No matter how well you think you know your partner, living under the same roof can reveal a whole new side of your significant other.

“Moving in together is a huge step,” says relationship expert Dennie Hughes of USAWeekend.com. “And, if ‘commitment’ is the ultimate goal, two other ‘C words’ will come into play – communication and compromise.”

While you may be ready to share your lives together, you may not be ready to share everything. Adjusting to your partner’s habits, quirks and little annoyances can be a challenge … and learning to share space is often the biggest obstacle. Before your living situation goes down the drain, think about separating – your stuff, that is.

Here are some tips to update your bedroom and bathroom to help ease the transition of living together.

Give your bed some room

When you move in, so do all your belongings. Help prevent space wars by using separate closets and dressers. This way, you and your partner can organize clothing, shoes and personal items with your own personal style and comfort. If your new home doesn’t have two closets, be sure to update the single closet with an organization system. Companies such as California Closets will customize storage solutions that will help give you both some breathing room.

While hogging the covers or tossing and turning is acceptable when alone, this can be frustrating for your partner and make him or her wake up on the wrong side of the bed after a night of interrupted sleep. For a simple solution, purchase top sheets and blankets that are one size bigger than your mattress. And if budget permits, invest in a mattress that absorbs motion, like a Tempur-Pedic, so you won’t be disturbed when your partner tosses, turns or gets out of bed.

Achieving bathroom bliss

Gobs of toothpaste left in the sink is a top bathroom annoyance, according to a research study conducted on behalf of Moen Incorporated by Harris Interactive. So, don’t sweat these small things – split them!

Separate sink space helps eliminate tensions and makes getting ready with your partner easier. Stylish choices, such as Moen’s new Muirfield bathroom faucet, available at Lowe’s, offer a variety of options from single- and two-handle designs; standard-, mid- or high-arc spouts; and a variety of finishes to meet both of your design preferences. Plus, you and your partner can feel good knowing that the water-saving Muirfield faucets are WaterSense certified, meaning they meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) guidelines as environmentally responsible and efficient products.

In addition to splitting the sink area, be sure to install two of each bathroom accessory, such as the Ridgedale bath accessory collection from Inspirations by Moen. Separate robe hooks and towel bars ensure you each have your own personal space for your personal belongings.

Be sure to continue your organization into the shower, especially since for men, the number one shower pet peeve is having too many items. For a quick and easy solution, install shower baskets to provide convenient storage for shampoos and soaps, and remove clutter from around the tub.

Nothing ruins your mood in the shower quite like a weak spray. So, keep your partner happy with a superior showerhead that delivers a satisfying experience every time. The Muirfield suite, available from Moen in today’s most popular finishes, also features a single-handle shower faucet and a single-handle tub/shower faucet with a large showerhead that creates a wider spray pattern for a great showering experience through full-body coverage.

Couples that share together …

Although dividing the bedroom and bathroom helps smooth the transition of living together, don’t forget about the little things to ease common pet peeves. Be conscientious — restock the tissues and toilet paper when low, put the cap back on the toothpaste and make sure to clear counter space after your morning routine. Place dirty clothes in the hamper and make the bed together. Finally, designate an afternoon to clean together, and then celebrate your spotless home with a relaxing and romantic evening of quality time and communication.

With just a few minor adjustments and updates to your bed and bath, you can make the transition of living together easy and move toward your happily ever after.

For more information on the Muirfield bathroom suite or other Moen products, visit www.moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

Courtesy of ARAcontent