Take a look at your items and think about how often you use them. A good rule of thumb is to get rid of anything you haven’t used in over a year. Having a yard sale is a great way to get rid of unwanted possessions and make some money in the process. Make sure to list your yard sale on Craigslist so people know you’re having it. Yard sales are most popular in the spring, summer, and fall when the weather’s nice. What you don’t sell, you can donate. Remember it is much easier to get rid of things before you pack and move. Your merge will be easier if you make the decisions before you start squeezing in items that don’t work.
Furniture: beds, dressers, side tables, couches, kitchen tables, chairs, etc. Appliances: blenders, toasters, washers, dryers, coffee makers, etc. Kitchen supplies: can openers, wine openers, pots, pans, baking supplies, etc. Extra linens: sheets, towels, etc.
Make sure your list isn’t three pages longer than your partner’s. You each get an equal say when it comes to “must-haves. " This is an exercise in compromise. Limit your must-haves to things you do need, then go back and see which “wants” will fit in the new space, too.
You may be used to free rein with closet space before the merge. Now you may need to rotate seasonal items and store some items that aren’t used so everyone has space. Consider boxing up or using vacuum compaction bags to store things you don’t wear often. Organize your files and records. Determine what is safe to shred if you have multiple years of financial records. Get rid of or store any items you don’t want to become common property. Since you’re living together you can’t expect the same privacy and the ability to keep certain items secret. If you’ve got anything embarrassing you should think twice before taking it.
Talk about what vision you have for the new household. How will the new home look? Will each room have a combination of both of your possessions? Talk about the possessions you both cherish. Is there something you assume your partner will give up? Is there something you don’t want to give up? Get it all out there right away.
Include the windows, doors, cabinets, the kitchen island, and other features that might affect how you arrange furniture in the room. Take pictures as well, so you’ll remember the little details that could help you decide where to put things.
Measure the furniture to determine where it will fit. Check your drawing of the floor plan and visualize how each piece of furniture will look. Keep swatches cut from the underneath of couches, chairs, and upholstered pieces. It will be easier to tell if items match or not before having to move them. Think about furniture pieces individually instead of their current arrangement. Follow common decorating rules in terms to help you pleasingly arrange things. For example, couches should be surrounded by a little space on all sides. In the bedroom, your bed should be the main focus, rather than shoved in a corner. [2] X Research source
See if each person in the house can get some space of his or her own. Decide which rooms will be “family rooms” and aim to have them reflect the personalities of the entire household. Consider getting furniture recovered. A good upholstery shop can not only change the fabric but can add or remove padding to change the shape. You’ll have a chance to pick fabrics together and there’s a better chance of finding something that ties your taste together.
Label the boxes by color, and have the person you’re moving in with doing the same. For example, items that belong in the living room could have a purple label, items for the kitchen could have a red label, and so on. Have the boxes delivered to the appropriate room in the new home.
Don’t start things off on the wrong foot by being stubborn about little things that don’t matter. If you have three hand mixers, for example, have the mentality that you’re willing to give yours up for the sake of the household. Don’t fight about whether to keep heirlooms. If your partner wants to keep the table his grandfather made, don’t fight about it, even if you think the thing is hideous. If it’s a family heirloom, it should stay in the family.
Strive for a new and improved merged household, rather than trying to replicate the old house. If the person is moving into your home, be willing to make big changes. Remember that you’ll need to make mutual decisions about how to improve the space from now on.
Let kids decide which toys to keep, and which to give away. Get kids excited about the new and improved space. Tell them moving will be an adventure. Try to keep the kids’ sleeping arrangements similar to what they were before the merge. [3] X Expert Source Steven Hesky, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 2 September 2021.
If you have pets, where will their new hangouts be? Where will they sleep? Where will you keep their food and water dishes? Figure out who gets what closets and storage space before you move in, so you can keep your new household organized from the get-go. Make a plan for sharing “extra” spaces, like a nook that can be a study, craft room, or reading nook depending on how you want to use it.
Allow the person with fewer items to contribute by giving them the freedom to select decorations, layout, or even to decorate their personal space. For example office, reading nook, gym area, etc.
