Moving in together is a rite of passage. It’s a big step and if you aren’t ready for it, can really take you back. Then again, who really is completely ready for something you’ve never experienced? Moving-in together will be a totally different experience for every couple, but there are some things that you expect.

Your partner will seem like a different person

Once you’re sharing the same space, your partner’s true character will begin to show. He or she might become a werewolf at night – or at least act like it after an especially rough day at work.

You’ll get to know his or her weird habits

You might discover soon after moving in together that your boyfriend or girlfriend has weird habits you weren’t aware of before…And he or she will know yours, too.

Who’s going to pay for food and bills?

The rent, the groceries, the dinner plans for the week… When you’re living together, chores and bills might become shared tasks. But who will take care of what? Before you move-in together, you should have an agreement – or an idea at least! – regarding who will be responsible for what.

Good communication will be as important as ever

When you have your own space, venting out relationship frustrations is easier. You have the luxury to cool down in an apartment all your own. Not anymore. Good communication will be vital at this stage of your relationship – especially after moving in together.

You’ll get on each other’s nerves

You’ll learn very quickly what annoys you about your partner. From leaving empty cups on the counter to having an incessant need to cracking his or her knuckles, your partner’s annoying habits will become clear as day once you start living together.

It won’t just be your “stuff” you’re living with

Because next to your cologne in the medicine cabinet will be her cuticle cream and next to your exfoliating masks will be bits of his stubble. Your own space with your own things will become a distant memory. Living together means you’ll have to combine your “stuff” in the same space and make it work.

You’ll have to compromise about guests

No longer will you be the one to call all the shots. You’ll both have the right to invite friends or guests over, but now you must do so with courtesy to your partner. Ask what your partner’s thoughts are about guests coming over and when a heads-up might be required.

Your relationship will change

People tend to change as time goes by. Many aspects of our personalities stay the same, but things like our goals and aspirations change. Expect to evolve more than you ever did before when you take your relationship to this level, and be prepared to adapt to make the relationship work.

Being spontaneous will be essential

When you’re living together, more things become mundane. Getting stuck in a “settled down” routine too soon might just make you reconsider this whole moving-in-together thing. But spontaneity should help counter that and keep the relationship in a healthy state. To make cohabiting a success, don’t forget to be spontaneous. Have a spur of the moment date night to keep the spark going. Otherwise, binge-watching Netflix every night becomes old.

By Justin Lavelle, Communications Director at http://www.beenverified.com