There are a number of good reasons why you may want to live in a studio apartment. You may downsize a larger home because you can’t afford it anymore – or maybe you don’t need that extra space anymore. You may be moving into your first apartment and looking for something really affordable until you can save enough to be able to move into a larger location.
Or maybe you live in a studio apartment just because you need to be closer to your workplace. Whatever the specific reason for your case, keep in mind that you should expect multiple space management issues simply because your living space will be too limited. In addition, you will need to prepare well for the move.
To help you make a smooth and painless transition, here are the top 7 tips for moving into a studio.
RECOGNIZE the benefits of living in a studio apartment
Before moving into a studio, the very first question you need to answer is whether you really want to live in a studio. Is this the right choice for you in the current circumstances? How do you see yourself living in a small studio in 5 years?
Studios undeniably offer several advantages that are difficult to dispute. If you can look beyond the obvious downside (extremely tight living space), you should be able to recognize all the benefits you’re likely to get when you move into a studio.
Affordable rent. Moving into a small studio can help you save money on monthly rent. Generally speaking, the difference between the rent for a one-bedroom apartment and a studio apartment can range from $500 to $1,000 or more, depending on the location and type of apartment.
Reduce utility bills. Typically, the utility bills you’ll have to pay to live in a studio apartment will be reduced due to the limited living space – that is, it’s easier to cool in the summer and heat in the winter. In addition, fewer fixtures will be needed to illuminate the place.
Minimal maintenance. Moving into a small apartment automatically means you’ll spend less time and money maintaining the new location.
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Location is a key factor when choosing a studio.
Excellent location. More often than not, moving into a tiny apartment will be a compromise that might suit you perfectly. Basically, you’re going to trade your living space for a good location and better job opportunities, usually within the confines of a big city. Will the compromise be worth it? Only time will tell.
No roommate. It can be said that the best thing to do in a studio is not to have to share the living space with a person who is not crazy about him – a stranger, for example. Thanks to the affordable rent, it will be the sole master of the new residence – your place, your rules.
SELECT your studio very carefully
Studios can differ greatly in terms of location, price, and interior design. It is therefore important that you choose the one that will meet your needs and preferences.
Location. The location of the studio you want to rent or buy should be one of the first things to consider. Is it located in a good neighborhood? How far is it from your workplace? You may also have specific requirements regarding the new residence: being close to green spaces, for example, or being quite quiet (for example, away from busy streets).
Price. Of course, the cost of rent or monthly mortgage will greatly influence your choice of a studio. According to real estate experts, its price should not exceed 30% of your disposable income.
Interior design. Naturally, not all studios are the same, so it’s important that you check several apartments before choosing one. Consider the layout and layout of each location in terms of how the items you bring will fit and match the new apartment.
Is there enough storage space (one large or several smaller ones) where you can store your items? Are there enough windows that provide abundant natural light? What about large electrical appliances and furniture such as built-in shelves?
Don’t go with the very first studio you found, but look around and take a look at a few studios before you decide to settle into one.
Move only the essentials around your small apartment
Moving into a small studio is about understanding that you are going to live in a place with a very limited space. As a result, you simply don’t have the physical space to accommodate everything you want. Living in a studio will force you to adopt a minimalist lifestyle – something you may not know how to do. So it’s no surprise that the first thing you should do once you’ve chosen a studio apartment is to reduce the number of things you move. This is something you need to do even if you also leave a small place.
Your new apartment simply won’t be big enough to accommodate everything you want to take with you.
- INVENTORY of your current location to get a good idea of how many and what kind of things you own. You may have forgotten about certain assets over time.
- MAKE a detailed list of all the things you move to the studio at all costs. Insufficient space or not, there will be goods that you will not leave behind.
- Decide what you’ll do with all the items you won’t want to carry: duplicates, expired items, expired clothes and shoes. Don’t move anything you don’t plan to use in the future or things you’ve never really liked.
- DO NOT move items that you haven’t used in more than 12 months – it’s obvious that you don’t really need them.
- SELL, DONATE or GIVE the household items you have decided to leave due to insufficient space in the studio.
DO NOT take bulky furniture with you
As you are in the process of figuring out what needs to be taken and what’s left behind, you should definitely keep in mind that furniture is not only the most expensive items to carry to the new home, but it’s also going to take up space. The more space inside the apartment too. And space will soon be a luxury you can’t afford to waste like this.
Think about this: Moving into a studio apartment means you’ll only have one room left after the move. Space management (see below for more details) will therefore become a crucial factor for you. In most cases, you should not move bulky and heavy furniture due to insufficient space in the destination room. As a bonus, you’ll save money by transporting these bulky items into the new home.
On the other hand, if you own versatile furniture – practical, multifunctional furniture, such as a sofa bed that will serve as a sofa during the day and a sleeping bed at night – you can choose to move these double office furniture objects that will help you maximize space in the studio.
Inventory the furniture you own and carefully examine each of them to determine if it is worth spending the money and effort to install one in an apartment with very limited space. In the majority of moving cases, it is best to sell or donate large furniture items before the move.
How to get rid of unwanted things when moving
5. MAXIMIZE when you live in your studio
A small studio won’t leave you with much workspace and so you’ll need to come up with brilliant ideas to maximize space in your new home. You can’t afford to keep the studio too cluttered, so you’ll need to resort to effective space management ideas.
