I mentioned my little brother earlier because he was taught his son that two pairs of shoes equals one iPod. (Remember that they’re moving, and his wife is packing sixty pairs of shoes.) He just called to chat. I told him I was busy, but he offered me another story and gave me permission to print it.
His wife used to work at Nordstrom. While there she took advantage of the employee discount. A lot. In fact, she spent over $10,000 on clothes during that period. (Meaning $20,000 retail price, I think.)
Even when the family didn’t have any money, she’d come home with clothes. My brother would call her on it, but she’d deny that they clothes were new. “Come on,” he’d say. “I know what’s in your closet.” One day he complained to her about the new clothes she was wearing, and she claimed they were old, when he pointed out that there was a price tag still dangling from whatever it was she was wearing.
After that, she started to be more subtle about bringing home new clothes. She’d buy them, stash them in her trunk, and then sneak them into the closet. My brother didn’t discover this for a while, though. He only found out because one day they had to take her car to a family Christmas gathering. He went outside to put some food in the trunk, and there were several Nordstrom bags full of clothes. He was not pleased. He began to refer to these mysterious new clothes as “trunk clothes”.
A few months ago, my brother managed to convince his wife to get rid of some of her clothes. She filled two bins full of goods to take to a consignment shop. But she never took them. They just sat around for a while, taking up space. Recently she moved the bins to a storage shed. She’s trying to make room to clean out her closets for real.
Today her mother came to help her clean. My sister-in-law wants to keep all of the clothes, but her mother won’t let her. “Fine,” my sister-in-law said. “I’ll take them to Goodwill.” (Goodwill is a thrift store — I’m not sure how universal they are.)
“You can’t take them to Goodwill,” my brother told her. “You need to take them to a consignment shop. You need to get some money for them. Especially if they’re trunk clothes.”
“That’s too much of a bother,” his wife said, glowering at the use of the phrase ‘trunk clothes’.
“Then you need to itemize each piece of clothing so that we can claim it on our taxes.”
“What does that mean?” she asked, so my brother explained. But that didn’t sound any better to her. “I’m not doing that. You do that,” she said. But my brother refused, so she said, “Fine, I’ll just give them away.”
“You cannot give them away,” he told her. “That’s TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS.”
My brother laughs when he tells this story. Though he’s frustrated, he’s not angry. He knows that his wife has a spending problem, and it bugs him, but he also sees the humor in the situation, which is one of his special gifts. I, too, once had a spending problem, but I certainly never spent $10,000 on trunk clothes. It was on computers. And books.
Step into a world where sleek lines, open spaces, and a harmonious marriage of form and function reign supreme.
Mid-century may be a classic style from the mid-1900s, but homes built in this style have a timeless appeal. With their distinct architectural features — which often include flat roofs, horizontal planes, and geometric shapes — they embrace simplicity, functionality, and a seamless integration with the surrounding environment.
Nature and lifestyle were key when designing mid-century houses, so many of them were built with floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the yard, sliding glass doors, and many access points to the outdoors.
Incorporating clean lines and basic shapes, simple furnishings, a practical Scandinavian approach with muted color palette, and warm inviting earth tones, simplicity is a notable characteristic of mid-century design. Mid-century modern homes also used spaces efficiently with their split-level design, which makes it easy to see why the this architectural style continues to fascinate with both its practicality and its aesthetic appeal.
Our favorite midcentury modern houses
For those who want to immerse themselves in the world of midcentury beauties, we’ve rounded up our favorites. Carefully restored by their owners while preserving their original character and incorporating modern amenities and technologies, we believe the examples below have done a great job at striking a balance between maintaining the historical integrity of the house and making it functional for contemporary living.
Without further ado, here are 13 stylishly refreshed-yet-classic mid-century modern houses that we’ve covered in the past, many of which had some quite famous owners (or architects).
#1 A secluded mid-century modern home with unique features and views of lush surroundings
There is so much to love about this Santa Clarita property — which was home to ‘Dallas’ Star Linda Gray for almost FIVE decades. Named Oak Tree Ranch after the stunning oak trees that grow on the property, the private California compound has many unique features.
Designed by acclaimed architect A. Quincy Jones, the mid-century house is unquestionably elegant and captivating. True to the principle of bringing the outside in, the floor is made of heart pine, (meaning the heart of the pine tree), sourced from a New Orleans schoolhouse.
The freestanding fireplace is another unique feature of this property. The kitchen was designed by renowned architect Josh Schweitzer who added beautiful racks to hang pots and pans out in the open, pro-style appliances, and a pizza oven.
Sitting on 2.7 acres of lush land, the property has stables for four horses, a tack room/barn, a north-south tennis court, a large swimmer’s pool with spa, organic gardens, koi pond, chicken coop, and an endless lawn to enjoy the outdoors.
#2 This mid-century modern home built by Steele & Van Dyk resembles a semi-secluded paradise
The 8.86-acre property located in the Sonoma County town of Sebastopol is one of the most spectacular (and most lovingly preserved) mid-century homes you’ll find.
It was once owned by Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the beloved comic strip Peanuts and his children have fond memories of the property, which was used by their father as a creative studio.
There were several lots on the original 27-acre property such as Schulz’ main house, his grandmother’s house, a large pond, a baseball field, a miniature golf course, a large swimming pool, an enclosed entertainment pavilion, and his studio, all surrounded by vineyards and apple orchards.
The family who bought the property after Charles Schulz’ ownership made a few changes to the studio but made sure not to alter the nature of the design.
They renovated the studio and turned it into an inviting one-bedroom home which operated as a licensed vacation rental for a few years.
True to the architecture of mid-century modern houses, the former art studio has clean lines, minimal decoration, and large, flat panes of glass windows and doors which allow a connection with nature.
With the home surrounded by natural beauty, you’ll find a four-hole golf course, Redwoods groves, and walking trails lined with numerous rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, dogwoods, several varieties of ferns, fruit trees, and plenty of flowers.
#3 One of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s last projects, a mid-century masterpiece
Sitting on 14 acres of protected land in New Canaan, Conn., we find one of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s final projects, built in 1955, just a few years before his death in 1959.
Known as Tirranna — a moniker inspired by an Australian Aboriginal word meaning “running waters”, as the home is cantilevered over a pond and overlooks a waterfall on the Noroton River — the property is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s largest residential properties.
The architect also lived here while building the Guggenheim Museum and even used some of the scalloped glass windows from the Guggenheim Museum project to complete the home’s south-facing greenhouse.
Clocking in at a generous 7,000 square feet, the 7-bedroom, 8.5-bath home blends geometric complexity with nature’s flowing curves, in typical Frank Lloyd Wright style.
Throughout the home, the architect combined and contrasted soaring ceilings and open living spaces with cozy and cocoon-like mahogany-paneled bedrooms.
