How to make space for your partner

Making the decision to move in with your partner is a big step in your relationship. However, many people are choosing to go this route before getting married, or even instead of tying the knot.

While the idea of cohabitating with someone you love is exciting, there can be some challenges along the way. You’ve probably already thought about some things, but it’s a good idea to make sure you’re preparing and planning as much as possible so you can make space for your partner.

The last thing you want is for either of you to feel like moving in together was a bad decision, or that you’re somehow stepping on each other’s toes. By choosing to make space now and deciding on a few important things, you can make the moving process easier, and enjoy your time living together with less stress.

Not sure how to get started? Let’s cover a few things you should decide on now, as well as some discussions with your partner that will benefit you both.

Creating New Routines

Routines are beneficial for everyone. They can reduce your stress levels, improve your mood, and provide a sense of comfort and familiarity as you go through each day.

Whether you think you have a strict routine or not, chances are there are things you do each day around the same time that would make you feel odd if you missed out on them. However, when you start sharing a space with someone, those routines can start to feel unbalanced. That can lead to more stress, uncertainty, and even anxiety.

One of the best things you can do early on when you’re cohabitating is to either talk about your current routines with your partner or establish new ones together. Common routines can help bring you closer together, and you might find that you look forward to them more than your own personal routines.

What you decide to do with your partner is up to you, but consider things like:

● Taking evening walks

● Taking turns to choose a television show to watch each night

● Letting one person cook and the other do the dishes

Don’t lose yourself or your familiarity with these routines, and don’t let them become so familiar that you lose the romance in your relationship. When done correctly, you’ll strike a healthy balance and routines with your partner that you’ll both appreciate.

Keeping, Tossing, and Organizing

When you move in with someone, there’s the obvious conundrum of having too much “stuff.” You’re both coming from different places, and you might not have enough room for two sets of everything.

While that might seem a little frustrating at first, you can end up having a lot of fun with your partner by deciding which things to keep, which things to throw away or donate, and by organizing your belongings together in a functional, eye-appealing way.

For example, if your partner has a ton of old paperwork, including credit card statements, chances are a lot of it could get shredded. Some of the most uncommon items that should be shredded include:

● Junk mail

● Veterinary bills

● Greeting cards

● Sticky notes

Getting rid of a lot of unnecessary paperwork will really lighten the load as you move.

It can also be fun to go through each other’s closets and pick out which articles of clothing can be donated. Decluttering is a great way to reduce your anxiety about moving, and it can help you both to feel better when you’re starting in a new place with a cleaner slate. You’re more likely to stay organized and keep things clean when you don’t have so much “stuff” to worry about.

Making Sure You’re On the Same Page

Chances are, you’ve already had “the talk” when it comes to moving in together. You’ve both made the commitment to share a space, and you’re excited about it.

Now what?

Before you officially give your partner a key, make sure you have a few “key” conversations regarding what you both expect from the move. Making sure you’re on the same page won’t just make the moving process easier, but it will make living together much more enjoyable. Some important topics that should be worked out before you settle in together include:

● How finances will be handled

● Which chores you’ll both take care of

● Who is buying food and cooking

● Habits and expectations

It’s also a good idea to decide how you want your home decorated. You might have different styles, which can create unnecessary conflict if you don’t address it early on. One of you might like feng shui while the other is into postmodern styles. You can choose to combine your styles or decide who will be in charge of decorating before you clash over it.

Use these tips to make space for your partner and make the process of moving in together something that’s endlessly exciting for both of you. By planning ahead and preparing as much as possible ahead of time, you’ll be enjoying your new life together under one roof sooner than you might think.