to where you're nearly joined at the hip. Many nights become sleep overs, the plants at your place are getting watered less and less, the milk is always going south in the fridge, and you are starting to receive phone calls at the other's home. You might even have a dresser drawer reserved for your belongings, just because it's easier to keep your stuff separate. At this point, it seems almost silly to have two separate apartments, when you two could be pooling your resources together and helping each other out with the chores. But are you really ready to move in together?

Anyone who has ever had a room mate will tell you, that even in the best of circumstances, it is never as simple as just being room mates. Human beings are involved here, and something as minor as a dirty dish left in the sink can trigger some seriously raw emotions! When the cohabitation is combined with romance, these minor nuances can be magnified tenfold, and living together can really make or break a relationship.

There are a lot more factors to consider:

Do your living habits compliment each other?
If he's a bit of a neat freak and you're more of the free-spirited type, perhaps you can set some kind of agreement that you will do all of the cooking in exchange for him keeping a tidy home. Likewise, perhaps you can help her with budgeting the monthly bills while she makes the apartment less Spartan.

Will you two become too used to each other too fast?
If your work schedules are on opposite ends, then this might actually help you two to really get to know each other. Just be sure to retain your regular schedule with your friends and family, just to help counteract that dread of isolation.

What will Aunt Maggie think about an unmarried couple "shacking up"?
Yes, it's the 21st century, but many peoples' moral convictions are still very much against this sort of behavior. You need to consider if potentially souring your relationship with family members is worth saving on the bills.

Do you already have children involved and how will this affect them?
The kids came first, and you need to remember that. If they already have a good relationship with your partner, then this might just work out. Just remember that there will be someone else in the house correcting your children, so you need to set boundaries on what is and is not acceptable.

If, after you have answered these basic questions in the positive, then I say go for it! Just remember to do this when the lease is up for renewal, so you don't have to worry about subletting! The only question remains:

What are you going to do with two sets of can openers?