The home’s functional wood-paneled and stainless-steel kitchen epitomizes the mid-century modern aesthetic, while each of the bathrooms are spa-like and adorned with spectacular wood panels and unique features.
#4 A Mid-century home in Palo Alto that has maintained the integrity of its original design
This mid-century modern home is so simple that it reads as sophisticated.
It bears the signature of internationally recognized architect and Frank Lloyd Wright protégé Aaron Green. The 3-bed, 2-bath home features extensive use of mahogany, slab floors with radiant heat, built-in beds, desks and dressers, and Formica counters.
With flat roofs, both the exterior and interior have a clean and functional design. Inside the home, there is minimal decoration and the various cabinetry adds depth and variation in elevation.
The large windows give magnetic views of the yard. All in all, a gorgeous home updated for modern living while still retaining its mid-century authenticity.
#5 One of the most spectacular mid-century modern houses with a Moroccan theme and great views of the Coachella Valley
This stylish home is located in a compound in Rancho Mirage’s Thunderbird Heights — a prestigious gated hillside community adjacent to Thunderbird Country Club.
The mid-century home was custom-built for famous entertainer Bing Crosby and his second wife, Kathryn Grant, and was an absolutely perfect fit for its celebrity owner who loved to live large.
Among its most striking features, Bing Crosby’s former home lists a large living room with a stone fireplace and bar, a chef’s kitchen, a movie theater, and a beautiful and spacious 1,400-sq. foot master suite with a stunner of a walk-in closet and a fireplace, as well as four additional en-suite bedrooms.
Spread over 1.36 acres of land, the phenomenal home has approximately 6,700 square feet of living space that extend into the outdoor areas.
The home’s most famous guests, though, were definitely Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy. In honor of their stay there, the two-bedroom attached casita has been named the JFK Wing.
#6 An architectural gem with mesmerizing views of its lush surroundings and direct entrance to Rustic Canyon Park
Set in Los Angeles, this mid-century home designed by notable architect David Hyun has formerly been the residence of prominent entertainment lawyer Gary Concoff and his wife Jean.
The house dubbed ‘the Modern Tree House’ has large floor-to-ceiling windows which provide scenic views of the century-old trees that surround it and encourage a sense of harmony with the outdoor spaces it’s built around. The combination of the large windows and open floor plans let in a lot of beautiful natural light into the two-story home.
Notable features on the lower level of the house include an eat-in Eggersman kitchen, a full-service bar, a formal powder room, and three bedrooms. The distinctive spiral staircase leads to the primary suite upstairs fitted with generously sized closets as well as two separate offices and a large den/media room.
The massive backyard of the nearly quarter-acre property features a large swimming pool, a unique area for dining set amongst the trees, and a gate directly into Rustic Canyon Park, said to be one of the best parks in Los Angeles.
#7 The lovely mid-century modern house Richard Neutra designed for his secretary
One of the most impressive celebrity homes on our list, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea’s house is made out of two architecturally significant structures: The first is a modern heptagon-shaped house designed by AD100 architect Michael Maltzan and the other is a lovely midcentury-style house built by famed architect Richard Neutra in the early 1950s.
Clocking in at 1,350 sq ft, the midcentury-style home has 2 bedrooms, and one bath, and is surrounded by walls of glass.
The home was built by Richard Neutra for his secretary, Dorothy Serulnic and her husband, George, back in 1953. Neutra, one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century, made sure that his secretary’s home is as livable and comfortable as it is visually appealing.
He designed several built-ins including a sofa system with a record player and concealed speakers, multiple desks, shelving systems, a dining room table, and a sliding breakfast nook, which are still present in the house today (or, rather, were still there when Flea tried offloading his La Crescenda compound a while back).
Architect Michael Maltzan then built a dramatic, seven-sided house on the property half a century later. The spaceship-like house is surrounded by seven exterior walls (some made out of glass) and is anchored by an open-air courtyard that sits right at the center.
A small cabin built by artist and craftsman Peter Staley provides a little extra space for guests and an eye-grabbing feature.
#8 Master architect Richard Dorman’s award-winning home, the Seidenbaum Residence
Tucked away down a long private driveway into a quiet, secluded compound we find architect Richard Dorman’s Seidenbaum Residence.
With its timeless appeal and unique design, the home is nestled in the Hollywood Hills on Mulholland Drive, overlooking outstanding views of the San Fernando Valley and the Hollywood sign.
Spanning 3,198 square feet, the five-bedroom, three-bathroom home has two peaked roofs and clerestory windows that capture the California sunshine inside the main living area.
Boasting an open-concept layout, the home blends mid-century and modern designs. From the dining and main living areas to the kitchen, the fluid design captures a sense of tranquility amid the walls of glass that draw in the natural light.
Providing warmth and intimacy, the see-through, double-sided fireplace is a show-stopper in the great room.
#9 This elegant home with a zen factor beautifully remodeled for modern-day living
Originally built in 1955, this home offers a fresh, contemporary take on the timeless midcentury style. Esteemed architectural firm OWIU (which stands for the only way is up) updated the property, building on its mid-century modern legacy.
The 1,516-square-foot home is in Mount Washington, a historic neighborhood in the San Rafael Hills of Northeast Los Angeles. It has bright, warm interiors, and is filled with the natural finish of attractive light oak wood.
The house — which has retained its original charm —is all about comfort, timeless design, and an approachable elegance.Kane Lim from the popular reality show Bling Empire was once the owner of this beautiful property.
It has all the standard features of a mid-century home and then some,with floor-to-ceiling windows, clean lines, breathtaking views, and a deck in the primary suite that leads to a Japanese-style garden with bonsai and maple trees.
The house’s exterior has fresh pathways and gardening beds, a gate that leads to the lower portion of the property, and a large open space that has a sculptural staircase and custom wood bench surrounding a fire pit.
#10 A charming, thoughtfully updated former celebrity home on a quiet hilltop
On a quiet hilltop right above the famed Mulholland Drive sits a 4-bedroom hilltop hideaway once owned by power couple Emily Blunt and John Krasinski.
The secluded, single-level mid-century home has a large open plan design and walls of glass that allow light to enter rooms from multiple angles.
With soaring, beamed ceilings, wide plank hardwoods, and original stonework, the living room is as eye-catching as it is inviting and features a gas fireplace.
The primary bedroom suite is one of the main highlights of this home and it looks and feels like a retreat in itself. With its vaulted, beamed ceilings, and massive windows inviting the outdoors in, a sitting area, custom built-ins, a walk-in closet, and a marble-clad ensuite bath with a soaking tub and steam shower, it truly is a stylish and elegant space.
The flagstone patio is surrounded by mature oak and olive trees and features a bubbling fountain, making it a great place to relax and soak in the picturesque views of mountains, the canyon, and the slivers of the city skyline.
