Ultimate Guide To Bringing Two Personalities into One Space
Contributing Article
When you’ve made the decision to move in with your partner, you immediately want to start building your new space together, creating the perfect space for your love to blossom. The process is an exciting one, but making sure you have all the necessities can get overwhelming. Living on your own, you are able to decorate your space however you desire and create a place that is unique to you, so there can be some roadblocks that come up when you want to decorate with another person. When looking for inspiration, it’s easy to put the pieces together in your head exactly how you want them, but moving in should be a collaborative and enjoyable process. Here are some steps to make the process as smooth as possible!
What do you already have, what can you buy used, and what should you buy new
When you move in with your partner, you may find that you have a lot of doubles of objects you don’t need. If you were living with roommates or with your parents, there may be necessities that you never needed in the past. Realizing all the pieces you need for your kitchen supplies or living room furniture can be overwhelming at first, but it can also be an opportunity to update your supplies and treasure hunt for decor. Your first step should be to make a list or spreadsheet of everything you need. You can find some great charts and checklists on Pinterest, like this one here, to get you started. You and your partner can check off what you have and what you think you’ll need, and then move into the buying phase. Keep in mind what you can afford, but also note that this may a good time to invest in something nice for your new home. A new mattress or fresh living room pieces can make a sophisticated statement that matches the step you are taking in your relationship. Other pieces like coffee tables, lamps, and dressers are easy to clean and are usually sold online from members of your community on websites like Craigslist and Facebook. Buying used furniture on the web can be nerve-racking at first, but these tips for buying and selling can help you make the right decisions and prepare you for your move.
Make Decorating a Collective Effort
Decorating your home or apartment with pieces that reflect your personalities is one of the most exciting parts of moving into a space that is all your own. It’s easy to get caught up in scrolling through Pinterest and adding to your own wishlist. As you figure out how you may want to express yourself in your space, don’t assume that your partner doesn’t want to be a part of it. Making the experience a collaborative one can assure that both of you are bringing your perspective to your space. One way to exchange ideas is to make a joint Pinterest account or Amazon wishlist to see what kind of style your partner is interested in. This simple gesture can show you are willing to build off each other’s ideas. A great way to pick out design and decor pieces is to focus on what has been special about your relationship so far. A tribute to the city where you met or photos of special memories with family and friends always make things feel a little cozier. It’s also very important during this process to meet each other in the middle when you don’t agree on a specific style or furniture piece. There are so many furniture pieces and vendors out there—you shouldn’t be afraid to wait for a piece that you both agree on. Once you have a few ideas, this can be a great bonding experience for both you and your partner to be a part of! Here are even more tips on how to decide on decor with your partner.
Set Aside a Space for Yourself
Moving in with a significant other can be different from living with a roommate because you no longer have a room that is all yours. The bedroom becomes a common area for you both, and it may be important for you to set aside space in your home that is significant to you. That may be as simple as a desk area for you to keep your computer and office supplies, or a chair that is your designated reading space. At first, you may not be able to accommodate having two separate rooms, but you can set aside small spaces to maintain some individuality in your apartment. Now that you are living full time with your partner, there will be times when you want to have a little peace a quiet on your own. Having some time apart is just as valuable for your relationship as spending time together, and you should allocate time during the week to have your own activities outside the house. Communicating this with your partner is key, but keep in mind that it is completely normal and healthy and will make the time you spend together that much stronger!
What are some of your tips for moving in with your significant other?
