Apartments Are Shrinking, but Yours Doesn’t Have to Feel Small
Apartments are getting smaller. According to a survey conducted by Rent Cafe, the average American apartment is 8 percent smaller than it was 10 years ago. And studios? Well, these living spaces saw the steepest decline in square footage with an 18 percent decrease over the last decade. It’s not unheard of to sacrifice space to live in a popular part or town or nearby an urban core. You’re probably doing that right now. And although your living space may be small, it doesn’t have to feel that way. There are a few things you can do to make your studio apartment feel much larger than it actually is with these space-saving tips. So go ahead, stretch out a little.
Smart Storage
Make the most of your small space with smart storage. Space-saving furniture pieces can be both functional for everyday use and a savvy solution when it comes to hiding your junk. Consider an ottoman that opens up and offers hidden storage. Inside you can store extra linens, blankets and pillows. Do you have a pet? Try your hand at a DIY project and put together an end table-dog bed. This quick how-to guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to make your own.
Go Vertical
Dreaming of more space? The sky’s the limit. For more space, simply go up. Implementing vertical storage, like bookcases, grid towers and narrow shelves, can free up more space in your studio. In most cases, they can be added in a variety of spaces, from corners to the bathroom, giving you ample storage space without taking up square-footage or valuable floorspace.
Downsize
Just because you live in a studio doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your comfort when choosing furniture. There’s no shortage of furniture items designed specifically for small spaces out there. And, lucky for you, small-scale furniture generally costs a lot less, which means that in this case, less is actually more. First, consider downsizing your overstuffed couch and bulky coffee table and replace your queen or king mattress with a full- or twin-size style, doing so will instantly give you more living space.
Live Like a Minimalist
In addition to downsizing your furniture, you may want to think about downsizing other items that take up space in your life. Assess your closet first. This is often the culprit of the most clutter. Take a look at each item. When was the last time you wore it? If it’s over six months, donate or consign it. Next, walk through your space and look for duplicates. This can be anything from duplicate copies of books, dvds or kitchen items. Place these items in a box and revisit 30 days later. If you found that you didn’t need any of the items inside the box, make a trip to the nearest donation center. Cutting the clutter is the easiest way to free up space, on surfaces, the floor, in closets and in your cupboards. Want to learn more about minimalist living? Here are tips and ideas that can help you get started on your own journey to living with less.