#11 A spectacular stilt house with jaw-dropping views and a unique taste of Los Angeles history
Nestled in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, this is one of 17 unique homes propped up over the side of the Beverly Glen Canyon. The mid-century house was tastefully modernized by its previous owner, acclaimed architect Donald M. Goldstein. It’s undoubtedly a part of architecture history in Los Angeles.
Known as Neutra’s Platform Houses because they were originally designed by legendary architect Richard Neutra, these gravity-defying homes are incredible. Also known as the Stone-Fisher Speculative Houses (as they were built for the Stone-Fisher development company), the unique abodes were later completed by architect William S. Beckett.
The one-story home creates the illusion of a floating vessel in the sky. The unique structure has a rectangular form, horizontal emphasis, long balconies stretching the full width of the house, and large windows to display magnificent views of the San Fernando Valley.
Some of the notable features of the 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home include pyramid skylights, raised ceiling and roof lines, a 300+ bottle wine cellar, a Roman soaking tub, and its black metal exterior is coated with a 24-gauge Kynar finish.
#12 A classic mid-century house in a prime location with a long list of past celebrity owners
The star-studded Los Angeles Tree House — carefully tucked away from prying eyes in the famous Mulholland Drive — has attracted names like Ellen DeGeneres, Heath Ledger, and Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson as its owners.
The charming home with its lush surroundings is as serene as it is private. Inside, the clean mid-century modern style is warmed by a blend of natural textures, with walls of glass opening the home to the beautifully landscaped outdoors.
The home’s most extraordinary feature is its expansive 2,500-square-foot outdoor deck which is pretty phenomenal.
It overlooks the leafy treetops illuminated with ethereal lights at night and is furnished with an outdoor grill, lots of seating areas, and an open-air screening room with a retractable projection screen.
#13 A two-story mid-century gem in Bel Air with artsy appeal
Set in a quiet cul-de-sac, the 5,134-square-foot mid-century modern home features 5 bedrooms and 4 baths and has been fitted with everything from stone counters to auto window shades, radiant limestone floors, and high-end SS Thermador appliances.
The two-story Bel-Air home features dramatic vaulted ceilings that soar over the living, dining, and family rooms.
With its seamless indoor/outdoor living, scenic surroundings and the floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that are popular in mid-century modern houses, the house is flooded with natural light.
The home’s interior is stylishly refreshed with inviting warm-toned furnishings providing a relaxing and enriching experience, with art and pops of color accenting its midcentury aesthetic.
Midcentury modern houses continue to captivate and inspire with their timeless charm and architectural elegance. From their clean lines and expansive windows to their innovative use of materials, these houses represent a design movement that has left an indelible mark on the world of architecture, one that will continue to attract homeowners and renovators for years to come.
Especially since, as we’ve seen with the examples listed above, updating these midcentury gems creates true masterpieces.
Elizabeth has a lifehack that allows her to manage both money and space. She writes: “This helped me curb my lifestyle choices when I was in high school and first on my own.” Here is her guest entry.
Possessions scare me. My parents are pack-rats, and their house is full of things that have no right to be there. Desk space is taken up by dirty coffee cups, stacks of notebooks, and priceless, irreplaceable piles of loose paper. My Mom’s office, the biggest room in the house, has three narrow pathways: one to her computer, one to her bathroom, and one to her closet (which will not open because there is too much stuff inside and outside of it). Scary!
When I became a college student with a (very small) room of my own, I learned how rewarding it is to be in control of your living space, and how important thriftiness is on a student-sized budget. This is how I came up with the following method of worth assessment: the cost-per-day expense chart. How much does something you own cost per day you use it? And how long until your assets break even?
I use this technique to get rid of excess stuff, and to figure out how to be economical in possession and in purchase. This is also a good way to figure out what you’re spending money on, and to find alternatives — say, if you buy a lot of books, getting a library card, or if you buy a lot of music, start working at a radio station.
Preparation
You will need:
a few pieces of paper
a pencil
a calculator
two highlighters
You may also want:
a pen — I like to use two colored pens, red and black: black for numbers, red for comments or uncertain variables
a ruler to mark off columns
a computer with a spreadsheet program
I should preface this by saying that I am not a math genius. The purpose of this is to look at how much your lifestyle costs, not to make you feel insecure about forgetting sixth-grade algebra. All of the math herein is multiplication and division; you don’t have to solve for x, and you can use a calculator.
List Everything You Own and How Much it Cost
List everything. Don’t worry about order for now. You might want to look up every receipt, but that’s not necessary — I’d only recommend doing that for large purchases, such as a big-screen TV, a computer, or a boat. Exclude gifts you’ve received, since they cost nothing. If this seems daunting, start by writing the cost for each category of possession: clothes, books, furniture, etc. For example, if you have three pairs of shoes you wear in rotation that cost $45, $60 and $50, then group them, writing $150 under shoes.
List Everything You Pay for Monthly
List your mortgage, rent, student loans, insurance, cable, phone, internet, repairs, everything you pay that has an intangible attached to it.
Organize this Data
Make a table, either on the computer or on paper. You need four columns. The first three are the name of the item(s), cost and number of days used since it was bought. The fourth is “cost per day,” which we’ll get to in a second.
Part of J.D.’s cost-per-day table
After you’ve put in both the name and how much everything costs, estimate how many days out of the year you use it. If it’s something like clothes or shoes, chances are you use both every day of the year. If it’s a television sitting in your basement, chances are you use it zero days out of the year. If you’re really not sure, think of how many days you use the object per month and then multiply that by twelve.
Here’s a quick reference:
73 days = 5 days/month
84 days = 7 days/month
170 days = 2 weeks/month
252 days = 3 weeks/month
Calculate How Much Each Possession Costs Per Day of Use
This means you divide the cost by the number of days it’s been used in the last year. For example, I paid $150 for three pairs of shoes which I bought a year ago today. I wear one pair every day, so I punch in the following on my calculator:
$150 / 365 = $0.41095, or $0.41 for every day I wear shoes.
You can also calculate how much it’ll cost if you own or have owned something for over a year. For an $150 purchase which I use every day, the cost after a year and a half is $0.27; after 730 days of usage (two years) the cost is $0.21. If I own these very industrious shoes (or something of equal value) for a grandfantacular ten years and use them every day, then it only costs me $0.04 per day used. Do this first for all the straightforward purchases, such as shoes, clothes, furniture, dish sets, etc. Then proceed to the next step, which is to calculate harder sets.
Calculate Monthly Expenses
Tabulate regular expenses, such as rent, mortgage, utilities, DSL. This is the simplest part, because you multiply the monthly amount by 12 and divide it by 365. My utilities are $35/month for DSL, heating and electricity. $35 x 12 = $420. Since I use DSL, heating and electricity 365 days per year, I’m paying $1.15 per day for all three.
