Design Tips for Couples Moving in Together

Up on the blog today we have guest blogger Alice Robertson of Tidy Home here to give Interior Design tips for couples moving in together.

Now that you’re moving in together, you have choices to make to successfully blend your lives, your home, and your tastes. While this is an exciting time, there will also be a period of adjustment as you get used to each other and discover all of each other’s personal habits (both bad and good).

One area that can cause unexpected tension is designing your home together.

Setting Up Your Home as a Couple

Meet Mindful explains that couples should remember that when moving in together, there will be “gains and losses.” Your relationship will be stronger if you openly discuss the difficulties while still embracing all the good things that will come, such as drawing closer to each other. Each of you is sacrificing something to make this relationship stronger, so acknowledge your partner’s commitment and sacrifice and focus on building something new together.

As you merge your lives together, you’ll also need to figure out how to make your styles fit in your home. Even there, couples can make some mistakes, like making big purchases without consulting their partner. Learn what other common mistakes to avoid when moving in together from MyDomaine.com.

Making Room For New Things

When combining your possessions, you’ll need to let go of a lot of things so that you can make room for a design style that works for both of you. Here are some cost-effective ways to organize your closets.

• Get rid of any clothing you haven’t worn for more than a year.

• Put your seasonal clothing in storage.

• Add another rod to double the hanging space in your closet.

• Add shelves or bins.

Designing on a Budget

If you respect your partner’s boundaries, styles, and taste, decorating together can be fun and affordable. Here are some tips to help thing go smoothly:

• According to Dig This Design, some of your biggest arguments can actually take place at the furniture store as you choose styles that are distinctly in conflict. To avoid this, set expectations ahead of time. Talk about what styles you like and make sure each of you has discussed what big-ticket items you must bring into your combined home.

• This post from Lauren Conrad recommends that you first take inventory of what you need and then find inspiration together from sources likes Pinterest. Pick styles that appeal to you both. You might be surprised at what tastes you have in common! After that, you can shop together while evenly splitting the compromises you’ll be making.

• HGTV writes that when you move in, everything will initially look “awkward and misplaced.” Don’t let this discourage you. The website recommends moving things around, being flexible, and using creativity to combine your beloved possessions in a way that works, even if it’s eclectic.

• Finally, don’t forget to set a budget together as well. Discuss in advance what you need to buy immediately, what you can postpone buying for a while, and what items are purely decorative that you believe you need.

Tips to Help Things Go Smoothly

There are bound to be additional conflicts as you adjust to living with another person. Here are some tips that will help it go smoothly:

• GQ Magazine recommends that you try to understand any weird collection your partner won’t let go of. While it’s okay to let it pass, it’s also okay to gently remind them that this move is all about creating something new and possibly letting go of something old.

• When choosing what to bring to the new apartment, Moveline suggests four piles (keep, toss, sell, and donate) as you go through all your stuff together.

• It’s also important to determine who is the “messy one.” If you’re both averse to cleaning, work out a schedule where you take turns.

Moving in together is an important step in growing your relationship. Keep things going smoothly by discussing how you’ll set up your home in advance.  If you're moving in together in Philadelphia, PA, don't hesitate to consult with Tina Delia of Delia Designs.