Tips, tricks and handy advice to help you downsize your stuff ready for a big move with a brand new beau.
Moving in with a new partner is a very exciting time as you leave the single life behind and start a brand new phase with a special person. The only problem is, you both have lots of stuff filling out where you live now, and realistically, you'll both only be able to take half of that into your new shared home.
So, how do you strip your things down ready to move in with a new beau? Here are our top tips to help you get ready for this huge life change:
Together, Write a List Of Everything A House Needs
It may sound basic, but writing a list of everything you need for a house will help you form a basis for knowing what can be taken from either of your homes, and what needs to be bought.
Gain An Understanding Of 'Sticking Points'
There will be items that you both want to move into your new place, but only one person's item can fit. Once you know which items are sticking points, such as sofas and beds, you can negotiate and discuss those items. Perhaps you're willing to sell your sofa as long as you get to keep your bed. Knowing the sticking points gives you the ability to work together to move forward with a decision.
Help Each Other Declutter
Decluttering can be difficult when you're on your own and you'd rather be doing something else so, it makes sense to help each other declutter. Two hands make light work! Pop some music on, have your partner sit with three boxes and then go through each item they have, asking them if they want to give it to charity, keep or sell. Then they can return the favour for you. Eventually you'll both only own things you really want, or things you use, so you're not bringing clutter to your new place.
Buy Yourself Time With Cheap Self Storage
Cheap self storage is a secure unit you can rent for short periods of time, or longer periods of time if you need to. You can usually move between different sized of unit easily if your needs change. It might be that your contract is coming to an end in your current property and you and your partner are eager to make the move to a new place together quickly. Cheap self storage is a great option, enabling you to move items you don't want to move to your new place and out of your current rental. It buys you the time to sort through your things in your own time, and to move in with your new love as quickly as you feel you want to. To find out more about typical self storage prices see Storing.com’s price comparison chart.
Reuse Items That Don't Have A Place in Your Current Home
Maybe you've a desk in your spare room that can be used for a home office in the place you'll be sharing with your partner. Maybe you've a wardrobe and chest of drawers you've never had room to use properly because of an integrated system, but the new house you're moving into needs them. Try to think carefully about items you have stored in the garage, spare room and cheap self storage and how they might be useful in your new place with your partner.
Moving in with a partner is so exciting, but the process of downsizing your stuff can be tricky. With such a great reason to let go of your clutter, hopefully the process won't be too stressful. Remember to work together, keep your eye on the end result, and enjoy the process of decluttering, which can be a therapeutic process for some. Soon enough you'll both be enjoying your new place together, making memories in this new chapter of life as a couple.