Group Open-Ended Items
Some possessions, such as media, are trickier to calculate. A book you buy might sit on your shelf for two years, only to be devoured in a week and cast aside for another two. The simplest way to calculate media expenses is to collate everything you’ve spent for that year, and how much time you spend on the activity. If you buy $200 worth of books/records/DVDs but spend 200 days out of the year (about two weeks out of every month) using that media, then you’re only spending $1 a day. This gives you a general idea of how cost-effective your consumption is, and gives you an idea if you can save money.
Take a Break
Seriously. Take an hour to do something that doesn’t involve math or thinking about finances. Go hiking, running, etc. But come back. If you’re like me and tend to take more breaks than needed, set a timer for yourself and stick to it.
Decide What to Get Rid of
This is the hard part. First, print a few copies of your chart. Now you’re ready to use your highlighters. One color indicates things that you need or must pay: insurance, rent, shoes, etc. The other color indicates things that have sentimental value: a first-edition book signed by the author, a stuffed animal, a wedding dress, et cetera. There’s always some grey area, and it raises some interesting questions. Do you really need cable? What about a television in the first place? The wedding dress is nice, but is it just taking up closet space? Are you really going to watch all those movies again and again?
This is why you have multiple copies of your chart. After you highlight everything you need/want, do it again and check the differences. You’ll have a better idea of what you can get rid of, and also how much less you can spend.
Conclusion
If you like this method, or if have math errors to point out, let me know. Feel free to ask me any questions (or to vituperate about how starting this was the worst experience of your life).
Elizabeth is a student and freelancer in Berkeley, California. She edits a zine, Zotapine, and does programming for KALX radio, including news features and anchoring.
When shopping for apartments, listings feature numerous dimensions stating how small or large the space is. Obviously, a 1,000-square-foot apartment will be larger than an 800-square-foot apartment. But if both apartments have two bedrooms, it’s hard to distinguish how much larger the 1,000-square-foot apartment is.
So, how big is 1,000 square feet? Learning how to measure for yourself and looking at some comparisons can go a long way in putting 1,000 square feet into perspective.
How to measure 1,000 square feet
To provide guidelines on standardized measurements, the American National Standards Institute oversees standards and conformity assessment activities to keep everyone on the same page. However, not everyone adheres to these standards, so it’s imperative to take your own measurements to confirm an apartment is an advertised size.
To adequately measure an apartment, condo, townhome, rental house, tiny home or other property, start by listing all the different rooms in the unit on a piece of paper. This includes all closets, hallways, utility spaces and so on.
Next, measure each room with a tape measure. Measure both the length and width of the room and then, multiply those two numbers. That’s the square footage of the room, which is noted by the correct space on the list.
If you have a room with an offset that’s not flush with the rest of the room, measure that section separately. For instance, if the kitchen has an eating nook, measure the straight lines of the kitchen, and then measure the straight lines of the eating nook to get each section’s square area.
To keep the math simple, round all measurements to the nearest half foot. For example, if the master bedroom is 12 feet by 8 feet, 7 inches, multiply 12 by 8.5 to get the square footage: 102 square feet.
After measuring all spaces in the unit, add them together for the unit’s total square footage.
Source: Rent. / Buckhead Town Homes and Gardens
What does 1,000 square feet look like?
It’s not easy to picture how much space 1,000 square feet actually is, so consider some comparisons. One example is a regulation tennis court for singles matches. This court measures 2,106 square feet, so a 1,000-square-foot apartment would sit on about one-half of the tennis court. Here are some other comparisons:
The average two-car garage is 400 square feet, so imagine two and a half two-car garages sitting side by side
On an NBA basketball court, the foul line is 19 feet from the baseline behind the basket. The court is 50 feet wide. If you measure the court size from the baseline to the foul line, it is 950 square feet.
The average size of a rectangular in-ground swimming pool is 200 square feet, so imagine five swimming pools side by side
How much can I fit into a 1,000-square-foot apartment?
Although actual layouts may vary, many 1,000-square-foot apartments often have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living area, a dining area and a kitchen. Within those layouts, the rooms may vary, such as a larger living and dining area and smaller bedrooms.
In some cases, the living and dining rooms could be about the same size as the bedrooms. Or, the bedrooms could be larger, with small main living spaces.
It’s likely a king bed will fit comfortably in at least one of the bedrooms. The living area likely will accommodate a sofa, a couple of chairs and two or three side tables. The dining area usually is large enough for a kitchen table and four chairs.
Given these are basic items, a 1,000-square-foot apartment also usually will accommodate accessories, such as bookshelves, TV consoles, dressers and other furnishings.
A 1,000-square-foot apartment generally accommodates a family of four or less.
The benefits of living in 1,000 square feet
When considering a 1,000-square-foot apartment, there are many benefits to choosing an apartment of this size.
You’ll have extra space for storage
In a 1,000-square-foot apartment, you could find yourself with plenty of storage space. For instance, if you plan to use the second bedroom as an office or guest room, you can use that bedroom’s closet for storage.
Plus, you can put furniture in there to use as storage, such as bookcases, chest of drawers and armoires.
You could save on utility costs
Choosing a 1,000-square-foot apartment could help keep utility costs in check. Having a smaller floor area means less work keeping it warm or cool enough, which reduces the cost of your electric bill. Fewer windows could help, as well, since you can keep curtains closed in the winter to keep warm air in and help prevent cold air from escaping during summer.
Use effective interior design to maximize space
Once you start moving into a 1,000-square-foot apartment, the rooms may start to feel smaller. But you can take steps to prevent that from happening with the right home designs.
For instance, decorating with lighter colors can reflect light and make the rooms feel bigger. If the walls are already white or a light color, just add pops of color through accessories like area rugs, throw pillows and artwork.
While you want to maximize the storage space in your apartment, don’t try to cram too many furnishings into the rooms. For example, choose a large sofa, chair and coffee table instead of several chairs, a loveseat and side tables.
Adding baskets also can help keep your apartment decluttered, so you don’t feel like your stuff is overtaking the place. Baskets are great catch-alls for books, magazines, papers and other items in the living room.
They also serve as a good storage spot for towels if you don’t have a lot of cabinets in the bathroom. Throwing toys in your child’s bedroom also can make clean-up quick and easy.
Turn 1,000 square feet into your perfect living space
For many people, 1,000 square feet may seem like a small apartment while, for others, it may seem like more than enough square footage. Regardless of your circumstances, you can make 1,000 square feet your perfect-sized property with the right furnishings and home designs in each of the rooms.
When shopping for apartments, listings feature numerous dimensions stating how small or large the space is. Obviously, a 1,000-square-foot apartment will be larger than an 800-square-foot apartment. But if both apartments have two bedrooms, it’s hard to distinguish how much larger the 1,000-square-foot apartment is.
