Considering a Studio Apartment? Here’s What to Know
As every New Yorker knows, finding space in the city isn’t
easy. Housing is also very expensive, whether you’re renting
or buying. To help cut costs, and also downsize your possessions,
studio apartments are the way to go. Granted, studio living does mean having to
deal with living in a very small confined space. But it can also be very cozy. In
fact, studio apartments have become something of a fad with many investors
developing luxury
studios with all the modern bells and whistles. Even if the more
luxurious types are out of your reach, you can still get one that meets all
your needs. If you’re on the hunt for one in the city, then you need to make
some considerations before you choose. Studio living requires a change in how
you might be used to living.
1. Have realistic expectations
One of the most important things you can do in your hunt for a studio apartment is to have realistic expectations. A lot of people moving to NYC for the first time think they can score a beautiful, modern studio apartment in East Village for $1,500. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. If you want prices like that, you’ll need to consider a neighborhood in the outer boroughs. Of course, you can still get lucky. But in a city, as crowded as NYC with such a long waiting list on apartments it’s better not to count on it. Do a little research into what kind of prices you can expect from your chosen borough and neighborhood. Try to stay realistic and keep an open mind.
2. Consider your needs and wants
As with staying realistic, you’ll also want to prioritize
your needs over your wants. Whether it’s location, space or amenities, you’ll
want to consider which of these your willing to compromise on. It’s a pipe
dream to think you’ll find a studio apartment that ticks all the boxes. Make a
list of the top three attributes you’re looking for in a studio apartment. You
can include an additional 2-3 ‘bonus items’ which you would like but can
compromise on. There will be times when you’ll want to get out of the apartment
so having a good location next to friends, a gym or a public park will be
important. If you find a place that covers your main priorities and provides a
bonus or two, snatch it up quickly before someone else does.
3. Get used to the idea of living with less
Studio living means minimalist living. You’ll need to
declutter a lot of things from your life and find ways to make the most of the
space you have. The average size of a Manhattan studio apartment is 459 square
feet. For other
boroughs, it can be slightly larger but not by much. Try to follow
the Marie
Kondo ethos and only hold on to objects that bring you joy or serve
a useful functional purpose. If you haven’t used something in over a year, then
toss it. Places like Ikea or Bed Bath and Beyond are great for picking up
multi-functional furniture and efficient storage pieces. If things start to
feel too cramped or claustrophobic, then rearrange the furniture to make better
use of the space.
4. Be willing to keep it organized and tidy
A smaller apartment does mean less to clean, but the exact
opposite is just as true. Since everything is in close proximity you have to
take extra care to ensure everything remains tidy. Make your bed every morning,
otherwise, it will be staring at you all day. Do the dishes after every meal,
otherwise, your bedsheets and sofa may start to smell like yesterday’s chicken
masala. Did you just come back from a trip to the laundromat? Better start
folding and putting your things away or the apartment will start to feel like a
walk-in closet. A simple bit of home maintenance will go a long way towards making
the most of what space you have.
The post Considering a Studio Apartment? Here’s What to Know appeared first on ELIKA Real Estate.