Get creative to find extra storage space in your small studio.
- USE the vertical space available in your new home by installing floor-to-ceiling cabinets or storage shelves.
- PLACE storage boxes on top of kitchen cabinets and cabinets that provide some space between their top parts and the ceiling.
- KEEP specific items in spaces that most people tend to overlook – under the bed, behind the couch, on the fridge, etc.
- Hang various objects on the wall, including your bike!
- USE versatile furniture as mentioned above – coffee tables and sofas with extra storage space inside or a bed with multiple drawers inside.
- CREATE more visual space by placing large mirrors on key locations around the small apartment to make it more spacious.
- Paint the walls of the apartment with light colors to make the room look bigger and brighter.
- USE sufficient lighting (layered lighting techniques) to create the illusion of a large open space.
- DO NOT use heavy curtains that could take up part of the space in the room. Instead, opt for high-quality blinds on the windows.
- HANG the art above eye level to make the new house look a little bigger than it actually is.
RENT a temporary storage unit, if needed
Despite the space-saving tips and tricks described above, it is possible that the studio remains too small to accommodate all your belongings. This is usually the case with antique furniture – you don’t want to get rid of these precious and sentimental items, but the new home is simply too small to have them all.
Unfortunately, moving into a small studio will force you to make some tough decisions so you can run it in your tiny new living space. And whenever it’s out of the question to get rid of valuables (which are also bulky and heavy), one possible solution is to rent a temporary storage unit until you have a clearer idea of what you’ll be doing with all your belongings. or until you decide to move to a bigger place again.
Renting a storage unit to store household items that simply don’t fit in your studio can be a good temporary solution. However, you are supposed to find a good long-term solution to the problem of running out of space, as the monthly storage fee can quickly become a financial burden that you are not ready to bear.
After all, remember that the financial benefits were surely one of the reasons why you decided to move into a studio.
ORGANIZE a stress-free move from start to finish
Our tips for living in a studio apartment end with something you’ve known forever – no matter how big or small the destination home is, you’ll still need to organise your move without a hitch.
- The recommended way to move to your new home, especially when that new location is hundreds or thousands of miles away from your current location, is to
- Hire a good moving company to handle the more challenging aspects of long-distance relocation. And by a good mover, you need to understand that it is licensed (by the US Department of Transportation), reputable (good online reputation), reliable (positive reviews left by customers) and affordable (competitive rates compared to other local or long-distance moving companies).
- Moving to a studio checklist
Before you know it, you’ll be busy putting your stuff away and organizing your studio to your liking.
Entrust your personal belongings to experienced movers. This way, you will have more free time for other important tasks, such as saying goodbye to your friends or visiting your favorite places again before leaving for good.
- USE a quick moving quote to contact top-rated moving companies in your area.
Ask the moving experts to visit your home for an in-house inspection, followed by accurate cost estimates. This is the best way to learn the cost of moving to a studio. - COMPARE professional moving companies and the moving quotes they have given you so that you can choose the mover that fits your budget and expectations. / How to compare movers /
- BOOK your home move without delay after making your decision – the earlier you book a moving date, the better your chances of keeping the moving price low.
Living in a Studio: Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for Maximizing Space and Comfort
What are the benefits of living in a studio apartment?
Living in a studio apartment has many advantages. First of all, it is often more affordable than renting a larger apartment. Heating, electricity, and furniture costs are generally lower, resulting in substantial savings. In addition, maintaining a studio is simpler and faster, freeing up time for other activities. The studio is also ideal for those who like to embrace a minimalist lifestyle, as it encourages getting rid of unnecessary clutter. Finally, living in a studio apartment can foster a sense of closeness to one’s surroundings, as everything is within easy reach.
How do you maximize space in a studio?
Maximizing space in a studio apartment is essential for comfortable living. Opt for versatile furniture that serves multiple functions, such as a sofa bed or a folding table. Use wall shelves to save vertical storage space, and choose furniture with built-in storage spaces. The light colors and minimalist décor help to create a more spacious atmosphere. Finally, make sure to maintain a good flow of traffic by avoiding overcrowding the space.
How do you demarcate zones in a studio?
To delineate areas in a studio, use visual and functional strategies. Rugs can be used to mark a specific space, such as the seating area or dining area. Shelves or partitions can also create subtle separations. Furniture orientation is an effective way to divide the space, such as placing a sofa with its back to the bed to separate the living room from the bedroom. Blinds or curtains can be pulled to hide certain areas when necessary.
How do you manage storage in a studio?
Managing storage in a studio requires an organized approach. Use storage boxes under the bed or under the sofa to maximize space. Drawers and shelves built into furniture are also useful. Hanging storage solutions, such as hooks or wall shelves, are ideal for small items. It’s important to sort your belongings regularly and get rid of what you no longer need to avoid clutter.
How do you create a comfortable atmosphere in a studio?
Creating a comfortable atmosphere in a studio apartment is all about decoration and layout. Use accent lighting, such as floor lamps and string lights, to create a cozy atmosphere. Choose soft textiles for sheets, cushions, and curtains. Personalize the décor with elements that reflect your personal style, whether it’s photos, artwork, or decorative items. A studio can become a comfortable and welcoming space by incorporating these elements and adding a touch of creativity to customize it to your preferences.