Moving from a larger space into a smaller space can be a challenge.
A studio apartment is an ideal choice for anyone moving away from home for the first time. It's also more economical for a single person who spends a lot of time away from home. Studio apartments are less expensive than one-bedroom dwellings. You save on monthly rent payments and furniture-buying expenses. You'll just need a few things to make the transition into your new studio. Does this Spark an idea?
Approval Process
After you identify studio apartments that interest you, an approval is needed. Some landlords will require a $25 to $50 application processing fee. This fee is used to cover the credit check and background check. To save on the fees, download and print multiple copies of your credit report on your own from the three major credit bureaus. Save up enough money for the security deposit, which is often a month's rent. You will also need the first month's rent, pet fees and renter's insurance to protect any valuables.
Furniture
To avoid clutter, narrow your furniture choices to the basic necessities--for sleeping and sitting. In "The Apartment Book: Smart Decorating for Spaces Large and Small," Carol Spier advises that you buy furniture that's multifunctional. Futons and sofa sleepers can serve as places to sleep and sit. A trunk can serve as a coffee table as well as a storage unit. Furniture should be size appropriate to maximize the space in the room. For the comfort of guests, get a small recliner or lightweight chair so they don't have to share seating with you.
Organizing the Clutter
Storage space should also have dual functions. Platform beds and futons can be purchased with shelving units underneath. Closet storage organizers can be helpful because many studios have limited closet space. Michael G. Allen in a Dollar Stretcher article says to use baskets, wicker chests and streamer trunks to hide and store all your belongings, giving you room to move around comfortably.
Partitions
Give the room a feeling of separation by using dividers and partitions. Furniture can be arranged to create this illusion as well. To increase productivity when you have to take work home, separate your work and eating areas from the sleeping areas with folding screens. Susie Coelho in an iVillage article writes, "Try to create partitions using paper and wood screens and drapes." Curtains can be used as dividers and add some fashion flare to the room.
Reflective Surfaces and Mirrors
Mirrors help to make small spaces feel bigger than they are. Light is reflected through the room to help create this illusion. Thin and light-colored curtains are ideal for allowing a lot of natural light to flow through a room. Wall mirrors opposite windows will reflective the natural light that shines through during the day. Furniture with reflective surfaces also helps create this illusion.
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