They asked and you said yes. Or you asked and they said yes.  Either way, moving in together is a big decision and can feel overwhelming, but it’s also exciting and the start to a new life together.

And it tends to be all champagne and congratulations until reality hits: things!

You may be in a whirl of estate agents for rental or purchase, and there are financial practicalities to consider. And right down at the bottom line: you’re going to be living together, and there will often be duplication of things on one hand and clashing tastes on the other.

Just remember that although it’s an exciting time, it can also be emotionally exhausting. Try to be understanding and support each other. Most people do it and survive, but your aim here is to do it in a way that improves, not detracts from, your relationship.

Here are ten easyStorage suggestions for making life easier when it comes to a single consideration when moving in together: belongings.

1.     Declutter. Both of you. Get rid of or sell what you don’t like or need, or never use. It will make combining two people’s belongings so much easier.

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2.     If you’re moving into a partner’s existing home, talk about how it can become ‘yours’ as a couple. What do and don’t you like in the home space? Are there traces of previous partners that would be best removed? Have this conversation now: although once you’re in there may be things you both want to change, it will be harder later.

3.    If your partner is moving into your home  with you, what can you do to make the space feel more like yours as a couple? Are there remnants of past partners that should be put away or removed completely? Do they have suggestions for quick, cheap changes that can make the place more homely for both of you? Wardrobe space and bathroom space are great places to start. (Note that this applies even more if there are children in the mix!)

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4.     If you are combining two existing homes, you will have duplicates. Make lists of the big stuff: tables, suites, armchairs, televisions, microwaves. Decide together whose you are going to use. You can either sell or store the other one(s).

5.     We all have ‘bottom line’ items that we can’t part with and want around us for sentimental reasons. From large pieces of furniture to tiny worry dolls, let each other know what these ‘non-negotiables’ are ahead of time. Be reasonable. Limit the list to a maximum of five or less and find creative solutions to meet those needs. (The same can be applied to the things that we do, as well – for example, you may have a favourite exercise class or serious 7am coffee habit that you don’t want disrupted by the change.)

6.     Pay attention to the physical part of moving in. You may decide to put all of one person’s things into storage to come out as needed. You may need to book removals. There are a huge amount of articles on packing on the easyStorageBoxes blog to refer to, and if you’re not moving far, easyStorage may even be able to help you move within the area.

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7.     Treat yourselves to new bed linen. You deserve it.

8.     You hate their moth-eaten teddy. They hate your tartan sofa throw. You’re not stuck with just ‘like it or lump it’ - you have options. There’s always ‘store it until they come around to the idea’, ‘pop it in a drawer’, negotiate or compromise. Just remember to consider that whilst you don’t want to be a doormat, neither do you want something small to become a battle ground. You’re in your ‘honeymoon period’, however old or young you are, and don’t want it ruined over something that could easily be compromised over.

9.     If either of you work from home, how can you create or keep a space for this in a way that allows you to stop work punctually and have time together? Moving in together and ignoring each other can eventually prove toxic for a relationship. (It’s easy when you’re living together to forget to make the time that you used to make to go and see each other.)

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10.  Once you’ve moved in, do periodic ‘things’ checks on what you need – maybe after a month, three months, six months and a year. Perhaps you put some warm blankets or a lovely rug into storage and want them out. Maybe you need to jointly invest in another lamp in the lounge because you’re spending more time there now you’ve moved in together. Sorting it out as you go along is going to avoid one of you reaching ‘breaking’ point, or a massive change being needed - especially true when it comes to things like ability or mobility aids.

Remember, we at easyStorage are here to help however we can. We wish you every happiness in your new life together.

(No obligation online quotes are available 24/7 and our team of storage specialists are available until 7pm most days – call 0800 061 4091.)