When two become one

When two households have to merge into one, some consideration and time needs to go into deciding what should and should not be kept. This can be a stressful process, particularly when there is sentimental or capital value attached to the belongings. Here, Space Whisperer, Tonya Lehtinen, shares her top tips for creating one cohesive space.

Edit your space

Edit your belongings before the move. Remember that although it is wonderful to have lots of great things, our space is sacred and we must not compromise it just to get everything in when merging two homes.

Let go of antiques

It is a common mistake to hold onto valuable antiques just because you’ve inherited them but the value is not there if they’re not appreciated. Unless they are heirlooms, where the etiquette is to keep them in the family, get them to an auction house.

Plan one home project

Double divorced couples need to have one cohesive space in their new home or a partner’s space they have moved into. The best way to do this is by creating at least one home project together.

Duplicate appliances

Choose the appliances that will service the broadest spectrum of needs. A big family will do better with a large top loader rather than a sophisticated and smaller model. Although quality of brand is important evaluate it against cost of repairs and valid warranties.

Beds

Here is where one needs to do a few trials. Beds are a very personal item and the wrong bed can cause a lot of discomfort. Good beds are expensive but don’t have great resell value so hang onto quality beds.

Furniture to keep (even if duplicated)

Keep good quality sofas if the size is good and the style doable. Have a slipcover made in a fabric you both like. Good quality drawers are also keepers. You can reinvent them with a coat of paint and a change of handles. In the case of two dining room tables, use one outside for alfresco dining and apply a weatherproofing treatment.

Emotions

Remind yourself not to take decisions personally and to be sensitive with comments about other family members styles, tastes and needs.