So, how big is 1,000 square feet? Learning how to measure for yourself and looking at some comparisons can go a long way in putting 1,000 square feet into perspective.
How to measure 1,000 square feet
To provide guidelines on standardized measurements, the American National Standards Institute oversees standards and conformity assessment activities to keep everyone on the same page. However, not everyone adheres to these standards, so it’s imperative to take your own measurements to confirm an apartment is an advertised size.
To adequately measure an apartment, condo, townhome, rental house, tiny home or other property, start by listing all the different rooms in the unit on a piece of paper. This includes all closets, hallways, utility spaces and so on.
Next, measure each room with a tape measure. Measure both the length and width of the room and then, multiply those two numbers. That’s the square footage of the room, which is noted by the correct space on the list.
If you have a room with an offset that’s not flush with the rest of the room, measure that section separately. For instance, if the kitchen has an eating nook, measure the straight lines of the kitchen, and then measure the straight lines of the eating nook to get each section’s square area.
To keep the math simple, round all measurements to the nearest half foot. For example, if the master bedroom is 12 feet by 8 feet, 7 inches, multiply 12 by 8.5 to get the square footage: 102 square feet.
After measuring all spaces in the unit, add them together for the unit’s total square footage.
Source: Rent. / Buckhead Town Homes and Gardens
What does 1,000 square feet look like?
It’s not easy to picture how much space 1,000 square feet actually is, so consider some comparisons. One example is a regulation tennis court for singles matches. This court measures 2,106 square feet, so a 1,000-square-foot apartment would sit on about one-half of the tennis court. Here are some other comparisons:
The average two-car garage is 400 square feet, so imagine two and a half two-car garages sitting side by side
On an NBA basketball court, the foul line is 19 feet from the baseline behind the basket. The court is 50 feet wide. If you measure the court size from the baseline to the foul line, it is 950 square feet.
The average size of a rectangular in-ground swimming pool is 200 square feet, so imagine five swimming pools side by side
How much can I fit into a 1,000-square-foot apartment?
Although actual layouts may vary, many 1,000-square-foot apartments often have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living area, a dining area and a kitchen. Within those layouts, the rooms may vary, such as a larger living and dining area and smaller bedrooms.
In some cases, the living and dining rooms could be about the same size as the bedrooms. Or, the bedrooms could be larger, with small main living spaces.
It’s likely a king bed will fit comfortably in at least one of the bedrooms. The living area likely will accommodate a sofa, a couple of chairs and two or three side tables. The dining area usually is large enough for a kitchen table and four chairs.
Given these are basic items, a 1,000-square-foot apartment also usually will accommodate accessories, such as bookshelves, TV consoles, dressers and other furnishings.
A 1,000-square-foot apartment generally accommodates a family of four or less.
The benefits of living in 1,000 square feet
When considering a 1,000-square-foot apartment, there are many benefits to choosing an apartment of this size.
You’ll have extra space for storage
In a 1,000-square-foot apartment, you could find yourself with plenty of storage space. For instance, if you plan to use the second bedroom as an office or guest room, you can use that bedroom’s closet for storage.
Plus, you can put furniture in there to use as storage, such as bookcases, chest of drawers and armoires.
You could save on utility costs
Choosing a 1,000-square-foot apartment could help keep utility costs in check. Having a smaller floor area means less work keeping it warm or cool enough, which reduces the cost of your electric bill. Fewer windows could help, as well, since you can keep curtains closed in the winter to keep warm air in and help prevent cold air from escaping during summer.
Use effective interior design to maximize space
Once you start moving into a 1,000-square-foot apartment, the rooms may start to feel smaller. But you can take steps to prevent that from happening with the right home designs.
For instance, decorating with lighter colors can reflect light and make the rooms feel bigger. If the walls are already white or a light color, just add pops of color through accessories like area rugs, throw pillows and artwork.
While you want to maximize the storage space in your apartment, don’t try to cram too many furnishings into the rooms. For example, choose a large sofa, chair and coffee table instead of several chairs, a loveseat and side tables.
Adding baskets also can help keep your apartment decluttered, so you don’t feel like your stuff is overtaking the place. Baskets are great catch-alls for books, magazines, papers and other items in the living room.
They also serve as a good storage spot for towels if you don’t have a lot of cabinets in the bathroom. Throwing toys in your child’s bedroom also can make clean-up quick and easy.
Turn 1,000 square feet into your perfect living space
For many people, 1,000 square feet may seem like a small apartment while, for others, it may seem like more than enough square footage. Regardless of your circumstances, you can make 1,000 square feet your perfect-sized property with the right furnishings and home designs in each of the rooms.
Do you ever wish you knew the secrets to attract wealth because your 9 to 5 isn’t paying the bills very well? You’re not alone! Today, we’ll talk about the 11 secret life hacks that rich people are doing to make gaining wealth easier.
We’ve compiled the best answers from Reddit, so you don’t have to do it yourself. Read this blog and shift your mindset with these lessons from the wealthy.
1. Organize Everything
If you’re familiar with Marie Kondo, she specifically emphasizes that organizing and decluttering will have a huge impact our lives. It turns out that’s one of the life hacks of truly rich people.
One person said, “Allow me to ramble passionately about a hack of small consequence. Something I noticed about all the rich people’s houses is they have storage containers everywhere. The pantry isn’t piles of groceries shoved inside, it’s all in tidy bins, often matching, sometimes labeled. Their closets have shelves and drawers, not a single pole to hang items. Under their sinks are multiple bins and containers, sometimes on a pullout shelf/drawer. Their spices are ALL on racks, not just the few that fit in a singular rack with the rest piled on top or haphazardly in an adjacent cabinet.
“Their jewelry is organized like a utensil drawer and not shoved in a single box. There are trays or giant bowls by every entry door to toss your mail and keys instead of cluttering every flat surface. Imagine how much calmer your brain would be if you didn’t have to hunt through what feels like a disorganized garage sale everywhere you turn. You don’t have to bend over to rife through objects, you can bring a bin to you.
“I’m just a povvo, but I started ramping up my organizational game and it’s made a subtle but impactful difference in my daily life. Started with matching-sized Amazon boxes in the pantry and Dollar Tree fabric collapsible boxes for toiletries under the sinks and the closet floors, and built up from there. I’ve been slowly converting all my bathroom and kitchen shelves to pull-out drawers (this one is expensive).”
2. Buying in Bulk
This life hack may not be applicable to every body because, in order to save a lot of money on purchases, particularly groceries, you must have the money to shell out first.
