Moving In Together? How to Combine Two Households with Ease

Combining two households is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. Two sets of furniture, appliances, and knick-knacks might not all fit into one space, no matter how much you adore them. Plus, deciding what to keep, what to donate, and how to stay organized can ignite some interesting conversations. Don’t worry—with the right approach, you and your partner can transition smoothly into your shared space. Here’s how!

1. Take Inventory of What You Have

Start by listing out the major items in both households. Think furniture, electronics, and kitchen essentials. This will give you a clear snapshot of what’s available and help prevent duplicates from sneaking their way into your new space. Be sure to take note of:

• The condition of each item
• Comfort and practicality
• Sentimental importance

Once you’ve reviewed your combined inventory, you both can decide what stays, gets donated, or, perhaps, goes into short-term storage (more on this later).

2. Communicate Your Non-Negotiables

Chances are you both have items you absolutely love and couldn’t imagine parting with (even if said items clash with everything else). That’s totally normal! Discuss which belongings are non-negotiable for each of you, and respect one another’s preferences.

3. Declutter Before You Move

Moving in together offers the perfect opportunity to declutter. Before merging your households, go through your stuff and ask yourselves:

• Have I used this or worn this in the past year?
• Does this item bring me happiness or serve a purpose?
• Could someone else benefit more from this item than I do?

Donate items in good condition to local charities or sell them online. Decluttering before moving will not only save space in your new home, but it will also make packing and unpacking so much easier.

4. Consider a Storage Unit

What happens if you’re not quite ready to part with some things? Maybe you’re consolidating now, but you might need that second couch or dining set in the future. Enter the humble storage unit. Renting a storage unit offers you a practical solution to keep items you’re unsure about without cluttering your new home.

Here’s when a storage unit can be especially helpful:

• You’re moving into a smaller apartment but planning to size up later.
• Seasonal items, like patio furniture, holiday decorations, or sporting equipment, don’t have current use.
• Sentimental family heirlooms simply won’t fit but can’t be donated.
• You’re not ready to decide what stays and what goes (yet).

Just be sure to label boxes and keep an inventory of what goes into storage—you’ll thank yourselves later!

5. Create Space for Shared New Purchases

Merging households is a fresh start, and it’s okay to invest in some new items for your shared home. Evaluate your inventory to see where there may be gaps. For example:

• Do you need a bigger bed?
• Should you consider new dishes or cookware if current sets are mismatched or incomplete?
• Is there decor you both love that will make the space feel equally yours?

Plan your purchases together to ensure everything suits your collective vision (and budget).

6. Establish Organizational Systems

Once you’ve decided what makes the cut, it’s time to organize! Introducing systems early on will help keep your shared space functional and clutter-free. Some tips:

• Use shelving, bins, and drawer dividers for better use of space.
• Agree on permanent “homes” for essential items like keys, mail, and shoes.
• Rotate seasonal items in and out of storage for easier access to what you’re currently using.

Final Thoughts

Moving in together is a big step, and combining two households requires equal parts practicality and teamwork. By taking inventory, decluttering, thoughtfully organizing, and considering solutions like storage units, you can create a space that feels cohesive and, most importantly, home to both of you.