Merging Households After Your Wedding

Two living room sets, two microwaves, two dining room sets, multiple TVs, family heirlooms...as you and your partner combine lives, you will have to combine households too.  If either partner is a pack-rat, this may become more of a challenge.  What if you don't have enough space to store everything?  So how will you decide what stuff will stay and what has to go?  If one partner is not tied to their furniture, great- problem averted! Otherwise, keep reading...

It's important that your relationship doesn't become strained over furniture.  People's histories are sometimes connected to their furniture so be respectful to each other feelings by not referring to anything as ugly...even it is a little grubby LOL. As much as you and your partner may have in common, when it comes down to decor, your style may differ. Here's where communication and negotiation will play a big part in your relationship. 

Here's a tip: Try not to label items "his" or "hers".  After the vows, your blended possessions should be referred to as "ours".  No one wants to feel like a guest in their own home so do whatever it takes to make each other comfortable.  Be open to change.  If it takes both of you getting rid of both living room sets and buying a new set TOGETHER, then so be it.  Transform the house so that everything old looks new.  It doesn't have to take a lot of money, but it will take a lot of imagination. Develop a plan, make it a family project and do it together. Don't look at it like it's a chore, view it as an opportunity to get your new life organized.  

Here's another tip: Get rid of duplicate items.  Start with little things like cutlery, table lamps, sheets and linen. Work your way up to bigger duplicate items like furniture sets and large appliances. Figure out what you actually need and what you don't need, create a "keep" pile and a "give away" pile. Maybe even consider having a yard sale.  

Learn how to share space. It's only stuff.  Take it one day at a time and everything will come together. #behappy

~Your Favorite Wedding Officiant~
www.sweetheartweddingvows.com