One user shared, “Rich people can afford to save money on purchases if they want. I guess if you are rich and don’t care about saving $ it doesn’t apply to you, but it’s definitely a big benefit if you’re a frugal rich person. If that makes sense. A small tiny example. Most would categorize me as wealthy. I buy high-end groceries but aim to do it for as cheap as possible. When our Whole Foods has a sale on our favorite frozen pizzas, normally $12.99 and on sale for $7.99, I buy 10 of them and load up my deep freezer. The fact that I was able to save $50 is only possible because 1) I have enough money to shell out $80 for the upfront cost on the pizzas, and 2) I have a deep freezer to store it in. Neither of those things would be possible without money.”
3. Semi-Permanent Cosmetics
Beauty, in whatever form, is expensive—and only the rich don’t think twice about spending such a huge amount on beautifying themselves or their surroundings.
“…I think a lot of beauty at that level is faked, just like the lawns are faked. Spray tans, teeth caps, really expensive hair extensions and plugs, professional makeup, tailoring, even surgery, etc. etc. I was shocked when I learned about caps for teeth. I didn’t even know that was a thing. Feels like a total cheat code. Can even avoid the expense and discomfort of braces. There are a lot of beauty ‘hacks’ that are not accessible unless you have $$$,” someone shared.
4. Hacking Expensive Purchases
One person commented, “I’ve worked for a rich family and learned a couple hacks. Everyone else is correct. They just hire things out. If you’re genuinely curious, then I’ll share two things I learned in my job that are specific to the wealthy lifestyle. First, moths love real cashmere so you have to keep cedar in your closets to keep them away from eating your sweaters. Second, if you are flying private and only medium-wealthy not truly a fan of throwing money down the drain unnecessarily, it is actually more affordable to ship your luggage via UPS than pay for the additional fuel it will take to carry it in the plane with you.”
Another one shared, “I knew a lady who was, let’s just say she was in a different tax bracket. She and her late husband never took a road trip. They flew everywhere. He was a pilot, and they owned their own plane. They would fly somewhere, and if she ran out of clean clothes, she would just buy more. She’d ship her dirty clothes back home, and the maid would have everything dry-cleaned by the time the lady got back. I can’t imagine how many clothes this lady had. Or maybe she donated them on a regular basis?”
5. Networking
We’re familiar with networking, but it really is one of the life hacks that truly rich people are doing. They leverage the people they know who are also rich and powerful, and that’s what makes them too.
One person shared, “Networking. Powerful people have a large network of connections to get what they want. If you aren’t going out of your way to build ties with people who have things you want like wealth or power, the alternative is working very hard and hoping you get noticed—which doesn’t work most of the time because, unfortunately, the meritocracy is a lie. Learn to meet people and maintain professional connections, not just friendships. And no modesty, that’s a killer.”
The second person replied, “The best network—Politicians, Thieves, Police, Money Laundering—Mafia. Exist all around.”
6. Know What’s Worth Your Time
“When you are good at what you do to make money, you hire pros to do things that you need and get them properly done. That’s classic economics of the division of labor. You focus on what you do well and make more money. That’s the opposite of downward spiral. The concrete example is that I unblock my toilets and fix leaks. I also change my engine oil. Because it’s cheaper for me to do it. If my pay rate is higher than the pros, if course I’ll hire someone. That saves me money,” one person said.
“Sure… but I kind of hate how many people try to apply this to a typical salary worker. No one is gonna pay me to work overtime on a Saturday at my hourly rate (and I don’t want to), and it’s easier to work on a house project for a few hours than find a 2nd job. Many people point to your example, but they either don’t have time for projects cause they work 60 hours a week or prefer to use their disposable income and do something else with their free time. They are not financial wizards, they just make other choices based on circumstances, and that is fine,” argued another commenter.
Another user added, “Yeah, not every minute of my day is monetize-able. Someone once said Bill Gates is so rich that he loses money if he stops to pick up a penny in the street. No, he doesn’t. He didn’t cease to earn money for doing it. Rich people hire others to change their oil because it gives them back time for leisure.”
7. Buy Quality the First Time
One person said, “I was taught to always buy the best of anything I can the first time so I don’t waste my time, money, or efforts on junk. That bled over into everything. Relationships. Experiences. It becomes a mindset and lifestyle. I think that’s what you’re seeing when you look at that neighborhood.”
Another one replied, “This right here. If you want to buy a new piece of furniture, TV, car, etc… Buy nice things and buy quality. It’ll last for years and years. Also, pay cash. Don’t bother financing it. That’s just more wasted money.”
Another user quipped, “Buy once, cry once.”
8. Weigh your Options
“Not really a hack but spending dollars so they count. If there’s a gym that’s $50 a month but is 20 mins away and they’ll only go once a week, and there’s one 2 mins away that’s $200 but they’ll go every day, spend the extra money. The $50 option is a waste. This can be applied in many circumstances,” one person shared.
9. Elegant Appearance
One person shared their experience while working with truly rich people, “A few things I’ve noticed when working for wealthy people. They look rich even in casual clothes because they get everything tailored, even simple white shirts and jeans so they look expensive even when they aren’t.
“A lot of accessories like shoes, bags and jewelry are custom made which can be a better option if you’re going to spend a lot on designer brands anyway, and they will be unique. They don’t just go to the gym, they have a personal trainer who focuses on that toned without being too muscular look, so they look naturally hot without trying.
“Getting blow dry right before an event makes you look polished. I worked for a woman who never washed her own hair, and she always looked amazing. I saw people spend a lot of money on wardrobe staples like jackets and classics, but they would only buy high street seasonal pieces to keep them in style.
“They sell designer pieces to concession stores after wearing them a few times and basically get 50-80% of the cost back depending on the designer. Having lunch at a Michelin-star restaraunt can be slightly more affordable than dinner but you still get the experience. Having drinks at the restaurant bar so you can be ‘seen’ and mingle but don’t have to buy dinner. Going to clubs and events on weekdays means you are more likely to get in, get a table/ticket and it can be less expensive.”
10. Excellent “Talkers”
One person shared, “When I was doing my first startup I saw ‘new money’ people. In school I saw ‘old money’ people. There are all types of rich people and these types have their own ways. They do live in the same areas though. They recognize each other by their watch, type of clothes and behavior. And you can see if they are new rich, old rich, dem or rep by these things too. Their kids go to an endless amount of extracurricular activities. Here it is hockey and tennis, sometimes baseball. The parents do it so their kids build their network (I mean 5year olds).
“Rich people have some skills, but the main skill is talking. They are great at talking. It used to put me off. So and so became the director of yadayada. Why? The only thing he can do is talk. And that is precisely the point. They don’t get so stressed. They just talk for a living. Everything comes from their network. People like listening to their stories. But they cannot do anything of value other than talking. They hire people for that. Duh. Don’t be apologetic. Don’t do stuff worth 10$ an hour if you can make more. Do lots of self-care. And be a professional talker. Listen to people, look at their behavior and clothing, and copy that in your own way.”
