5 tips for moving in with your significant other

Within the last few decades, there's been a noticeable shift in how people cohabitate. More people are moving in with their significant others without getting married first, and some are never taking that final step.

In fact, per a 2013 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 4 women live with a man by the age of 20. And that figure jumps to 3 in 4 by the age of 30. The reasons differ between couples - some feel it's a way to make a commitment, while some enjoy financial advantages.

Either way, there are challenges when moving in with your S.O.; here are five tips for overcoming these obstacles for a happy and healthy home life:

1. Decide where to move
After deciding to move in together, couples have one crucial decision to make: get a new place entirely, opt for the other person's home/apartment? The latter option can be difficult, as someone inevitably feels like they're shoehorning themselves into the other's life. That's why many couples opt to discuss what they want in a new place and find it together. But having a conversation about your wants, needs and financial situation is essential.

2. Purge the extras 
No doubt both of you will be bringing along plenty of stuff when you move. It's quite likely that you'll have redundant belongings, like an excess of silverware or an extra TV. It's important to make a list of your individual belongings and see where you can purge items. From there, you can always donate or sell them, and that can free up extra funds for things you might need during a move, or even pay for the process.

3. Communicate at all times 
For some people, moving in with their S.O. can be jarring. You may be used to living your life in a specific way, and it may be a challenge to adjust to the whims of someone else. But this is where communication is key once more - you have to discuss how you want to do things like cook dinner or divvy up the chores. It's also important to recognize there will be a period of adjustment; it takes work to move in successfully, and you always have to be aware of your needs and those of your S.O.

4. Compromise when necessary 
If you ask most experts what the key to a successful move-in boils down to, they'll say compromise. You have to find consensus in just about everything you do, whether that's decorating the apartment, handling the bills and finances, or deciding what belongings to keep or get rid of. That means having to make sacrifices for your partner, and be willing to live with certain concessions. Luckily, the benefits far outweigh not having that 62-inch flat-screen TV in your bedroom.

5. Hire a pro mover 
When moving in with your S.O., you want to minimize the stress as much as possible. That way, you can focus on the important stuff, like choosing wall colors or deciding to go with a modern or vintage design aesthetic. If you hire a professional moving service like Atlas Van Lines, you can expect a stress-free move that'll only enhance your relationship.