Decorating On A Budget: Tips For Couples Who Are Cohabitating

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Decorating your new place takes a lot of thought and some careful planning, especially when you’re on a budget. When you move in with your significant other, it can be tricky to merge your belongings and find a way to make the new place your own at the same time. Many couples struggle with this process and need a bit of guidance when it comes to finding that sweet spot. The key is to have a plan before you move; this way, the process won’t be as stressful, and you can focus on building up your space the way you want it from the start.

You can plan ahead by taking pictures of the new place and measuring walls, doors, and windows so you’ll have a good idea of where certain items can go. This is especially useful if you have large pieces of furniture or pieces of art. Be sure to go over your ideas with your partner so there won’t be any disputes on moving day, and create a budget from the very beginning to avoid any issues down the road.

Here are a few things you’ll want to think about.

Downsize

It’s an unfortunate truth that when you move in with someone, you have to make some sacrifices when it comes to your belongings. Sharing a space means that not everything will fit, so talk to your partner about how best to pare down before the move. In some cases, you may be able to merge collections of movies and music and donate or sell the extras, but if either of you aren’t ready to part with your things just yet, keep the headaches (and arguments!) to a minimum by renting a storage unit to keep your stuff safe until you can decide what to do with it. Consider this an investment in your future together.

Paint can go a long way

When you have a tight decorating budget or a small space to work with, it’s important to note that a fresh coat of paint can go a long way in sprucing up an area. You can make the most of your space by painting only one accent wall, or painting everything -- including the ceiling -- to brighten things up and make the room appear larger than it is. You can also touch up the trim with bright white to make it pop.

Measure

If possible, get some measurements in your new place before the move. Look specifically at wall space, window height, and closets. Take some photos of each room, noting where outlets are placed and where cable hookups are. This will help you decide ahead of time where to put large items, such as an entertainment center, and will give you an idea of the amount of space you’ll have to hang pictures and artwork. Doing this ahead of time will save both money and energy, as you can avoid moving large pieces of furniture that won’t fit.

Enhance your closet

Decorating can go beyond what’s visible in the new home. Keep in mind that you’re not only sharing the furniture and decor, but you also need to divide up closet space. You can save time and money by organizing and upgrading your closet. Store seasonal clothes in garment bags or boxes and get rid of any remaining clothing that hasn’t been worn in a year. Create an attractive closet by organizing the clothes you’re keeping by category and color. Adding features like rods and shelves can create more space.

Add some frames

You can elevate your new home’s look by adding frames to posters and artwork. Look online for great deals on DIY frames rather than having them professionally framed and give your artwork a new look. When you don’t have a lot of money to work with, this is a great way to take your decorating to the next level.

Decorating on a budget when you’re sharing a space with someone for the first time can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! By planning ahead as much as possible and keeping communication open about what you’re both looking for, you can get your new home into shape in no time and jump into this new chapter of your life.

If you want to check out more of Alice's fabulous tips be sure to head over to her blog tidyhome.info