Originally posted: November 10, 2019
Updated: August 16, 2024
It was just a year ago that my family packed our belongings and moved out of the apartment we had been living in for about fifteen years. We moved into our 450 square foot apartment as a couple. We then added two more little residents to the space, so let's just say, it was a full house. As tiny as it was, I grew to love that apartment, though weekends often highlighted just how limited our living space really was. Nonetheless, it was during quiet moments that I learned to fully appreciated our compact New York apartment. We simply learned to adapt and thrive within our home.
For many people like us, living in a small apartment was not just a choice but a necessity. My family of four was no exception. However, we’ve discovered that with creativity, flexibility, and a positive mindset, it was possible to live comfortably, even in a tight space. The key to thriving in a small apartment lies in how you utilize the space available to you. I became an expert at maximizing every square foot, turning what could feel cramped into a home that met all our needs. It wasn't always easy, but it was rewarding, taught us valuable lessons about simplicity, organization, and the true meaning of home.
The Challenge of Sleeping Arrangements: Sacrifices and Solutions
One of the most significant challenges we faced in our small apartment was figuring out the sleeping arrangements. When our first daughter was born, it became clear that my existing setup wouldn’t work. To make room for her crib, I had to part with a beautiful makeup station that I had cherished. It was a difficult decision, but one that was necessary for our growing family.
The challenge didn’t stop there. When our second daughter arrived, we had to reposition or bed and get rid of the changing table to make room for yet another crib. The sacrifice of convenience was tough, but it was essential in creating a space where our children could sleep comfortably. These changes worked out better than I could have imagined. We managed to carve out a sleeping space that accommodates all of us without feeling too overcrowded.
Bedroom and bed-sharing became a natural part of our routine. Each of us has a designated sleeping spot, and we’ve found that we can all sleep comfortably, even in such close quarters. There’s something incredibly comforting about having everyone so near. On some nights, we all pile into the big bed, snuggle up, and drift off to sleep together. These moments of closeness are some of the most precious, reminding me that while space was limited, the love and connection we share as a family is boundless.
The Living Room: Our Multifunctional Family Hub
In a small apartment, every room must serve multiple purposes, and our living room was the epitome of this multifunctionality. The space was where our daughters played, where we gathered as a family, and where we entertained guests. Given the room’s multiple uses, keeping it organized and functional was crucial.
To maintain order, I adopted a minimalist approach when it came to toys. I bought only what was necessary and ensured that all toys had a designated storage spot, typically in canvas bins and containers that blend seamlessly with the room’s decor. Toy rotation has become a game-changer for us. When the girls received new toys, I stored some of their older ones away. Later, I brought the old toys back out, and they would feel brand new to the girls. This system is a win-win, and kept the living room tidy while also keeping our daughters engaged and entertained.
The living room’s flexibility is what made it such an essential part of our home. Whether we were hosting a family movie night, engaging in a play session, or simply relaxing, this space adapted to our needs. By keeping it organized and clutter-free, we ensured that it remained a functional and enjoyable area for all of us.
Creative Storage Solutions: Making Every Inch Count
Storage is perhaps the biggest challenge in any small apartment, and ours was no exception. With limited space, I had to get creative to ensure that we were able store everything we needed. I learned to make use of every available inch of space, finding storage solutions in places that might otherwise go unused. For example, we had a closet in our living room that had extra space to the far right and an oddly sloped bottom. I realized rather than hanging clothing there which I rarely did, installing shelves was a better use of space.
Under our couch was a valuable storage spot, as was the space under the girls’ beds. Ours was quite low, so it did not accommodate much. Our furniture was multifunctional offering storage solutions, allowed us to keep our belongings organized and out of sight. This was essential in maintaining a livable and functional space.
I had been practicing the principles of the KonMari method long before I ever heard of Marie Kondo. The idea of keeping only what sparks joy resonates deeply with me, especially in a small space where every item must serve a purpose. By being selective about what we keep and finding smart storage solutions for the things we need, we’ve been able to create a home that feels both spacious and serene.
Creative Storage Solutions: Making Every Inch Count
Storage is perhaps the biggest challenge in any small apartment, and ours was no exception. With limited space, I had to get creative to ensure that we were able store everything we needed. I learned to make use of every available inch of space, finding storage solutions in places that might otherwise go unused. For example, we had a closet in our living room that had extra space to the far right and an oddly sloped bottom. I realized rather than hanging clothing there which I rarely did, installing shelves was a better use of space.
Under our couch was a valuable storage spot, as was the space under the girls’ beds. Ours was quite low, so it did not accommodate much. Our furniture was multifunctional offering storage solutions, allowed us to keep our belongings organized and out of sight. This was essential in maintaining a livable and functional space.
I had been practicing the principles of the KonMari method long before I ever heard of Marie Kondo. The idea of keeping only what sparks joy resonates deeply with me, especially in a small space where every item must serve a purpose. By being selective about what we keep and finding smart storage solutions for the things we need, we’ve been able to create a home that feels both spacious and serene.
Involving the Kids: Teaching Responsibility and Teamwork
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in this journey is the value of involving our children in the cleaning and organizing process. By assigning them small tasks, like tidying up their toys or helping with simple cleaning chores, we not only keep our home organized but also taught them important life skills.
Getting the kids involved has made a significant difference in how we manage our space. It’s not just about keeping things clean—it’s about fostering a sense of responsibility and teamwork. Our daughters understand the importance of maintaining order, and they have grown to take pride in helping out around the house. My older daughter has gotten a grasp on the value of being a contributing member of our family, but my little one is getting there. Baby steps.
The Power of Routine: Staying Organized in a Small Space
To maintain a clean and organized home, I’ve developed a daily and weekly cleaning and organization routine. This routine helped in making our small space functional and enjoyable. We stuck to it for the most part to ensure that clutter did not build up and that everything remained in its designated place.
The philosophy that “everything has a home” is central to how we maintain order in our apartment. Every item, no matter how small, has a specific spot where it belongs. This approach makes it easy to find things when we need them and reduces the stress that can come from living in a cluttered space.
Following a routine also helps me manage the demands of daily life in a small apartment. With two young children, it’s easy for things to get messy quickly, but by staying on top of the cleaning and organization, I can keep our home in a state that feels both livable and enjoyable.
Finding Joy in a Small Space
For me, there’s a deep sense of satisfaction that comes from living in a clean, organized space. It’s one of the reasons why our small apartment worked so well for us. At that time, I recognized the value of what we had. Our apartment may have been small, but it’s filled with love, laughter, and memories.
Rather than focusing on the limitations of our space, we chose to focus on the positives. We made countless memories in that apartment, and when the time came to move on, we missed that tiny space. It was the backdrop for so many important moments in our lives, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
Embracing the Journey: Living in the Moment
Living in a small space taught us to appreciate what we have and to make the most of it. We learned to be resourceful, creative, and, most importantly, to cherish the time we spend together as a family. Our apartment was small, but it’s filled with love and joy, and that’s what truly matters. We have since moved to a bigger space, and will value the lesson of living in the moment and the joy we found in making this small space our home.
Living in a small New York apartment with a family of four posed its challenges, but it was a rewarding experience. Our journey has taught us to value and focus on the things that truly matter—love, family, and the memories we make together. In the end, it’s not about the size of the space you live in, but how you live in that space.
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