Five Fantastic Reasons to Embrace Living in a Small Studio Apartment
A few months ago, I left my full-time job for a full-time graduate program. In addition to the abrupt lifestyle change that came with this shift, my belongings and I have moved into a 405-square foot studio apartment! And, shockingly, I love it! I love every part of my minimalistic abode!
For me, existing in a small studio is drastically different from living in a modest one-bedroom or even being a roomie in a cozy two-bedroom. The limited space has sparked new awareness and changes in my behavior that are good for me… and the planet! Here are five transformative aspects of life in a studio apartment that I want to share with you. For those of you who haven’t yet had the delight of sleeping with a view of your refrigerator and dishwasher, this is a sneak-peak into minimalistic living. Those of you who have, please let me know if you agree and what else you think!
- The Inevitable Declutter
You know that sweater you never wear, but don’t want to throw out because you might put it on winter? Or, that coffee mug which bothers you and you don’t exactly know why? The limited space in a studio apartment will give you permission to throw away functional possessions that you don’t like. In a tiny space, you only have room for things that you really need or really want. It feels SO liberating to not be crowded by possessions that don’t gel with you! Toss them sustainably and feel exhilarated about having a free hangar.
2. The Art of Arranging and Storing Your Belongings
In a studio, you’re going to quickly develop a creative skill which I refer to as the ‘art of arranging and storing your belongings.’ After you throw out boxes of junk, you will arrange your furniture to maximize the space. This most likely entails putting your bed and couch in spots, so that there is a clear path from your door, to the refrigerator, and to your bed. After you finalize this furniture configuration, you will face another challenge - how and where to store all your stuff. You will suddenly become aware of spaces that you never noticed before. For me, this included space under my bed, in the oven, and crawl spaces where I imagined a cute kitten would get into a mishap. You might also need to find a handy friend who can build additional shelving in your closets and bathroom!
3. The Science of Cleaning
This is more of a warning from someone who bought more than $100 of cleaning products on Amazon in one night. When you live in a studio, it’s impossible to ignore messes or blame them on your roommate. In the small space, you’ll notice dirt and grime, and shudder that you alone are the cause of it. But, don’t let this sudden self-awareness drive you to buy cleaning products that are for engineers like it did to me. Buy Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook and feel comfort knowing that the majority of stains can be treated with vinegar, water, baking soda and dish soap. Let the queen of home economics, and her fundamentals guide you.
4. Conspicuous Consumption
As I began accepting and learning how to manage crumbs and coffee stains, I became more aware of what I was consuming and it’s impact. Each new object or grocery item I bought seemed to stared at me. Because they take up valuable space, purchases will cause you to question — Did you really need an end table for the entryway? Why did you forget to bring your reusable bags to the grocery store ? Now you’ve got to figure out where to store these paper bags or give them up to compost. My studio has encouraged me to only buy what I need or really want. As a result, I feel like a better human citizen of the planet!
5. Abandonment of the Insta-Worthy Apartment
Last, but certainly not least, life in a studio is far from picture perfect. My focus has gone from aesthetic to function. As a result, I’ve shifted efforts from design that sparks joy to design to design that fulfills my needs and desires. To be clear, I’ve covered my furniture in patterns and colors that make me feel giddy! But, my primary focus is my inner self and how to create a space that nurtures her. She, not likes on the Bram or pins on Pinterest, is #1 in my life.
If this list has incidentally frightened you away from living in a studio apartment, then I hope this post has at least given you vicarious highlights of the lifestyle!
