If you’ve been with your partner for a while, it’s only natural to start thinking about what the next step looks like. For many, this might be moving in together.
While it’s an exciting prospect marking a whole new chapter, it’s important to make sure you’re ready to commit. You’ll not only be confronted with decisions about décor, but you’ll also need to have serious conversations about finances and household maintenance. Setting expectations from the get-go is key. Beyond this, it’s important to know your rights as a cohabiting couple, as these differ from those of married couples.

Similarly, platonic friends can benefit from taking the time to consider whether they’re keen to move in with one another. In some instances, you may be close friends with someone but wouldn’t necessarily work well as housemates.
Cleaning habits
Cleanliness is a huge part of running a household together. It means sharing the responsibility of maintaining the space and cleaning up after yourselves. Household tasks might range from doing the washing to unloading the dishwasher.
According to a study by fitted furniture specialists Hammonds Furniture, some of the most annoying habits experienced by those living with their partner include leaving cups and the washing up (39%) and avoiding household tasks in general (35%). Untidy surroundings can impact people’s moods so it’s only fair to share this responsibility.
Beyond this, staying on top of recycling and being responsible with waste in general is something that may be important to you. Make sure you express these thoughts early on so you’re both on the same page. This will allow you to create a system that works for the two of you.
Technology usage
Downtime is important for everyone as it helps us unwind. When you’re sharing a house with someone, you should make sure you do so without encroaching on other people’s space.
The same survey revealed that too much screen time (35%) is a particularly annoying habit for partners or housemates to have. Obsessively watching shows on TV that the other person doesn’t enjoy can be seen as selfish, so always be mindful of how you spend your downtime. It’s fine to do things you enjoy but be conscious of doing this excessively and at the expense of someone else’s preferences.

Hygiene
Tidiness in a shared house is one thing, but hygiene is another thing altogether. The study shows that the top reason why people would break up with their partner while living together is due to poor personal hygiene. Nose picking in particular was highlighted – this was the fourth most irritating pet peeve.
Poor hygiene can become obvious in a range of settings, including while eating, when using the bathroom and when sharing the bed. For this reason, it’s good to scope out whether you can handle living with someone who shows signs of poor hygiene. Going on holiday with someone is a great chance to assess this!
Updated: October 14, 2024 by Michael Kahn