When is it time to move in?

So recently, my boyfriend has been hinting about the idea of moving in together in September. About 3 days ago, we finally talked seriously about it. Well, he thought we talked seriously about it, whereas I'm not sure a five minute conversation counts as a life plan. 


I spend a lot of time with him, and we get on really well, but it got me thinking about when you know the time is right to shack up together. Moving in together is a big deal and puts the message across that you think that you will be together for a long time, if not forever. It's one step down from actual marriage. After 10 months of dating, are we thinking about this too soon?

 I know a couple who met online a week after I met my boyfriend. A month ago they bought a house together. BOUGHT a house together. How can I couple be so sure so early on? Does that make my relationship less secure because I don't feel ready to invest in a property with my significant other? 

I don't want to question other relationships, but I personally think it's better for a relationship to move slowly and for both people involved to seriously think through their decisions. Perhaps that makes me conservative, or unromantic, but if I'm thinking of spending my whole life with someone, I don't see the point in rushing towards the exciting things that are in our future. Saying that, I have agreed to move in with him. Mostly because I don't think we will be completely in each other's pockets: he still needs to spend a lot of time at home and I visit my Mum regularly. I also think we're both easy going and willing to compromise. I love spending time with him, and miss him when I don't see him for a day. I think these are all good reasons to move in with someone.

Now that we've decided, I have been looking at gorgeous vintage furniture on ebay, gumtree and preloved. It's fairly easy to get furniture cheaply, and I plan to paint some white for that shabby-chic look. I'm so excited to get a place and be able to furnish it with my own individual style. Unless we get a furnished property to cut down on costs, but these seem to be in limited supply.

In conclusion, I guess you just know when the time is right. It's different for each individual. I still maintain that it's important to think things through and do things for the right reasons. I'm so excited to start a new adventure, but there are aspects I'm nervous of too, particularly the prospect of getting bored of each other and falling into a rut. I think that must be the next challenge, finding ways to appreciate each other in new ways when we seen each other every day. I'll keep you posted on that one.

If anyone has any tips on how to get  great furniture, or rental advice, feel free to get in touch.

I want my home to look like this!