Tina Martin

Deciding to move in together is a big step! Blending your lives and decorating styles can feel tricky, especially when you don’t want to spend a bundle. With a handful of smart strategies, you can mix and match with ease. Try these great tips from Susan Newberry Designs to make transitioning as smooth as silk.

FIND SAVINGS WHERE YOU CAN

Any time you’re making a big change in your relationship, one of the best things you can do is talk through things together. One of the most important conversations you should have right now is actually not about style, but about money. As Vogue points out, your new living arrangement will require financial planning. Crunch numbers and balance your priorities. You may want to move into an apartment rental for now, which will give you some time to save up for your first house. There’s no shortage of rentals in the area -- more than 1,600 units are available in Atlanta alone.

You’ll probably need a lot of little things starting out, so you’ll want a clear roadmap for navigating spending. You can save big bucks by shopping at major retailers like Kohl’s. Look for cash back opportunities and find Kohls discount codes and cost-cutting in-store coupons. Whether you're replacing your tired bath towels or upgrading your coffee maker, take advantage of a few dollar-stretching options.

GIVE AND TAKE

Blending your design styles can be another tough challenge. Openly discuss how you want to make it work -- and remember, you can make it work! Is there something of your partner’s you really can’t stand? Is the painting of the pink poodle going to make the cut? What about that glowing, neon beer sign? Talk through those items that make your skin crawl. Non-negotiables on either side can become points of interest in the man cave or the powder room instead of taking center stage in the living room.

Also consider purging items you agree you don’t need to keep. Consider having a yard sale and using the money toward new purchases. You might want to add a handmade wool rug to your living room, splurge on paint for that powder room, or add some hardware to the man cave -- the style options are endless, so you and your significant other are sure to find one that speaks to both of your styles! Keep your budget in check with smart shopping online.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

Your new place together should reflect a little of each of your lives. Sometimes, it’s hard to know where to begin, especially if one of you doesn’t really have an interest in decorating or your previous lives were very different. Essence suggests one way to do this is by blending what’s on the walls. Put up some family photos so you are each bringing your history and loved ones into your new home. Call on Susan Newberry Designs to create gorgeous, customized art based on your wedding or anniversary; they can incorporate your special event’s song lyrics, vows, and even photos taken at the time.

Select fun frames in all the same colors but different textures and styles, or opt for the clean look of printed canvas. Have fun with it and express yourselves together

FRESH START

Instead of filling the space with things from your past, do some (budget-conscious) shopping. You don’t need to spend a bundle, but selecting at least one substantial item for your big transition is exciting, and it breathes fresh air into your home. One idea is to purchase new bedding. A new mattress and bed linens can be a cornerstone for building your life together. Find coupon codes that are easy on your wallet before making any purchase decisions.

SELL OLD ITEMS ON EBAY

You probably have more things to part with besides the old bed and any eyesores you agree to ditch. In the process of packing, you’ll likely stumble onto all sorts of clutter that are either duplications or simply outdated, like DVDs you haven’t watched in years, old cell phones, extra can openers, sweaters you don’t wear -- you name it.

Instead of bringing all those items into your new home, consider selling them on eBay or including them in your yard sale. New homes always mean unexpected expenses and repairs. Pool those funds to purchase new tools via the web, and take advantage of coupon codes and savings opportunities to pinch pennies.

MOVING IN WITH STYLE

Blending your lives means blending styles and budgets. Talk things through so you can navigate the transition with ease. Enjoy mixing and matching your lives together with smart decor decisions and good money management.

Would you like to read more helpful content or browse our selection of beautiful home art? Visit SusanNewberryDesigns.com today!

About the Author

Tina Martin stays busy as a life coach and works hard to help herself and her clients achieve a healthy work-life balance. She started Ideaspired as a side project to reach as many people as possible, and encourage them to put their dreams first.

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