First-time brides and grooms are older than ever before, according to recent census figures. The median age for men marrying for the first time is now 28 and it’s 26 for women – that’s 30 per cent older than in 1960.
Because today’s first marriages are occurring later in life – not to mention second or third marriages – more often the modern dilemma is whose couch stays and tallying how many flat-screen TVs the couple has between them.
When couples married 40 years ago, they were barely into their 20s and often still living at home. The traditional wedding shower carried great value as it supplied newlyweds with all the necessities married life required, including dishes, cookware and bedding.
For the “new couple” combining households for the first time, proper planning is key to starting off on the right foot in the early years of marriage.
Here’s what we suggest the following tips for combining households for first-time marriages:
- Go through each house together, and identify which items are duplicates. Talk about each item honestly. If you can legitimately use two of something in your new life, such as televisions or stereos, go ahead and keep both, but don’t wait to have the discussion on moving day.
- Do the same evaluation for small items, such as silverware, as you do for the larger items. These smaller items can add up quickly, and often produce the most basement or attic clutter.
- Organize with boxes and coloured markers, available from companies like TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® moving company, purchase a variety of box sizes before you begin so you can appropriately tag and box both items that stay and those that go along the way.
- Think about donating to those in need. If a garage sale isn’t of interest, consider donating to local churches or synagogues, homeless shelters or the Salvation Army.
Experts agree that couples can successfully blend two households if they take time on the front end to address the move. The key, as with all organizing projects, is proper planning.
image via epSos.de