Overview
Creating a shared living space that works for different sensory needs doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. This comprehensive checklist helps couples identify sensory preferences, potential conflicts, and practical solutions for every area of your home.
Whether one partner is hypersensitive to sounds while the other craves background noise, or you have different lighting or texture preferences, this tool provides a systematic way to create comfort for both partners.
What You’ll Get
- Room-by-Room Assessment: Detailed checklists for bedroom, living room, kitchen, and workspace areas
- Individual Sensory Profiles: Self-assessment tools to identify each partner’s sensory preferences and sensitivities
- Accommodation Strategies: Practical, budget-friendly solutions for common sensory conflicts
- Compromise Framework: System for finding middle ground when sensory needs differ
Who This Helps
Ideal For:
- Couples moving in together who haven’t discussed sensory needs
- Partners who feel uncomfortable in shared spaces but aren’t sure why
- Those who experience frequent overstimulation or understimulation at home
- Relationships where one person’s sensory needs feel invisible or dismissed
Conditions:
- Essential for autistic partners who may have strong sensory sensitivities or preferences
- Crucial for ADHD couples who need optimal environments for focus and regulation
- Helpful for anxious partners who are sensitive to environmental stressors
- Valuable for any neurodiverse couple sharing living space
How to Use This Tool
Step 1: Individual Assessment (15-20 minutes each)
- Each partner completes their own sensory preference profile
- Work through each sense category: sight, sound, touch, smell, movement
- Be honest about both preferences and deal-breakers
- No discussion during this phase—focus on self-awareness
Step 2: Space Audit (15-20 minutes together)
- Walk through your shared spaces using the room-by-room checklists
- Identify current sensory elements in each area
- Note where current setup works well and where it creates stress
- Take photos if helpful for planning changes
Step 3: Compare and Contrast (10 minutes)
- Share your individual assessments with each other
- Identify areas where your needs align vs. conflict
- Discuss any surprises or new insights about each other’s needs
- Practice curiosity rather than judgment about differences
Step 4: Solution Planning (15-20 minutes)
- Use the accommodation strategies guide to brainstorm solutions
- Prioritize changes based on impact and feasibility
- Create a timeline for implementing modifications
- Assign responsibility for researching or purchasing items
Tips for Success
- Start Small: Pick 2-3 high-impact, low-cost changes to begin with
- Communicate Needs: Use specific language about sensory experiences rather than general complaints
- Respect Deal-Breakers: Some sensory needs are non-negotiable—honor them
- Get Creative: Many sensory accommodations can be stylish and budget-friendly
When to Use
Moving In Together:
- Before combining households to prevent sensory conflicts
- When setting up a new shared space from scratch
- During major home renovations or decorating decisions
Troubleshooting Issues:
- When someone feels constantly overstimulated or uncomfortable at home
- If you’re arguing about environmental factors (temperature, lighting, noise)
- When work-from-home arrangements aren’t working for one or both partners
Seasonal Adjustments:
- Quarterly check-ins as light, temperature, and activity levels change
- When introducing new elements to your shared space
- After major life changes that affect home time (job changes, health issues)
Checklist Categories Preview
Visual Environment:
- Lighting: Natural light preferences, artificial lighting needs, screen brightness
- Color and Pattern: Calming vs. stimulating colors, pattern tolerance
- Visual Clutter: Organization preferences, decoration density, visual rest areas
Auditory Environment:
- Background Noise: Tolerance for TV, music, household sounds
- Quiet Zones: Need for silent spaces and times
- Sound Quality: Preferences for sound types and volumes
Tactile Environment:
- Textures: Fabric preferences for furniture, bedding, clothing storage
- Temperature: Comfort zones, air circulation needs
- Physical Comfort: Seating options, bedding firmness, workspace ergonomics
Olfactory and Other Senses:
- Scents: Sensitivity to cleaning products, candles, food odors, personal products
- Movement: Need for fidget tools, exercise space, movement breaks
- Spatial: Personal space requirements, furniture arrangement preferences
Sample Accommodations
Different Lighting Needs:
- Install dimmer switches and individual task lighting
- Create zones with different lighting options throughout the day
- Use blackout curtains with adjustable natural light control
Sound Sensitivity Conflicts:
- Designate quiet hours and spaces within the home
- Invest in quality headphones for individual audio needs
- Use white noise machines or sound buffers between spaces
Temperature Preferences:
- Layer heating/cooling with personal items (fans, heated blankets)
- Create zones with different temperature control where possible
- Communicate about timing for environmental adjustments
Related Tools
Get More Support
Nemlys can help you create detailed sensory accommodation plans and provide ongoing support as your needs evolve or your living situation changes.
Ready to download? Click the download button above to get your Sensory Environment Checklist and create a home that works for both of you.