5 easy ways to prepare your home when your partner is moving in

Moving in together is an exciting step in any couple’s relationship.

Not only is it a sign that things are getting more serious, but it means you get the time back you initially spent commuting to each other’s houses — meaning more time for you guys to snuggle up on the couch and binge-watch the new season of Brooklyn 99 together.

However, it can also be a stressful and chaotic time, even if you’re not the one moving.

You’ll need to make room for your hot new housemate, which usually means clearing out closet space and culling some of the junk you’ve collected over the last few years.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Here are our top tips for preparing your house or apartment when your partner is moving in.

1. Cull, cull, cull

Now is a great time to go through your unopened drawers and chuck some of those things you don’t need anymore (aka: the things you totally forgot you even owned).

The more space you can make, the easier it will be to divide it up. This can range from big items like that juicer you’ve used once ever, to tiny things like super old highlighters you picked up from a networking event years ago.

This also goes for clothes. Getting rid of old clothes and donating them to your local charity store not only clears some space, but it gives back to people in need.

2. Get your clean on

We all hate it, but a good clean needs to be done. It will make it feel like more of a fresh start if you make the effort to give your home a deep clean before your boo arrives. Plus, they’ll be super impressed.

Now is a great time to buy a duster, as you’re moving things in and out. It probably won’t be fun, but at least you won’t have to do it again until you move out, right?

3. Take stock of what you’ve got

No doubt your partner will be coming with big ticket items, so it’s important to see what you both have and work out what you are going to need. Let’s be honest, no one needs two toasters. This goes for furniture, too.

Channel your inner interior designer and ask if another bookshelf would really work in the space. Then, pick the prettier one!

4. Create a space fit for two

Picking old and new things is important to making a space a home and, yes, this can mean going to IKEA. Like you needed an excuse! It’s important to make sure your space is suitable for two people.

You might need to upsize some of your furniture to be suitable for two people (i.e. a larger couch or king size bed), so keep this is mind when taking stock of what you have, or picking new pieces.

5. Use a mover

Using a removalist company is the easiest way for stuff to arrive damage free. Plus they’re really fast. It’s a stressful time and getting someone else to do the heavy lifting (literally!) can make all the difference. You can find affordable, local removalists on Muval.

Using a moving company can also guarantee that the job is done safely. We’ve all seen a dodgy couch hanging off the back of a trailer driving down the highway. Yikes!

This article was written by Emma Norris and originally published on A Girl In Progress.