Moving in together is a massive step. It’s thrilling, a little nerve-wracking, and, if you’re not careful, a tiny bit chaotic too. It’s amazing how quickly excitement turns to chaos once you start trying to fit two people’s belongings into one place.
But don’t worry. With a little planning (and a lot of storage), you can keep the stress low, the laughs high, and your relationship safely intact.
Two Homes, One Space – A Reality Check
At first, the idea of moving in sounds simple. Pack up, roll into your new place, unpack, and live happily ever after. If only.
In reality, you’ll quickly discover you both own everything. Two sofas. Two kettles. Two entire wardrobes of clothes, plus a suspicious number of ‘special occasion’ shoes neither of you ever wears. Most homes weren’t built for double the stuff, and before you know it, your dream move could turn into a slow-burn turf war over drawer space.
Step One: The Great Declutter Debate
Before the big move, take a deep breath and start the great declutter. Go room-by-room and ask yourselves honestly: what’s worth keeping, what can be stored for later, and what’s had its day? It’s easy to get sentimental over old university notes or kitchen gadgets you used once, but remember — you’re creating a new shared space, not a museum of past lives.
If you’re unsure about certain items, don’t feel pressured to decide immediately. That’s where self-storage steps in. Keeping sentimental or uncertain belongings tucked safely away gives you the breathing space to settle first and choose later.
Double Trouble – Handling Duplicates
It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll have two of everything. Two TVs. Two toasters. Possibly even two bread makers. And deciding whose survives can be tricky.
Rather than fighting it out or throwing good items away, it makes sense to put duplicates you might need again into storage. You never know when you’ll move to a bigger place, have guests over, or simply fancy switching things up. Think of it less as hoarding, and more as future-proofing — without cramming every cupboard full in the meantime.
Sentimental Items – Safe and Sound
Love isn’t just about sharing the good towels. Sometimes it’s about respecting each other’s weird sentimental attachments too. The guitar they can’t play, the childhood teddy you secretly love — these things tell the story of who you both are.
You might not want every keepsake on display, but that doesn’t mean they deserve the bin either. Storing those precious items safely means you’re honouring the past while keeping your shared home calm and clutter-free.
Timing Isn’t Always Perfect
Moving dates rarely line up perfectly. One lease ends before the next begins, or buying delays leave you stuck between homes. It’s frustrating — but it’s normal.
Instead of cramming all your belongings into friends’ garages or your parents’ spare rooms, self-storage offers a tidy solution. Short-term booking lets you bridge the gap easily. Your belongings stay safe, organised, and ready for you to pick up when the timing is finally right.
Decor Disputes and Storage Solutions
The first serious disagreement in a new home often isn’t about finances — it’s about furniture. Maybe your partner’s love of bright yellow beanbags doesn’t quite match your vision of a sleek modern living room. That’s okay.
Rather than making snap decisions you might regret later, it’s smarter to store anything you’re unsure about. Once you’ve lived in the space together for a while, it’ll be clearer what works and what doesn’t. Storage gives you time to make decisions based on experience, not panic or pressure.
Seasonal Stuff – Out of Sight, Out of Mind
No matter how much you love a good summer barbecue or a sparkling Christmas tree, you don’t need them eating up precious storage space year-round.
Self-storage is the perfect place for those seasonal items — the ones you only need a few times a year. Think camping gear, winter duvets, garden furniture, and all the festive decorations. With those packed away neatly, your home stays open, uncluttered, and ready for the life you’re building together.
Financial Sense – Smarter Choices
If you’re thinking about renting or buying a bigger place just to fit all your belongings, think again. Bigger spaces cost more — sometimes a lot more.
It’s often far more cost-effective to choose a slightly smaller, more affordable home, and add a self-storage unit into the mix. With flexible, affordable contracts, self-storage saves you money while giving you room to grow without living on top of each other.
Why U Store It Is Your Best Move
When it’s time to combine homes and lives, U Store It is here to make things easier. Our secure, temperature-controlled units keep your belongings safe. Our flexible booking options mean you’re never locked into anything you don’t need. Plus, with convenient locations across Ireland, your stored treasures are never far away.
We’re here to give you the extra space you need to start your life together without the clutter — or the arguments.
Build Your Home, Not Your Clutter
Moving in together should feel exciting, not stressful. By using storage wisely, you can protect your relationship — and your precious belongings — while you find your rhythm as a team.
Focus on laughter, shared memories, and late-night pizza runs, not on battling over who needs more wardrobe space.
Contact us today and give yourselves the best possible start.
