Finding love after a divorce or separation can be exciting, but the logistics involved aren’t always simple. When you and your new partner are selling your homes to purchase a place together, things can get especially complicated. There’s no shortage of moving parts, which is why creating a game plan is so important.
Here are a few tips for merging two households, minus the stress…
Communicate clearly
The first thing to be aware of is the need to communicate with your significant other. From the budget you’re working with to the amenities you’re looking for, there are many factors involved in finding the perfect place with someone else. It all starts with a conversation, so talk early—and often. You may also have to communicate with your former spouse (about selling your current home) and children if you have them (especially if they’ll be part of the move).
Compromise is also key, especially when you start to think about combining your belongings. You may not love your significant other’s battered La-Z-Boy, and they might not embrace your preferred colour scheme, but you’re going to have to work things out. That could mean coming to an agreement whereby you’ll reupholster the chair you’re not crazy about and work together to find hues you’ll both love.
Decide whether to buy or sell first
One of the first decisions you’ll likely have to make is whether to buy your new home before you sell your current one, or vice versa. There are pros and cons to both options, and they’re certainly worth considering.
One thing to think about is whether you’ll be able to obtain a mortgage if you and your partner decide to buy a home first. If you’re still paying off the loans for two properties, it could be harder to qualify. You may also have to find a seller who’s willing to accept an offer that’s conditional on your home sale. That could work against you, since many sellers opt for clean offers (aka those that are free from conditions).
Preparing to sell your home? Here are a few resources to check out.
- How to Sell Your Home After a Divorce
- Why Now is a Great Time to Sell Your Home
- XYZ Storage: Storing Your Furniture When Selling a Property in Toronto
Declutter both existing households
Once you’re ready to buy a home, it’s time to declutter. This step can be a lot of work when you’re dealing with two homes, not one. In other words: start as early as you can. Many sellers find that creating “keep” and “donate” piles works well, as does working through one room at a time. You should also consider getting rid of duplicate items—so consider who’s toaster and blender you want to keep.
You and your new partner will want to help each other out when you’re decluttering. Doing so will give you the opportunity to talk about what you’ll hold onto and where it might fit into your new home. It can also make what would otherwise be a mundane task a lot more fun.
Measure everything
You’ll want to make sure that everything you bring with you when you move not only fits comfortably in your new space, but looks great too. The first step is measuring your new space carefully (don’t forget the stairs and doorways, since you’ll need to move stuff in).
It’s at this point that you and your significant other will need to decide which pieces you plan to bring. From there, you’ll take down their measurements—and ensure that they match the dimensions of your new home. Don’t forget to factor in plenty of space around your furnishings so that you won’t feel cramped!
When you’re ready to find the perfect home, start by checking out our featured listings here!
Start something new
Buying a home together is partly about combining your belongings, but you might also want to begin creating an aesthetic together. From pieces of art to a standing lamp or antique side table, taking some time to shop for items you both love can make your shared space feel like a reflection of you and your partner.
If you’re ready to merge households, now is an exciting time. As you move into this new phase, make sure you plan carefully. It can make the process infinitely smoother—and set you up for future happiness!
Are you ready to sell your home to buy a new one with your partner? Why not start by learning how much your current property is worth right here?
