By Molly Kay
Guest Contributor
Moving in with a significant other is a huge step for most couples, but after the initial excitement, there can be some confusion around where to begin. This is a new experience for many young couples, so open communication with your partner is important both before and during the move. A great place to start is how to pack for your transition, and then comes the tougher discussions surrounding finances, and how to combine your two unique decor styles into one space. Below we’ll go more in depth about these topics, and hopefully help to prevent frustration and confusion in this exciting new chapter in your relationship!
Get those boxes packed, sorted, and ready…
Packing isn’t the most exciting part of moving in together, but it can be a great opportunity to sort through some clutter and other home furnishings. You both can then determine what can be thrown away or donated, or what can be kept for the new space. Since your combining two spaces into one, you are bound to have duplicate items and appliances, but don”t toss them to the curb just yet.
Donating gently used furnishings is a great way to get rid of old items you no longer need, while creating an affordable option for someone else. Or, if you want to make a little extra money, have a garage sale or use mobile apps, like LetGo, to sell your gently used items. Then maybe you can use that extra money to put toward some new furnishings.
Freshening up old pieces is another great option, and can be as easy as adding a new coat of paint. Bring the old dresser in your bedroom back to life as a mini bar for entertaining, or reupholster an old chair to make it a fresh new accent piece for your living room. This is a great low-cost way to make unique pieces for your new home, while having a chance to bond with your partner over some paint, glue and fabric. You might even learn what colors and styles appeal to your partner, later helping with the overall design decisions for your shared space.
Once you have everything organized, refreshed and packed tightly into a mountain of boxes, it’s time to call the movers and head to your new shared space.
Time to talk finances…
Moving in together can bring about serious conversations that can be a little intimidating. When it comes to talking finances, being honest with your partner is a key step to establishing budgets and where you both stand financially. With most couples moving in to save money by having a shared income, talking about your annual salary, spending habits, and current bills will help to determine how costs can be split. Budgeting can help to alleviate financial stress, reducing the chances of frustration with your partner, so don’t be afraid to be open and honest.
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It can be a difficult to save money or curve spending habits, but make it fun, and establish a little challenge with your partner to see who can spend less than the other each month. This will help to keep your budget in check, while making finances more light hearted, and less of a stressful topic to tackle.
Combining two interior tastes into one…
Sharing a home can be a new experience for some individuals, and often times, creating a space that fits both partner’s styles can be a struggle. Now that you have organized the furniture you already have, it’s time to pull it all together and make a space that reflects both your styles by combining your old pieces with a few new ones.
The first step is to set up your old furnishings and find rooms that have a gap. Maybe you have a dining room that needs a dining room table, but you like vintage inspired decor, and your partner likes rustic-style. Don’t be afraid to invest in a piece that will last, and maybe combine those styles and go for a classic styled table with bench seating to combine both designs into one. Or maybe your living room needs a new couch, to go with the old refurbished accent chair. Simplistic, spacious, and durable sofas are a great way to have a universal piece, while having plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy a movie night in.
Sharing a space for the first time with a significant other is an exciting new experience as a couple, and hopefully these steps will help make the transition a little easier. Being honest and having open communication can limit stress and make the tough aspects fun, making the experience something that brings you and your partner closer both emotionally and spatially.