Someone added, “I agree with this comment but will extend it further. You call it ‘just talking’ to anyone that will listen, but what they really are doing is ‘selling.’ They are selling their latest ideas, pitches, schemes, problems, solutions, whatever, etc. And their audience (other rich people) love to talk too, so the audience then adds on to those ideas, sometimes with money or introductions to other people with money. And it snowballs because of the network effect.”
11. Etiquette and Mannerisms
“You have a lot of time for personal maintenance and improvement if you don’t have to worry about cooking dinner or doing laundry. Some things, like good etiquette, are made very important from a very young age (hence the napkin folding, knowing what course to use which fork, how to properly address folks in a formal setting, etc) it’s a social code that helps identify who is and who isn’t,” one person stated.
Another one added in agreement, “Exactly. It’s very subtle and says a great deal.”
Source: Reddit.
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Finding a new space or new city to live in is very exciting, however, getting all your belongings to the new apartment is no fun. You have to spend your free time packing, finding a moving company and going through that hall closet you’ve been avoiding for months. Don’t worry too much because we have you covered with these packing hacks and tips.
29 packing hacks to make packing and moving a breeze
Where do you even begin packing? What size boxes do you need? What should you get rid of? These are questions we’ve all had before. The truth is there’s no right way or place to start. Here are 29 packing hacks to make your move smoother and more efficient.
1. Create a schedule
The beginning of any move is overwhelming, to say the least. There’s so much to do, but where do you start? That’s where creating a moving schedule comes into play. If you have a busy life — and most of us do — then a schedule is going to help you get everything done in time for moving day. You could pack one room a day. You could back all similar items — blankets, linens, towels — each day. Or, you could assign different items to each family member to pack as part of the schedule.
2. Have a checklist
After you’ve created your moving schedule, create a moving checklist of everything important you need to remember to do. Write down everything from hiring movers to canceling your Wi-Fi plan. By doing this, you’ll feel more in control while moving.
3. Change your address
Before you’re anywhere near being completely packed, you should change your address. Give the post office a two-week notice so they can send your mail to the correct address.
4. Fill nail holes with a bar of soap
Every renter wants their security deposit back when they move out. To do that, you have to make sure your apartment looks great when you leave it. When you go to take down the art you’ve hung on the wall, you’ll find a couple of nail holes left behind. An easy way to fix this is by using a bar of soap to fill the hole. Rub the bar of soap over the hole until it’s completely filled in.
5. Color code
Color coding is a great way to keep all your boxed organized. All you need is different colored packing tape. As long as you remember which color means and the original box you put each item in, you’re good to go. For example, the yellow tape could mean dishware and blue tape is bedding.
6. Make an overnight bag
Before you pack any boxes, start by packing an overnight bag. The unpacking process takes a couple of days at least. In the meantime, you’ll want some of your essentials. It’s a good idea to have a change of clothes, one pair of shoes, some toiletries, toilet paper and maybe even a first aid kit on hand for those first couple of days in your new place. You can also put the valuable electronics you need access to in your overnight bag.
7. Purge
You know that old sweater in the back of your closet that you swear you’ll wear one day but deep inside know you won’t? It’s time to rid yourself of it and give it a new home. When you start to pack, consider going through your belongings and getting rid of unwanted items. It’s best to do this before you pack as it saves space in the long run. Plus, you’ll move into your new space with fewer items and feel more organized.
8. Sell what you don’t want
Once you have a pile of items to get rid of, consider selling them or giving them away. You could let your friends have first dibs, sell them on eBay or donate them to places like Goodwill.
9. Pre-clean your new home
Once you start unloading your things into your new home it’s nothing but a sea of boxes. If you have access to your apartment, take some time before moving to clean all your new home’s empty spaces. This way when you get there you might have a lot of boxes but everything is clean and ready to go.
10. Eat up
It’s enough to have to pack all your things but packing food is a monster in its own right. If you can, it’s a good idea to try to eat what you can before you move. This way you won’t have to try and pack your pantry or worry about your perishables going bad along the way.
11. Take photos of your furniture assembly
As you start to unassemble the bigger items of your home, such as couches or bedframes, take photos along the way. This will help you later on when you’re re-assembling them in your new space. You could also video yourself disassembling furniture so you know where all the screws go so you’re left with one stray screw.
12. Group the boxes
Now it’s time to put things into boxes. No matter if you’re using cardboard boxes, wardrobe boxes or plastic bins, it’s a great idea to group them. Have all the bathroom and bedroom items in separate boxes. You’ll probably need multiple boxes for each room. When you’re done packing everything by group, put all the boxes together by room or use. This will make unpacking so much easier.
13. Label, label, label
Labeling your boxes is one of those tried and true packing hacks. If you need to find things, labeling will make each box easily accessible. Staying organized ahead of time will make all the difference in your move.
14. Use clear bins
Pack things you’ll need or want first in clear bins. Seeing through them will give you easy access to your belongings. Pack items, such as clothes, toiletries or important documents, in these bins.
15. Roll your clothes
A good moving and travel packing hack is to roll your clothing instead of folding them. This will save you a lot of space and will allow you to put more in each box.
16. Make your own handles
We all know boxes are not the easiest things to carry. However, you can cut your own handles.
First, you’ll need a box cutter. Next, you’re going to cut a small rectangle on each side of the box. Once you’ve cut through the cardboard, you’ll now have two rectangular holes, which are now your handles. You can do this with large boxes and small boxes alike and will save your fingers in the long run.
17. Pack your jewelry tangle-free
While jewelry is pretty to wear, it’s a pain to untangle. There’s nothing worse than going to grab your necklace and realizing it’s attached to every other piece of jewelry you own.
To avoid this, get a couple of ice cube trays, depending on how much jewelry you have. Fill each slot with your jewelry, giving everything its own space. Once you have it all organized, cover it with plastic wrap and boom you’re good to go.
Say you have all your jewelry already organized on hangers well, there’s a way to pack that, too. Just plastic wrap the entire thing and pack it as one. That way when you get to your new home it’s all ready to go.
18. Keep clothes on hangers
Do not, under any circumstances, take your hanging clothes off their hangers when packing. Keeping them hanging up will save time and maximize space during your move. Put plastic bags around the bottom of the clothes to keep them together and organized. When you get into your new apartment, all you have to hang them up in the new closet you’re done.
19. Don’t empty your dresser drawers
Instead of taking the time to empty and refill your dresser drawers, just leave them how they are. Just put a piece of tape on the drawers or cabinets to ensure they stay closed. Just pack the dresser carefully and you’re all set.
20. Plastic wrap
Plastic wrap is your new best friend when you’re moving. You can use it for so many things, from keeping items together to adding an extra layer of protection to boxes. Make sure to have some on hand before you start packing.
21. Say goodbye to bubble wrap
Let’s be honest, who hasn’t enjoyed popping a few sheets of bubble wrap here and there? While it’s a fun pastime and oddly satisfying, it’s also expensive. There are some other ways to ensure your fragile items make it in one piece.
