It’s always a little tricky when couples move into their first home or apartment together. At the moment, it’s even trickier since we’re being advised to “shelter in place.” Suddenly, those four walls that you share feel even smaller. And the little things that you could overlook – crowded closets, competing “collections” of stuff – weigh heavier. There’s nowhere to run, and it can increase the pressure on even the best relationship. Birkat Elyon has spent decades working with couples, providing them with high-quality cubic zirconia engagement and wedding rings. They offer these helpful tips for negotiating a small space together during a quarantine – or any other time.
CLOSETS
On sitcoms, sharing closet space has been a running joke; in real life, it’s not so funny. It’s important that each half of the couple knows they have “equal space,” especially if one has moved into a place where the other has been living. Make a conscious effort to ensure that each of you has what you need. That could involve things like finding a way to rotate out-of-season clothes to somewhere else.
Of course, not everyone’s “closet style” is the same. One of you might want shoes kept in a tidy shoe rack; the other may be all about scattering them on the floor. Try to accommodate each other, have a frank discussion about what bugs you and why – then try to find a healthy compromise. And let’s not forget about the miracle of modern closet organization: there’s a whole industry devoted to making the most of space through boxes, shelving, baskets, and more. Take advantage!
DO A PURGE
With more folks staying home, now is a great time to go through and unload those things you no longer need, and that just takes up much-needed space. This can be fun! Take it one closet or shelf at a time. Go through old clothes, old books, and more and then pass them on to someone who can actually use them. It will give your living space extra “breathing room.”
LOOK FOR UNLIKELY STORAGE SPACES
Say that your significant other has a collection of matchbooks that he/she really wants to display. Look around for odd nooks and crannies that might work. Don’t overlook places like the tops of pantries, cabinets, door frames, and more. Consider it a kind of scavenger hunt, one that will let each of you share the things you love.
CREATE YOUR OWN RULES
Old habits can die hard. You might be used to doing certain things the way they were done in the home you grew up in. When you and your partner are in close quarters 24/7, some of these “rules” might start to grate. So give yourself permission to let go of old routines and come up with fun new customs. Maybe you’ll opt to skip “having” to do a big Sunday morning breakfast in favor of extra cuddle time and coffee in bed. Use this strange time as an opportunity to reinvent your “couple’s rules.”
Sharing a small space – at any time – can be challenging. Now, it’s especially so. But with honest discussion, compromise, and some clever “life hacks,” you can co-habit peacefully. And once you’ve achieved your goals, celebrate each other with a great piece of dazzling, affordable CZ jewelry. Birkat Elyon offers things for both women and men (and it won’t take up