So, you’ve found a new apartment to call home — the location looks nice and the utilities and amenities fit your needs. However, the size of the apartment is only 800 square feet and you start to wonder how big that is and what it actually looks like?
Trying to figure out the sizing of an apartment can feel challenging, but it shouldn’t. Here are some tips for measuring out square footage and deciding if an 800-square-foot apartment is the right choice for you.
How to calculate 800 square feet
While searching for a new apartment, you’ll sometimes come across listings that include the floor plans so you can easily visualize how big 800 square feet is. That’s not always the case, though, so it’s best to know how to calculate it on your own. Here’s what you need to do.
Gather supplies
Start off by gathering or purchasing all the necessary supplies you’ll need to do the measuring, including a measuring tape, pencil and paper to jot down notes.
Measure, measure, measure
Next, you’ll need to measure all the rooms in the apartment separately including bathrooms and closets. Go room by room and measure the length and the width of that room then multiply those two numbers. That number will be the square footage of that room.
Once you’ve done all the rooms, add all the numbers together and there you have it — the total square footage of the apartment.
Don’t forget to exclude some areas
It’s important to know that you don’t need to measure the rooms that aren’t livable, such as garages, patios and decks. Only heated, interior rooms are included in square-footage calculation.
What does 800 square feet look like?
To visualize it better, 800 square feet is about the size of five parking spaces or a little smaller than three school buses combined. Typically, in an 800-square-foot apartment, you’ll find either a one- or two-bedroom apartment. The bedrooms are small but they’re definitely livable. With 800 square feet, you’ll have more defined areas that will make your apartment feel more spacious.
Tips for living in an 800-square-foot apartment
Moving into a smaller apartment is challenging. You might be wondering where you’re going to put all your stuff or how to make it feel bigger than it really is. Here are five tips on how to best live in an 800-square-foot apartment.
Go vertical
If you’re living in a smaller space, then every square foot is your friend. People forget about the vertical area on the wall or above doors and cabinets. Get rid of the clutter in your kitchen drawers by putting magnetic strips on the backsplash for knives. Stack your washer and dryer to save on space or put a shelf or cabinet above your door.
Once you start looking at everything in a new way, you’ll see all the possibilities. The walls are your friends!
Use multifunctional furniture
When shopping for furniture, look for pieces that serve dual purposes. Get a couch that has storage under it to keep your pillows and blankets or a coffee table with hidden storage. Use this extra space to store things that you don’t use often.
By making your furniture functional, you’ll create a much better living area. Also, design experts suggest buying bigger items to make the room seem larger. It may seem counterintuitive but bigger furniture can actually make the room look bigger.
Decorate with neutrals
Some landlords are picky about this, but if they allow you to repaint the apartment, use a nice bright white. The color white opens everything up and makes it feel more airy and open. By doing this, you’ll create the illusion of more area in your small apartment.
Contain the clutter
Clutter is the worst thing to have in a small area as it will make you feel overwhelmed and squished. It’s best to contain the clutter from the beginning. Instead of just throwing things into random places, use bins that stack and label them. You’ll then know where everything is and what’s in every bin. You’ll also have more space to sprawl out and relax.
Embrace the tiny
The truth is, if you’re living in a smaller area, you won’t get to keep everything you want. Embrace the tiny and rid yourself of unnecessary items. When you move into your new home, you’ll find yourself not missing the things you got rid of. Instead, you’ll feel lighter and realize you have everything you need in your 800 square feet.
Know your square footage
The exact square footage of your apartment is very important to know. By being able to visualize what 800 square feet looks like, you’ll know how much space you have and will be able to plan ahead of time. You’ll be able to prepare yourself and be able to make a better home in the long run.
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Source: apartmentguide.com