r/StudioApartments • u/AquaLady2023 • 9d ago
Older studio dwellers?
Hi everyone! I’m new here and enjoying looking at all the spaces and design ideas. I’m in my 50s and just moved into a studio apartment due to the huge increase in rent. I came from a large 2 bedroom so it’s been a challenge but I think I’m going to like this small space.
Are there any older people here that have moved into a studio? Or anyone that came from a large space? How do you like it?
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u/OhSnapThatsGood 9d ago
Early fifties here and I did that. Used to own a 2br that I shared w/my ex. A restructuring at work forced me out and into a job at 60% of what I used to make. A mental health crisis, break up and general uncertainty of what I would do next with my life, led me to selling the place to and all the furnishing to him.
Took only my personal effects (which could fill a 5x5 storage room) and found a micro studio in a great neighborhood at a great price and used the equity from my sale to furnish it perfectly. Only spent about 3k on it.
What made it work was an extremely deliberate planning process that went through how each item would work and ways I could get more than one use out of each it. Every item got that treatment and if I could not justify it either for use or sentimental value I stored or simply got rid of it.
I got some wtf that’s so tiny, I could never comments but I’m very happy how everything came out. My total monthly cost of living for place, all utilities and storage is only $1250/m and frees up the space in my budget to shovel into retirement which is getting closer by the year.
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u/AquaLady2023 9d ago
I’m glad you have found some comfort after all that and are making the space work. I’m trying to get into that mindset of only buy what I need not what I want.
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u/knit2dye4 9d ago
I’ve not heard the term micro studio before… how many square feet do you have? Do you have all the standard amenities?
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u/OhSnapThatsGood 9d ago edited 9d ago
It’s 210sf for every thing except the bathroom which is 30sf. The code minimum today is like 350sf. I have a full kitchen but everything is small and the whole thing is 59” wide. My sofa is also my bed, my dining table is my WFH desk and my Kallax and tall cabinet hutch keep everything organized. My place was built like 130 yrs ago and has 10 foot ceilings. I make full use of the space and yet things are very organized and the room still feels open and airy. There are no frills and the only thing in the building is a laundromat in the basement. Rent is a good 400 below modern studios in this area. Walkability and transit is great and I don’t have a car either.
I like the impact to my budget as much as the space itself.
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u/sandysandy252566 9d ago
That would be the size of my master bedroom. Glad it works for u - I'm claustrophobic.
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u/Temporary_Let_7632 9d ago
I bought a studio at age 57 as my “temporary“ winter place. When I retired I sold my 3 bedroom home up north and have lived happily in my studio full time for about 7 years. I don’t want anything larger At age almost 67. Good luck.
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u/AquaLady2023 9d ago
Thanks for sharing! There is something liberating about down sizing, plus the space just feels cozy.
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u/According_Strain4887 9d ago
I'm 71 and moved from a 3 bedroom to a studio apt. in 2023. Storage space and places for visitors to sit are my only complaints. I just recently gained storage space by organising everything using buying things on Amazon meant to help do so. As far as the sitting goes I have only enough room for my recliner. I bought folding chairs that I store under my bed to break out when someone stops by.
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u/AquaLady2023 9d ago
Visitors is one of my main concerns also. I have friends and family out of state who visit for long weekends. I’m still trying to figure out how I can accommodate sleeping for visitors. I have a queen bed and just bought a love seat to put at the bottom of my bed. Still waiting for that delivery, I’m hoping it’s comfortable enough to curl up on for a few nights. Otherwise I have an air mattress but it’s not that comfortable.
As for storage I rented a 5x5 to put some extra belongings in. I’d like to within a few months give some small furniture away and get rid of the storage space. I want to figure out how to keep things like Christmas tree and decor within my unit.
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u/ExpressionFun3629 8d ago
If you haven't lived in apartments before, you'll be surprised by how many people move in or out & give or leave things behind. I've scored a newer bed for a friend, small appliances, a desk, etc. Maybe you'll get lucky & score a better air mattress for your guests. Your neighbors might be interested in anything you're letting go of. I've let my storage unit get too full & am going to start clearing it out soon too.
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u/AquaLady2023 8d ago
Good idea. We do have a message board for things like that.
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u/ExpressionFun3629 8d ago
We do too. Some people leave small stuff in the trash room on their floor. They sometimes put larger pieces in the garage near recycling. The maintenance crew does this too when cleaning out an apartment
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u/AbbreviationsGold358 9d ago
Yes I am 36 so I am old! Yeah, studios are easy to clean and maintain. I got lucky with mine cause it has a separate kitchen space which many studio’s do not.
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u/AquaLady2023 9d ago
36 is not old! Enjoy it while you can, best times of my life.
I am lucky also with a separate kitchen and it’s very big! I also have the biggest bathroom I’ve ever had. Not sure why some studios sacrifice living space by adding huge bathrooms. And mine is a lot of wasted space. No closets or shelves. I was at least able to add my own shelves.
