First-time brides and grooms are older than ever before, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau figures. The median age for men marrying for the first time is now 29 and it’s 27 for women – that’s 30 percent 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.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Brentwood’s in-home consultant, Aaron Menard married at age 26- just under the median age for men getting married these days. Menard had been living on his own for six years in the Armed Forces and had already formed a place to call home. When Menard and his now wife were ready to take the plunge to move in together, they had several decisions and compromises to make since each had fully furnished homes.
“My wife and I made the decision that I would move into her home, which meant getting rid of things.” Menard say. “We made plans well before the actually moving date of what items we were getting rid of and where to put the now combined items. Planning prior to the move made the first months of our cohabiting experience much easier and definitely saved money!”
Certified professional organizer Monica Ricci is a renowned organizing expert, speaker and author based in Atlanta. Ricci counsels her clients on effective organizing and simplifying strategies for home and work, and offers free advice at www.CatalystOrganizing.com.
“Try not to be too attached to something simply because it’s yours,” says Ricci. “You each deserve to keep some items you love. Remember, the more you streamline now, the easier your move will be. ”
Ricci and Menard agree proper planning is the key to starting off on the right foot in the early years of marriage. They 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.
- 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 colored markers. Contact your local TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® moving company to 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. For more moving advice, visit www.twomenandatruck.com.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the largest franchised moving company both in the United States and internationally. Currently there are more than 319 national locations and 2,300 trucks operating in the U.S.; in total, the company operates 340 locations and 2,600 trucks. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has performed more than5.5 million moves since its inception in 1985. The company has seen consistent monthly growth dating back to December 2009 and more than 53 consecutive months of record growth. Each location is independently owned and operated. For franchising opportunities, visit www.twomenandatruckfranchising.com.
For more information, call the Brentwood-Franklin TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at (615) 595-5929 or visit twomenandatruck.com.
