Moving in with your partner is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a logistical challenge. Two homes mean two sets of furniture, appliances, and personal items — and not everything will fit under one roof.
If you want to combine your lives without the clutter or stress, planning ahead is key. Here’s how to make the process smooth, organised, and positive.
1. Talk About Expectations Early
Before you start packing boxes, have an honest conversation about how you both imagine your new home. It’s easy to overlook practicalities when you’re caught up in the excitement.
Things to discuss:
- What furniture or decor you both want to keep
- How you’ll divide household responsibilities
- Budget for moving and shared costs
- Who handles admin like utilities or insurance
- What your storage or space limitations are
Getting clear on expectations avoids conflict later and helps you make practical decisions together.
If you find there’s more stuff than space, Cheap Storage Manchester offers home storage and furniture storage for items you’re not ready to part with.
2. Take Stock of What You Both Own
Before moving day, make a list of everything you each have. You’ll probably find duplicates — two sofas, two kettles, or two sets of pans.
How to make the process easier:
- Go room by room and note duplicates
- Photograph large furniture or appliances
- Be realistic about what fits in your new space
- Use a shared spreadsheet or checklist
Once you’ve got a clear picture, decide what to keep, sell, donate, or store.
If you’re unsure about certain items, consider temporary storage so you can decide later without cluttering your new home.
3. Measure Your New Space
Space planning can save a lot of time and effort. Before moving, take measurements of each room and key furniture items.
What to measure:
- Room dimensions and doorways
- Furniture width and height
- Window placement for natural light
- Plug sockets and storage space
This helps you visualise what fits and what doesn’t, especially if both of you are bringing large furniture.
If something doesn’t fit but you don’t want to sell it, our secure storage units keep furniture safe for as long as needed.
4. Declutter Before You Move
Combining two homes is the perfect time to declutter. Reducing what you own before moving saves time, space, and stress later.
Decluttering checklist:
- Duplicated appliances or gadgets
- Clothes you no longer wear
- Outdated furniture or decor
- Unused hobby equipment
- Old paperwork or documents
You can donate, sell, or recycle unwanted items. If you’re unsure what to do with sentimental belongings, our decluttering guide has plenty of ideas to help.
5. Use Storage for a Gradual Move
You don’t have to combine everything all at once. Using self storage lets you merge your homes gradually and decide what works best in your new space.
Benefits of gradual moving:
- Reduces overwhelm on moving day
- Keeps your new home clutter-free
- Gives you time to see what fits
- Helps avoid arguments about what to keep
At Cheap Storage Manchester, you can use no deposit storage and free collections and removals to make the process simple.
6. Agree on a Shared Style
Everyone has different tastes, and combining them is part of creating a shared home. Mixing styles can work beautifully if done intentionally.
How to find your balance:
- Choose key pieces you both love
- Blend old and new furniture
- Agree on colour schemes before decorating
- Use accessories like cushions or art to bring styles together
If you can’t agree on certain items, store them temporarily until you’ve both settled into your new space. Our 50% off your first 9 weeks offer makes it an affordable option.
7. Share Responsibilities on Moving Day
Teamwork is essential when moving in together. Divide tasks based on your strengths to make the day run smoothly.
Moving day tasks to split:
- One person manages movers or van hire
- The other handles unpacking and organisation
- Keep essential items like bedding and kitchenware accessible
- Take regular breaks and communicate clearly
Using free van hire can also save money if you’re handling smaller loads yourselves.
8. Create Space for Both of You
When you move in together, it’s important that both people feel at home. Make sure you each have some personal space or storage for your belongings.
Simple ideas:
- Assign a drawer, cupboard, or shelf to each person
- Use baskets or organisers for shared items
- Label storage boxes for easy access
- Keep hobbies and work items tidy but separate
If space gets tight, our storage prices page shows options for affordable units across Manchester.
9. Stay Flexible and Patient
Combining two homes isn’t just physical — it’s emotional too. It can take time to adjust to new routines, habits, and compromises.
Helpful reminders:
- Be patient while settling in
- Respect each other’s preferences
- Reassess what’s working after a few weeks
- Keep communication open
Using home storage gives you flexibility to adapt as your new space evolves.
10. Celebrate the New Chapter
Once the move is done, take time to enjoy your new shared space. It’s a big step, and celebrating helps mark the beginning of a new chapter together.
Ways to celebrate:
- Cook your first meal together
- Have a takeaway night among the boxes
- Decorate a shared wall or area
- Plan your first weekend at home
Your home will come together over time — what matters most is that it feels like yours, together.
If you’re planning to move in with your partner in Manchester, explore our moving home storage options or get a quick quote through our contact page today.
