Given the size of my small apartment, space is always an issue. Our apartment is essentially one big room that encompasses our living area, eating space, office, library and pet homes (we luckily also have two bedrooms). Within our small space, I consider it an engineering marvel that my closets don't spill out the minute you open the doors. Whether I'm shopping for paper towels, sleeping bags, sports equipment or just a new hand bag, the question always pops up: "Where are we going to put this?" I considered buying an armoire for extra storage, but then realized I didn't have the floor space for it.
It's not just storage space that causes problems. Try asking two people put away five bags of groceries or simply cook a meal in a ten-foot by six-foot kitchenette. Try enjoying "Rock of Love" in the living room while someone else is attempting to write a 30-page legal paper that's due tomorrow in the same room. Luckily, despite our lack of space, B and I have managed to make our small apartment work.
And given that many of you are living in small urban spaces with roommates (or someday will), I thought you could use some tips for getting along and living in a place that actually fits your budget, if not your lifestyle.
Tip one: Give stuff away. If you like to shop, and your space is limited, you're in trouble. I have imposed the following rule to prevent my closet from overtaking my living space: If I can't fit the new items in the closet or home, I must give old stuff to friends, family and Goodwill (or the Salvation Army) to make room. (I've also heard that Freecycle is good, and certainly e-bay is another option if you have valuable things). I stay away from throwing clothes, shoes, accessories or household items in the trash if they're still usable. If I can't stand to part with anything, I don't deserve the new goods.
Let's apply this rule... if I go shopping and come home with two bags of new spring clothes, I automatically weed through my closet and pull old pieces. You'd be surprised at the old stuff lurking in your closet. I still find clothes from college (which means they're about eight years or older) in my closet. I don't wear it, but for some reason I can't let go of it. Well, tough. Now, if I'm not wearing it, I can't keep it. Someone out there probably needs my old sorority T-shirts and sizes-too-small mini-skirts more than I do. (I kid. Typically, it's my old work clothes, warm sweaters, winter coats and gently worn shoes that make their way out. I gave away the minis long ago.)
One other cool idea: A friend of mine had a bunch of clothes, accessories and make-up in great condition that she had shrunk or just didn't want to wear/use anymore. She invited us all over for dinner and drinks, then opened up her closet and let us all pick what we wanted. I got some amazing work clothes and she got much-needed closet space back. It was a win-win for all.
Tip two: Buying stuff isn't always an option. I would really like a tent for when we go hiking and camping, instead of always borrowing my parents' huge old complicated one. But I seriously have nowhere to put it, so I can't buy one. Same goes for my eating nook (I really want an actual table, with chairs that have backs), kitchen appliances (we have the smallest coffee maker EVER), seasonal apartment decorations, a treadmill, a rocking chair, a bigger TV screen, an entertainment center... you name it, I can't buy it. And that's fine by me, because I probably can't afford it anyway. What I have fills my living space to the brim. And that's enough.
In terms of household items, I would like to be able to buy some non-perishable things in bulk, like paper towels, toilet paper, soaps, shampoos, etc. But for now, we just have to say NO! because we can't handle it.
Tip three: Organize with removable shelves and bins. Is there any storage problem that Rubbermaid can't help with? Check out their Web site for new ideas for your closet, junk drawer and shared spaces. I optimize all my space with extra sliding drawers, bins, etc. Come to think of it, I will be buying more today to organize my coat/cleaning supplies/wrapping paper/board games storage closet.
Tip four: Keep it clean and uncluttered. I am never in a worse mood than when my apartment is cluttered or untidy. And with only one main living area, that seems like always. The slightest amount of clutter - office papers, coffee cups or junk-mail - on one surface makes it seem like my entire apartment is in chaos. Not only does a messy apartment make me cranky, it also makes me feel like I want to move to a bigger, more expensive one. Keeping the place clean goes a long way towards making me feel content, so if you feel trapped in a tiny apartment, try cleaning and uncluttering before you think about getting a bigger place or buying before you're ready. It might help you stick with your lower rent place.
Tip five: Understand your personal space needs. I grew up in a family of six. In college, I never lived with less than six people. I like a full house, I like contact, I like constant conversation. B, on the other hand, was one of two kids, and prefers to be a little quieter, a little more solitary and have a little more space. Our different upbringings play out like this: If he's in our small kitchen, I like to be standing a few feet away from him, chatting. He feels claustrophobic if we're both standing in the tiny kitchen together.
When we first moved in together, I think we were both surprised that the other felt so differently about personal space. But we talked about where our needs come from, and we respect them. In the end, I learned the value of having quiet time to myself (which sometimes requires me to get outdoors for a walk or just sitting down by myself with a good book), and B learned to appreciate having someone nearby with whom to communicate.
Whether it's roommates or a loved one, living together can be difficult. Living together in a small space can be even tougher. Communicating about, understanding and respecting personal space needs will help make life easier.
.....
I could probably ramble all day, but I hope these five top tips will help you better appreciate your small, tight, unloved apartment or condo a bit more before you grow out of it.
In addition to the tips above, here are some sites that can help as you look to furnish or rework your small space:
- Tiny Living
- Domino Magazine
- HGTV: Small Space, Big Style Gallery
- HGTV: Small Space ideas
- Ikea
- Nate Burkus' Small Space Miracle
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