How to Move In Without Scaring Your Significant Other (Guest Post).

For those of you who are frequent readers of my blog, you know that my boyfriend of almost four years and I just recently moved in together. It's a big step in our relationship, but it's also a huge change in my life, and living with a boy is definitely an adjustment. 
While I'm exploring London on a double-decker bus, I've invited my sweet, sweet friend, Erica from Coming Up Roses, to share a little bit of her story about living with her boyfriend. She's living with him for the summer, and even though it's just a few months, it's still a big change!
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Besides being a globetrotter and taking Europe by storm, Tiffany just ventured into the land of shackdom. That’s right – shackdom. (You haven’t heard? Of course you haven’t. I just made it up.)

             Shackdom (shack-dƏm)

               1. Occupation: The act of shacking up with one’s Love for a period of temporal permanence.

               2. It’s like a kingdom, for those of us who aren’t officially recognized as royalty yet.

Tiff just entered permanent shackdom with Jon, and I gotta say…I’m totally jealous.

Because Tiffany seems like the coolest chica ever as a roommate. Am I right or amiright?

But really, I’m green with envy because I’ve also entered shackdom…but it’s not so permanent (yet). For the next 9 weeks, I’ll be rooming with my Love, and I’m over the moon excited.

But, I gotta admit…I was ridiculously nervous for him to see my stuff. I mean, really see my stuff. I’ve got an obnoxiously exorbitant amount of stuff (I swear I’m not a hoarder), and packing light isn’t usually my specialty.

I think I was successful, though. Not only did he not mind my material overload, but he still cooks dinner and watches The Bachelorette with me. Dream. Guy. I digress.

My move-in was totally strategic. Divide and conquer. Don’t make the move all at once. That’s terrifying, and makes for so much manual labor in one day. Bring a few things each time you visit before moving in altogether, making it look like you have less stuff than in actuality. When not in Rome, still do as the Romans did – divide and conquer.

Pack your nicely organized and individually packaged bath and beauty supplies into one bigger bag. This will work to conceal your obsession with all things goopy and glittery for a wee bit longer, until your S.O. finds out that you’re a product hoarding fiend. #cantstopwontstop

Utilize as much storage as possible to lessen the amount of stuff everywhere. Example 1: Rolling storage carts. These suckers are life changing, really. Example 2: Your suitcase. Instead of unpacking it totally and storing it away, keep it full of the unwrinkleable and call it a day. Example 3: Ask for drawer space. It’s always cute to have your own drawer anyway, right?

I’m slowly learning the art of “packing light” (What does that even mean? No snacks in my purse?). I guess 10 weeks did deserve more than the weekend-in-a-suitcase routine, but maybe bringing 27 pairs of shoes (yup, did it) was a bit overboard? Thoughts?

Just kidding, shoes are never overboard.

Thanks for hanging out with me today…Tiffany and I send our love from our shackdoms!

If you’d like to come visit my permanent shackdom on the world wide web (is shackdom still fetch?), I’m always up for visitors, and I love playing hostess.

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Meet my friend, Michelle!

My name is Michelle and I'm originally from California but currently living in Kansas City, KS. I’m currently working on my Master’s in Public Health--and like many my age, I’m a broke graduate student trying to make ends meet. This blog started out as a small side project--it was more of a fun outlet that allowed me to combine my love for writing and beauty/fashion. But I've made an amazing group of friends through all my different networks and I've grown to be really proud of my blog and I'm more dedicated to it now than ever! Midwest Beauty on a Budget is about making the best of scarce resources, stretching the dollar, and (here’s the kicker) living lavishly while doing so. I truly believe that you don’t have to be rich, a workaholic, or survive solely on ramen noodles to have nice things—you just have to be a little thrifty and clever about it!

What are you looking forward to this summer? 

I'm spending a week in Arizona with my older brother and his family and another week in California for a big family reunion at Camp Pendleton beach! I've never been to Arizona so I'm really excited. We have Universal Studios planned and we might make a day trip to Puerto Peñasco, MX. And I always love returning home to CA. The San Diego area is my favorite and I'll definitely be stopping into La Jolla for some shopping, beaches and sea lions!

Where is your favorite place that you've visited? 

Definitely Colorado (in general). I've been a few times with friends, gone skiing once, and a handful more times with my boyfriend and his family. I just love the care free vibe and they're total dog people! I'm a bit of a crazy dog person, and anywhere I can bring my dog is a plus in my book. I also love that CO just seems like a cleaner (greener) state!

Where would you go on your dream vacation? 

Australia, hands down. I plan on getting my diving license and hopefully one day I can swim along the great coral reef and all the beautiful coves! I LOVE the sea, which is funny because (fun fact) I'm actually a terrible swimmer. That's going to need to change asap! 

For more from Michelle, click the links below!

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