Moving in Together? Here’s How You Can Consolidate Your Furniture
It’s here. The moment you’ve been waiting for. You’re finally moving in with someone!
Moving in together can be a challenge, especially when you have to determine what furniture to keep and what to get rid of. In order to help you and your roommate or partner compromise (and keep your peace of mind) we’ve compiled some suggestions that might make the moving process a little easier.
Before you do anything, talk it out:
Discuss the expectations you have for one another as roommates. What lifestyles do the two of you plan on leading? How do your possessions fit into that lifestyle?
Then consider the size of the space you’re moving into. Depending on the space you have, you will be able to figure out what furniture to keep and what furniture to get rid of.
Determine what you absolutely need:
A topic you should bring up with your partner is the items you each plan to bring into your mutual space. Who is responsible for the microwave, sofa, refrigerator and so on? Be sure to measure any larger items, like dining tables and dressers, to see if they will fit into your new place.
Another point of discussion is deciding what either of you can’t live without. Talk to your partner so that each of you knows what the other person is definitely bringing to your new home, no matter what.
Figure out closet space:
This may seem trivial, but the amount of clothing you bring to your new home will depend on the amount of closet space you are given!
You and your partner should divide closet space equally, and then determine how much of your clothes can fit in that amount of space.
Gather everything you own and divide it:
Once you’ve solved the logistics, it’s time to get down and dirty. Compile everything the two of you own, sort all of it and take inventory of both of your living quarters. Determine what you’re keeping, what you’re selling, what you’re donating and what you’re tossing. Moveline has created an easy diagram that you can use to help make these decisions easier.
Decide who’s getting rid of what:
If the two of you both own the same item - duplicate microwaves, for instance – it’s important you discuss who’s going to keep their appliance and who’s going to get rid of theirs.
Grab some boxes and start packing:
Once you know what it is you’re keeping, get boxes together and start packing your things. Similar materials should be packaged together – the softer items in one box and more durable items in another.
Make sure you label everything:
Label the boxes according to each room they’ll be in placed in. This will make your move much easier once you start unpacking in your new home.
The most important value to remember is compromise. By respecting one another’s decisions and working together to achieve the best possible experience, you and your partner will cohabitate beautifully with just the right amount of furniture.
