Merging Households? Here Are 7 Tips to Help You Navigate the Process

Today, on Redhead Mom, I’m sharing a partnered guest post about tips to help navigate the process of merging households.

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Intertwining two lives, two households, and two families can be a very exciting and rewarding process – but, at the same time, it can be quite challenging. Whether we are talking about young newlyweds creating their first nest, or about the more complex process or blending two families and their more established households together, it’s a process that should be rooted in compromise and shared values. 

Combining possessions, routines, and lifestyles requires careful consideration and open communication to ensure a harmonious and happy home. Check out these suggestions on how to tackle this complex, but rewarding, process:

Focus on open and honest communication

Do you really want to hold on to that one comfy yet shabby armchair you had since college, but your partner actually hates it? Well, you should voice your attachment to certain items and why they’re important to you – and your partner should do the same. The foundation for successfully merging two households lies in open and honest communication. Begin by discussing expectations, preferences, and concerns with your partner. Talk about your sentimental attachments to certain belongings. Understanding each other’s perspectives will help you find common ground and making necessary compromises.

Purge and declutter

However, you should also understand that you must let go of a lot of your things. Before merging households, it’s essential to declutter and purge unnecessary items. Focus primarily on sorting items like furniture, kitchenware, appliances, tools, and so on – big ticket items that both of you own. This process should be done in tandem and by weighting which items deserves to be kept and which ones can be let go. This way, you ensure a fresh start for the newly merged household. Consider donating, selling, or recycling items that are no longer needed.

Create a new vision for your new home 

Take the opportunity to create a shared vision for your home – even if your preferred aesthetics are different. After all, eclectic homes are charming, and opposites can indeed attract. Blend your personal styles by combining elements from each partner’s taste. This collaborative approach will help create a unique and unified environment that reflects both of your personalities.

Merge the existing furniture and décor from both households, carefully considering what works well together. Mix and match pieces, keeping in mind the overall aesthetic you’ve envisioned. If certain items don’t fit or clash, explore creative ways to repurpose or rehome them. Consider investing in a few new pieces that symbolize your union and signify a fresh start.

This is also a great time to inspect the whole house to determine its overall condition. If there are damages to the roof, you may need to hire a roofing repair contractor to conduct the necessary roof repairs. If there’s a need for Greensboro roof replacement, call Roofing Exteriors Pro.  Getting a new water heater installation may also be recommended to accommodate the needs of the whole family.

Organize and optimize your space, taking everyone’s needs and opinion into account

When merging households, it’s common to face challenges with limited space. This is even truer when it comes to blended families, where multiple children will have to share the same home full time or part time. That’s a sensitive situation to navigate, and, if possible, you should involve the children in the decision-making  and home organizing process. First, take stock of the storage space available in the home, then come up with a fair system of sharing that space. 

It’s also recommended to explore clever storage solutions such as multi-purpose furniture, under-bed storage, or vertical shelving to maximize space. Consider professional assistance, such as interior designers or organizers, to help optimize your shared space efficiently.

Rent self storage

We all have things we really want to hold on to, whether it’s collectibles and hobby-related items or something more practical, like tools or sport equipment. Getting hitched and merging your household with your partner’s doesn’t mean you have to give up on things like the Lego collection you are working on since childhood, your camping gear, or even your vintage car. True, there might not be enough space to keep all that at home, but there’s an alternative solution: self storage.  Secure your possessions by choosing Lynchburg self storage wit the amenities to keep your belongings safe.

The service is widely available throughout the country, and you can rent as much or as little space as you need. A 5’x5’ storage unit is just right if you want to store small collectibles and such, but you can also rent larger units, if needed. A 10’x20’ storage unit, for example, is just the right size for holding the vintage car that no longer has room in the home garage, plus other belongings such as sport equipment or tools.

Be flexible and make compromises

As you merge households, compromise becomes essential. Understand that both of you may have attachments to certain things, and to certain ways of doing things. Approach conflicts with a mindset of flexibility and understanding, seeking win-win solutions. Does one of you feel very strongly about the “right way” of loading the dishwasher? Then, that person should be the official dishwasher handler – and the other partner can assume different household-related tasks.

Take the time to discuss daily schedules, chores, and responsibilities, and establish new routines together. Define roles and distribute tasks based on each other’s strengths and preferences. Be patient during the adjustment period, as it may take time to find a harmonious rhythm that works for both of you.

Create personal spaces for both of you

While merging households, it’s crucial to create personal spaces within your shared home. Designate areas where each partner can pursue individual hobbies, interests, or personal time, whether it’s a cozy reading nook, a hobby corner, or a gaming room. Respecting each other’s need for solitude and personal space will foster a sense of independence and harmony in your home.

Merging two households after marriage requires patience, understanding, and compromise from both partners. Remember that the process takes time, so take your time as you navigate the journey together.