An article by Alice Robertson with Tidy Home
When it’s time to tie the knot, there are still a few loose ends you’ll need to tie up at home to ensure a harmonious matrimony from day one. Keep reading to find out how to make your house a happy home once the honeymoon is over.
Invest in the best
While you may not be able to afford the best of everything, there are some areas where skimping can cause a skirmish. Spend the money on high-quality paint (and brushes) if you’re sprucing up the place. The bottom-of-the-barrel stuff may cost you more in the long run and takes two or three coats to cover the walls. Starting your marriage off with splotchy walls won’t create harmony.
You’ll also want to invest in home security, especially if one spouse travels often. If you plan to take a honeymoon, a home security system will also help protect all of your wedding gifts from nosy ne’er-do-wells that might take your absence as an opportunity to fatten their pockets.
Purge and merge
Marriage isn’t just about unifying as one heart; you’ll also need to prepare to merge households. If you’ve lived alone for some time, this will mean putting two different styles under one roof. Nationwide suggests setting ground rules, measuring your space, and deciding together what to keep. Consider adding extra storage to the garage or attic if there are items you wish to keep but won’t get displayed in your new mutual living space.
Create comfort
Your living space should be comfortable for both you and your new spouse (along with any children you have together or from a previous marriage). When it comes to comfort, the environment is your top priority. Bring in a few potted plants for a low-cost update that will provide instant tranquility. Pay attention to lighting, as well, since natural light can enhance your mood, according to NC State University. And consider an air purifier to rid your home’s air of any toxins that may be lingering – unfortunately, the air inside your home is dirtier than you think, thanks to common household items such as air fresheners, cleaning products, gas appliances and outdoor pollution sources that make their way inside (such as smog, radon and pesticides).
Discuss with your partner the types of artwork you’ll have in your home. Remember, you may love the clay ashtray your best friend made in high school art class, but your spouse may not. Buy a few pieces that showcase your mutual interests such as abstract art for the living room or fun vintage tin signs for the kitchen.
Goodnight, sweetheart
One of the most important things you can do to prepare your bedroom for your wedding day is invest in a new mattress and bedding. This is a symbolic gesture that lets you enjoy your first night as a wedded couple in clean and cozy conditions. Your new mattress should work for both of your sleeping habits (think: back sleeper, side sleeper, hot sleeper, and so on). Refer to this guide to learn more information about how to select the ideal mattress for both you and your partner. Cotton sheets, room-darkening curtains, a small salt lamp, and a sound machine will help you enjoy your bedroom and all the things you’ll do together in it.
A space for everything
Your excess (former) home goods aren’t the only things you should prepare to keep out of sight. When you’re moving in together, you’ll want to be prepared for messes – everyone makes them and no one even wants to clean them up. Before your wedding day, prep your home by creating a space for everything. Marilyn Wedge, Ph.D. explains that clutter around the home can lead to relationship issues and create a stressful environment. Your home’s cleanliness plays a role in your stress levels so make sure it’s neat, tidy and dust-free before spending your first days together under one roof.
If you don’t have tons of cash on hand to make improvements to your home, you can always ask for gift cards to Lowe’s or Home Depot on your wedding registry. Items such as quality towels and cookware, a homeowner tool kit and grown-up furniture can also be requested.
Your house isn’t a home until the two of you become one, make sure it’s ready for the long haul by making a few improvements and working together to create an environment that’s comfortable for all.