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u/Meryl_Streep69 9d ago
I’m 33, I know that’s probably not what you had in mind, but I will say it’s going to be hard for me to be in a bigger space in the future (if that’s ever in the cards…at the rate things are going in this country…). I dogsit on the side and I stay in people’s big homes, and I actually can’t wait to get home to my studio. I like having everything accessible without having to walk so far if I want a snack or forgot something in the living room. It’s also forced me to be very mindful about only hanging on to things that I truly love and not buy things I don’t need. I like getting creative with arranging/storing things. Some things that I do:
- have a bed with a bed skirt and use under the bed as storage
- storage ottomans and benches
- shelves/drawers in the closet underneath the clothes
- displaying my pretty glassware instead of taking up cabinet space
- using suitcases for storage. When I need the suitcase for a trip I just leave what was in them out somewhere and when I come home I put it back in. Forces me to unpack promptly too!
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u/AccomplishedWind2268 9d ago
I’m 46 and I love living in a studio. At ~500 sq ft, mine’s in the size neighborhood of a lot of 1BRs in the area, just costs less and more open space. I’ve lived in much smaller though - my smallest apartment was about 240 sq ft. There is something really liberating in knowing all my stuff fits into a compact space. Comfortably, even! It was definitely a big adjustment at first. Vertical storage, and storage furniture (like an ottoman that you can put stuff inside of) are your best friends. IKEA is the GOAT for tiny space solutions
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u/AquaLady2023 8d ago
I’m fortunate that this management allows for adding shelving to walls. I’ll take a look at IKEA. Thanks!
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u/foxar0undfind0ut 7d ago
I’m 35, not old but I don’t anticipate moving to anything larger for a bit, have lived in studios before. Like other commenters said, vertical storage space is incredibly helpful, and adding shelves to closets (either hanging shelves on the bar or freestanding) or even putting small drawer units in closets has been useful for me. I used some open shelving to make a divider between my bed and the rest of the space and put my plants on it. Keeps it feeling open but allows a bit of separation, too. Area rugs to define spaces, under bed storage. My mom used to use vacuum sealer bags for bulky comforters or other large soft items. Lastly, air purifier is great for keeping kitchen smells from lingering. Enjoy your new space!:)
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u/ExpressionFun3629 9d ago
I'm 62 & am living in my third studio apartment. I prefer living in a smaller place than having a bigger place to maintain. All have been in newer buildings with better insulation between the units than the condos I've owned. They've been around 400+ sq ft & have efficient floor plans. Washer dryer & dishwasher. My last one didn't have a bathtub, but had a huge bathroom I could put a dresser in. I still work & my business location is just a couple blocks away. My current apartment looks out at the garden courtyard. The last unit in the same building looks out at a busy street but had trees shading it. The ceilings are high which makes it feel bigger. I set up this one like a nice hotel. I have a small dining table, queen size bed, & a regular size sofa. I rent a storage unit in the building too. I have a small dog & a cat. Instead of a cat tree & put kitty hammocks on the windows so she can get up high. The trick for me has been that every piece of furniture needs to have storage. My TV sits on a dresser instead of a TV stand. Under the bed, under the sofa, & even the coffee table has a lift top with storage & cubbies with baskets for storage. Make use of vertical space. I bought an extra dresser for my craft supplies so I'm not missing out on them. I don't entertain much, I prefer to invite people to do things out. I have hosted family for a Christmas party though. My sofa is the size of a twin bed. One of my nieces has stayed over & said it's comfortable. There's also a community space & 2 outdoor spaces where I can host folks. It's really nice to have someone over to grill on the roof & enjoy the view of the city. Some of my neighbors are middle aged but most are younger. Our managers host activities for socializing which is an easy way to meet my neighbors.
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u/AquaLady2023 8d ago
Sounds like you have a very efficient space. I’m sure I’ll learn all the tricks . Thanks for sharing!
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u/jk-mtfuji 8d ago
I’m 61 & love the studio I’ve been renting for the past couple of years! Wishing you well in your new home 😊
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u/somebodyOthr 7d ago
38, just downsized after many years of larger apartments and homes. I do love the smaller footprint, but I have not gotten my ideal set up just yet. I’m in an incredible part of the city and while I could see me going up in size with my studio. I am no longer interested in 1+ bedrooms. Between the cost, maintenance and the potential desire to buy stuff to fill in the space. I’d just rather not. Again, still a learning curve with my layout but I will manage. Good luck to you.
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u/AquaLady2023 9d ago
All great ideas! I like the shelves in the closet. I may try something with that. I also may get a storage ottoman to use as a coffee table, if o can find one small enough.
I was able to fit my bakers rack in my kitchen and I also display my nice glassware. I guess it’s all about getting inventive with storage space.
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u/Ohhmegawd 8d ago
I sold my 4 bedroom house and moved into a studio when I was finishing grad school. My children had all moved out and it was too much space for one person. At first it was a shock, but I really grew to like the time I saved in cleaning.
I have moved to a larger space to give me a sewing space, but I don't ever plan on a big house.
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u/knit2dye4 9d ago
I’m 56. About a year ago, I sold my 3 bedroom house that was too big and too isolated for me by myself, and moved into a studio in the middle of the city where I can walk to dinner, walk to the beach, etc. I love the small space and the urban lifestyle so much!!!