Are you ready to move in together?

Moving in together is a big step in any relationship. It shows that you and your partner are both ready to start a new chapter together. But not all couples last after deciding to share a set of keys. Here are a few ways to decide if the move is worth it:

Money Problems

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Relationship expert Andrea Syrtash told Huffington Post, it is essential to talk about money and spending before you move in together. Money problems can lead to bigger, more complex relationship problems, she says. Although it is common for many couples to stress over money, Syrtash has a solution. First, discuss who will be paying for what. This includes bills, rent and anything else you'll both be required to pay. After you've established a clear understanding decide what you will purchase together, like furniture, for example, and openly talk about what you still need for your new home together.

For couples considering a big move in a new state, there are online tools that can help both of you plan ahead and figure out how much living expenses will cost in your new home. InsuranceQuotes.com can tell you the average cost of car insurance in each state and other budgeting tools like Mint.com makes keeping track of your personal finances easier.

Make It Official

Ask your partner if your name will be on the lease. This is important. It may be uncomfortable at first, but addressing this now and being prepared for the future if things don't work out between the two of you cannot be ignored. If you have any questions about the lease or its obligations, set up a meeting with your new landlord and your partner.

Wedding Bells

What is the ultimate goal of moving in together? This is a very serious question that a lot of couples ignore. If you're envisioning white dresses and wedding cake and he's picturing a lower rent bill, he might not be worth the move. Make sure that both of you are on the same page. If you're both planning to make a permanent commitment, establish a specific period of time, like one or two years, for example. However, if your partner has expressed no permanent plans you might be better off living solo.

The Risks

A survey from Rent.com found that 37 percent of couples move in together after they've been dating for six months to a year, followed by 29 percent of couples who make the move after a year has passed. Only 7 percent of couples move in together under the six month mark. Moving in together may sound great at first, but consider the new responsibilities, social life adjustments and opening the door for disagreements and arguments.

In that same survey, 30 percent of respondents said that chores and cleaning were some of the biggest problems that led to relationship drama. If you're neat and tidy and your partner is, let's say, more relaxed and accepting of a "lived in" home, it could lead to potential resentment. Is it worth it?

Rent.com also found that 63 percent of the survey takers said that they rarely had time to spend a night with their friends after moving in with their partner. Although moving in with your significant other allows for the two of you to spend more time together, this should not encroach on your social life. If having dinner with your friends every now and then is important to you, but your partner doesn't see it the same way, it's unhealthy and it's not worth the move.

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