The Big merge: Couples moving in together: Easistore’s top five tips for solutions and compromises
Moving house has been described by experts as one of the most expensive and life-changing financial transactions most people ever undertake, making it one of the top five most stressful things in life. Add to that the issue of moving in together for the first time and couples face a highly challenging moment in their lives.
Not only do couples face the financial pressures of moving but also the compromises that come with sharing a space.
While it is doubtful your Grandmothers china will coordinate with his college sporting trophies, using a self storage company could make your move easier and cost effective. Look for companies that offer money-saving incentives such as free van hire to tailored storage spaces that come in a virtually unlimited range of sizes and even ‘his ‘n’ hers’ options. Follow these top five tips for sailing through the adjustment period and making compromises easier…
- Plan ahead
Try and fix the moving date as far ahead as possible, that way everyone involved can be prepared and you can have your things ready to go. Some self storage facilities help you reduce the cost of moving by offering deals on van hire service.
You could be ultra organised and order your packing supplies in advance as well. Many self storage sites stock everything from tape to labels and boxes that you can buy online or in-store. If you’re not sure how many boxes you’ll need (and you will always have more than you realised), you should be able to return anything surplus to your requirements.
- Decide on your vision
One of the most common arguments when couples move in together is having different tastes and then combining them into one home. Your wall art isn’t to his taste and you detest his flea bitten arm chair that he insists is ‘lived-in and comfortable’! You can use storage space in advance of your move to trial the layout of a room and work out how your home furniture will fit together.
- Declutter first
Decide at this stage what you are taking to your new home together and what you are leaving behind right down to your CD collections. Do this individually and then together. You don’t need the added stress (and weight), of taking extra items you don’t need. If you’re unsure and can’t reach a compromise, put it in your own designated storage room. Opting for his ‘n’ hers storage spaces allows you to store your own goods separately until that compromise is reached.
When your new home is 90% complete in décor, reintroduce the discussion and release the pieces from storage. Opt for storage sites that give you unlimited free access to your room, seven days a week (so you can always sneak in your shoe collection gradually as you’ll have your own key to your own room)!
Don’t worry if you’re not sure how long you’ll need the storage for either, most good self storage companies are completely flexible – you should be able to use their storage facilities for one day, one month or indefinitely!
- Label everything.
After reaching your compromises, write the name of the room the contents belong to and again, if you can’t decide together – put it into storage until you do. You’ll have a better idea of where to place things once you have settled in.
Write ‘fragile’ on boxes with breakables and be sure to pad out corners and provide wrapping and cushioning.
- Pack an essential box and overnight bag
Keep this bag with you so you have it to hand and fill it with pyjamas, clothes for the following day, toiletries, bed linen, a towel each, water and snacks. Include personal items too such as your handbag, wallet, specs and keys. If you’ve been moving all day, you’re likely to want to sleep following a shower and don’t want to be rummaging around for a sheet or your tooth brush amidst all those boxes.
The essentials box should be clearly labelled and include items to add light relief and convenience to your stressful experience such as the kettle and coffee, tea towels, cutlery, pet food, a roll of loo paper, screw drivers and Allen keys to assemble furniture and at least one Stanley knife to open boxes.
Please also visit the Easistore moving guides – useful for anyone who needs a bit of help.
For more information, please visit Easistore the self storage Kent specialists.
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