How To Change Your Apartment When Your Partner Moves In

The article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.

So, you’re moving in with your partner. Congratulations on this big move! Your family just doubled in size, and yet, your home hasn’t grown at all. Moving in together is a big step in your personal life and your relationship. Now is the time to think about what tweaks you might need to make to your space to welcome a new member of the household. Make sure your new living situation goes over as smoothly as possible with these essential tips.

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Make Space In The Bathroom

Many people agree that bathroom time is “me time.” Start off strong by making sure you and your partner have plenty of space to curate your daily routines.

Think ahead to avoid stress down the line. Where will all their toiletries go? Maybe they have a more in-depth skincare routine compared to you, or perhaps their hair requires a lot more maintenance than yours. Regardless, you’ll probably find that you have to clear out space and potentially even add shelves or baskets for them.

In that same vein, your partner might have needs in the bathroom that you don’t. It would be a nice gesture, for example, if you had a stash of tampons waiting for them when they moved in. Or maybe your partner is a fan of evening bubble baths – in that case, stocking up on some yummy-smelling soap, soft towels, and candles might be a good idea.

Map Out Where Their Clothes Will Go

Clear out a few drawers, or get a new wardrobe. If you do have closets to spare, decide who will get what space.

Get Them A Bedside Table

Give your partner a little space of their own on their side of the bed with a small table or nightstand. Make sure you consider the location of any outlets (for lamps, phone chargers, etc.) as you set things up to ensure your loved one has everything they need for a great night within arm’s reach.

Get More Pillows

Everyone deserves something cozy to rest their head on at night. Don’t forget to invest in some nice new pillows for your partner, or invite them to bring their own. It never hurts to have a few spares lying around, too. This tip applies to blankets, too!

Consider Their Office Or WFH Needs

Does your partner work from home? Clearing off the kitchen table to make space for work stuff can get old after a while. Do you have a desk or office? Will they need one?

If a workspace is a necessity, decide where you’ll set it up ahead of time so you can clear and clean the area. It helps to choose a space that has a door you can close. If you live in a small space, try to give your partner some privacy while they work however you can.

Include Them In The Images And Decor

Home is where the heart is, and few things remind us of what we love more than photos! The imagery around your home shouldn’t just be things you like or pictures of your family; it’s their house now, too, and it should represent them as much as it represents you.

Encourage your partner to contribute to your decor and add pieces that represent them to your space. Striking a balance between different preferences can be tricky, but it’s well worth the effort!

Remember To Keep Your Own Spaces

While much of the house will be adapted to include your partner, don’t forget to find areas that can be “just” yours. Maybe it’s a room, maybe it’s a corner – whatever your space looks like, do what you can to keep it separate and true to you.

Feeling like you have to “give up” your home to live with your partner can breed resentment, so it’s important to be able to have a space where you’re in charge. Set up your favorite decorations, create a hobby space, or establish a little getaway you can turn to when you feel stressed or overwhelmed.

Communicate Household Rules And Ideas

This will be an ongoing conversation! Does your partner keep bread in the fridge? Do they take their shoes off when they come into the house? Do they separate their recyclables? Be sure to keep an open mind and respect small differences in how you maintain a home.

Remember, you moved in together because you wanted to build a home together, so you will likely have to compromise on some things and rethink others. Seeing this fact as a positive instead of a negative can help you turn disagreements into productive discussions.

For example, let’s say that you hate leaving dirty dishes in the sink, but your partner sees it as no big deal. Neither party is “right” or “wrong,” but each person has some room to compromise. Maybe the dirty dishes go straight into the dishwasher, or perhaps you agree to at least rinse the dishes before they go into the sink.

Discuss the Logistics

Don’t forget to iron out the most important details of your living situation before things get going. Who will be responsible for paying the rent? The bills? Who will handle certain chores, and how will you know when it’s time to revisit your routines?

As you discuss these details and more, it’s a good idea to remember to ask your partner what they think and want, too. It may be your space they’re entering, but the home you create will be a joint effort. Learn to love the process of growing and changing to fit each other’s needs and design a home that speaks to you both.