Can you raise a family in a two bedroom apartment; more importantly will they be happy? Your first reaction may be to scoff at the question entirely, but you’d be surprised to know that it’s possible. With enough creativity and an open mind, you can transform your small spaces into a suitable home that not only doesn’t feel cramped but feels quite comfortable. It can take a little effort to make it work for your family, but after a while we think you’ll agree that the savings alone make this an idea worth entertaining. Below are a few steps you can take to make a two bedroom unit work for your family.
Flex room
This tip is perfect for couples with a newborn and another child. If one of your bedrooms must be used as a nursery yet you still want your other child/children to have their own room that leaves you without a bedroom, right? Not necessarily. No, we’re not advocating that you grab your favourite power tools and start remodeling your apartment (seriously, don’t try that); instead, consider using a flex room. This couple used a sliding wall to create a temporary bedroom in their living room every night when the children go to their own room. A room doesn’t have to be static: it can have multiple uses throughout the day, even if those uses have nothing to do with one another.
Organization is key
A two bedroom apartment in Hamilton can get incredibly messy in a hurry – especially with small children! It can create a mound of clutter in a day (more on that in a moment) and seriously handicap your living spaces. Thus, being organized is the key to making this arrangement work. Invest in wall shelves rather than a standing bookshelf to organize your literature and other knick-knacks you like to display.
Further, invest in furniture that has multiple uses. For example, trade out your traditional coffee table and consider purchasing a smaller piece with hideaway storage. Consider furniture that you can fold away and place into a closet when you need extra space, or utilize seating that also has a storage feature. Find multiple uses for everything, and remember: you can never have too much storage!
Say no to clutter
Have a habit of holding onto things long after you need them? It’s time to break that habit if you want to live comfortably in a two bedroom apartment. If you absolutely do not need something in your apartment, either sell it or rent a storage unit to hold it if it’s in your budget. Consider buying digital alternatives to your entertainment (e.g. e-books, digital movie downloads, music streaming services, downloadable games, etc.) to save serious space on physical media (it’s a great opportunity to donate your entertainment to families in need, too). Still buy magazines and newspapers? Subscribe to digital versions instead. Get rid of any furniture, dishes, appliances, and more that you absolutely do not need; again, sell, place into storage, or donate.
What about the children, though? They will want toys, but do your part to keep their bedroom organized. Consider toyboxes that double as a bench to provide ample seating. Alternatively, purchase a few stackable toy bins to turn a corner into a toy tower to save significant space. Of course, utilize shelves and take advantage of any extra closet space you may have. The goal is to keep as many things off the floor as possible in an effort to keep your children’s room clean, organized, and free of clutter. It’s an uphill battle with children, but you will be teaching them organizational skills many of their peers won’t be introduced to until later in life.
Experimentation
There is no right or wrong way for a family to live in a two bedroom apartment – and it’s a perfectly normal living arrangement for many Canadian families. Those that make it work – even those with a one bedroom apartment – say with enough planning they have more than enough space. However, it’s crucial that you think differently about your living arrangement and figure out how to properly make it work. This involves experimenting, so mix things up to see how your family can live comfortably in their own way. You’re saving a significant amount of money by living in a two bedroom apartment, giving you the opportunity to invest in ways to make your home more comfortable (again, furniture with multiple uses).
Still wondering if a two bedroom apartment is ideal for your family? Call LJM Tower today and let’s chat. We’ll tell you what you need to know about living in a two bedroom unit with your family, what it will take, and if it’s right for you!
