London - When a couple move in together, they both bring their possessions - and that's when things can go bad.
A survey by Big Yellow Self Storage suggests that half of British couples have regular fights over their clutter, arguing 32 times per year .
One way to deal with it can give rise to more arguments: when the woman decides to deal with her male partner's possessions.
Some women will get rid of their partner's things via a charity shop or the bin, and some will go to extreme lengths like “accidentally” breaking something.
In worst case scenarios, couples will move back to their separate homes or even break up.
Anjula Mutanda, counselling psychologist, says moving from '“my own space” to “our shared space” can be thrilling but can cause emotional stress.
“Your home is your sanctuary and reflects who you are, so inviting someone to live with you can feel a bit like being invaded by someone else's belongings. This could result in subconscious 'space guarding' where you use your possessions to mark out your territory and any perceived violation of this by your partner could cause tensions.”
“The key to a harmonious relationship is to work as a team. Communicate by discussing practicalities out in the open, negotiate what stays and what goes and be willing to compromise.
“Deciding together how to create an equal and shared space will help to ensure that living together is an enjoyable and positive experience.”
TOP 10 ITEMS THAT WOMEN THROW OUT
* Magazine collections
* Old hobby collections like toy cars
* Clothes
* DVDs/CDs
* A sofa
* Sports memorabilia
* A painting
* A chair
* Stereo/ sound system
* Sports kit/ equipment-
Female First