If things are going well in a relationship, it’s natural to take the next step and move in together.
But new research reveals that shacking up actually kills your sex life. Over a third (37%) of couples actually do it less when they’re sharing a roof.
It’s not all doom and gloom though because the study by Space Station found that 13% of couples claim to have more sex now that they live together – perhaps due to the increased proximity.
Over a quarter of couples (28%) also said they sleep better – despite having to share the bed.
It’s clear that moving in together has a different impact on men and women.
Lads revealed that it has a positive effect and 39% eat more healthily after the move.
But the same can’t be said for women, because over a quarter (27%) ditch their diets.
Space, or lack of it, was also a major sticking point for cohabiting couples.
The wardrobe is the main battleground, with women admitting to taking up over two thirds of this area of the home (65%) something which men aren’t too happy about.
This also extends to other areas of the home and perhaps unsurprisingly causes some rows.
One in ten couples (11%) admit to arguing over lack of space in the home, with over half of men (54%) believing their partner takes up more space compared to a fifth of women (22%).
Vlatka Lake, marketing manager at Space Station, said: “Moving in with a partner is an exciting time in a relationship but can be testing until you have ironed out all the ground rules.
“A little bit of compromise from both partners always helps.
“It’s important to set boundaries when it comes to space in the home and work out areas to store belongings which work for the both of you.
“And if you still have too many things, it’s a good excuse to have a clear out in your home, and recycle or donate things which you don’t need.
“Anything you can’t bear to part with straight away, put into storage for six months and decide then whether to keep or donate.”