Instead of using air-filled plastic, consider using your own clothing or your kids’ stuffed animals. Pack your fragile goods in between two sweatshirts or put your china next to Mr. Bear and Ms. Bunny. You can also consider packing paper to pack glasses or plates. This will save you from having to use more moving boxes than you need to.
22. Use garbage bags or any plastic bag to save space
Garbage bags and plastic bags are good ways to pack things, such as bed sheets, blankets, comforters or pillows. This will allow you to keep all your bedding together without having to use a single box.
23. Use cotton balls for makeup safety
As a lot of us know, make-up is expensive and to save money, we want it to last as long as possible. When moving, there’s always the risk of items, such as blush or other powders, breaking in transport. A way to avoid this is to put a cotton ball or pad inside the make-up case.
24. Make your bottles spill-proof
Having your skincare or make-up explode while moving is the worst. Your best bet to keep this from happening is cotton balls. Put either one on the top of the bottle before screwing on the lid. This way, if it does decide to explode, you’ll at least trap moisture on the cotton ball or plastic will catch it. For a bit of extra caution, wrap your bottles in packing paper to catch any liquid that might escape the cotton balls under the lids.
25. Take a photo of your electronics
Before you unplug your T.V. and other electronics creating a mountain of cords, take a photo first of how it should look. You’ll be so grateful you did when you go to plug it all back in. You won’t waste time trying to figure out which cord goes where.
26. Make use of laundry bins and suitcases
While you can use moving boxes, it’s also a good idea to use bins you already have on hand, such as bags, suitcases and laundry bins. You can use these to put your clothing in to make it a bit easier when you unpack. Or, put your lighter items like toilet paper or paper towels in them instead of taking up space in other boxes.
27. Feed your friends
If you have friends that will help you move, congrats! You’re winning at life. While your friends are generous, it’s also important for you to thank them. A great way of doing this is by feeding them. On moving day, have some things to snack on to keep your friends full and happy while they’re helping you.
If you still have things you want to use up in your pantry, now is a great time to do that. You can also always order a pizza or have a little get-together at the end of moving day to show thanks.
28. Hire a moving truck
Even if you have friends that are willing to help, it’s still a good tip to use a truck and or movers. A moving truck ensures you have enough space to fit all your boxes and bags. It can also save you from making multiple trips to get your things.
If you don’t have friends that can help you out, then, hiring professional movers or a moving company is another one of the best moving tips to consider. You should always do your homework, though, before hiring anyone. Check out a couple of different companies to see who has the best pricing and remember to always read reviews. This will save you a lot of hassle in the end.
29. Load your moving truck correctly
When the time comes to load up the truck, make sure to do it correctly. Start by putting the things you need last towards the back and the boxes you’ll need first in the front.
Stress-free packing for your next move
We all know that packing and moving is a hassle. While we can’t take all the stress away, we know that these 29 packing hacks will make your move smoother, more organized and efficient and, hopefully, stress-free.
On a street corner near our house is a store called The Dig, which advertises “most clothes $3 – $4 – $5”. Many of these are items of the latest fashions, which have been rejected for whatever reason. Clean and organized, the store also has dressing rooms, something many thrift stores lack. I used to mock Kris for going to The Dig. It looked like a dive. Then I joined her for a trip a couple of weeks ago — now I’m a convert.
I buy most of my clothing at one of two places: Costco or the local thrift shops. It makes me wince to pay more than $20 for a piece of clothing. (Unless it’s something top quality, like a Filson jacket, in which case I’ll gladly pay $150.) Costco has styles I like, but the selection is limited, and the prices are three times those at thrift stores. Thrift stores have a huge selection, but the garments are often flawed. And to find anything good, you have to sort through tons of junk.
Used clothing stores like The Dig are a compromise. The prices are better than at Costco. The selection isn’t as wide as you might find at a thrift store, but the quality is generally better. Here are some tips about shopping for second-hand clothes. (Kris gave a lot of help with these.)
Set a budget. This is difficult at first — you don’t know how much things cost. But eventually you’ll be able to tell yourself, “I’m going spend $20 today”. It becomes a game to see how much you can buy for $20.
Discard your prejudices. Some people consider thrift stores and used clothing shops nasty dirty places. Some are. Most aren’t. Explore your neighborhood. Find a shop or two that you like, and you’ll be hooked. (My mother-in-law was nonplused when we shopped for used clothes on our San Francisco vacation, but even she became excited when she found a new pair of her favorite Birkenstocks — in her size! — for just $8.)
Go with a friend. It’s good to have a second opinion. Your friend may have an eye for what looks good on you — and vice versa.
Try things on. Sizes vary widely between manufacturers and even by eras. (Today’s clothes have looser fits.) But go in knowing your general size and measurements. Note that some places don’t have dressing rooms, so it’s smart to wear a modest thin layer in case you need to strip down in the aisle.
Examine each item thoroughly. It sucks to get home to find your new shirt has a hole in the pocket. Or that the slacks you thought were a steal actually have a broken zipper.
Check washing instructions. You don’t want to pay $3 for a silk blouse if you’ll never dry-clean it.
Use the tags as a guide to find quality brands you like, but don’t limit yourself. Sometimes a brand you’ve never heard of can yield a favorite piece of clothing.
Think layers. Maybe that shirt with a stain on the sleeve has a great collar for wearing under a sweater. For $3, you can afford to buy a single-purpose shirt.
Use thrift stores as a way to diversify your wardrobe. Buy colors and styles on which you normally wouldn’t spend much. Wear the new clothes a few times to see how you like them, and to gauge the reaction of others.
Used clothing stores are great for certain accessories. Why pay $30 for a new belt in a department store when you can get a better belt in your size for just $2? I like to shop at second-hand stores for hats. (Nice hats.)
Look for clothes new with tags. Sometimes unsold department store inventory finds its way to used clothing stores and thrift shops. You’ll generally pay more for these items, but not much.
If you won’t wear it, don’t buy it. You don’t save money buying a $3 shirt if it just sits in your closet for two years.
Wash clothes when you get them home.
Watch for sales. Used clothing stores (and thrift stores) run periodic specials. Our favorite local store just ran a half-off sale. The local thrift stores often have specials on certain items.
If you go to the same store often, ask when they rotate stock. Stores get new shipments regularly. Most also have extra stock in storage. If you become familiar with the owners, you might even ask them to keep an eye out for particular items.
If buying used clothes becomes a habit, institute a “one in-one out policy”. Every time you bring home something new, get rid of something old. (Give it away, take it to a thrift store, or save it for a garage sale.)
Have fun! Buying used clothing can save you money. It’s also a fun way to kill a Saturday afternoon. At $3 an item, you can afford to be adventurous sometimes.
Used clothes shopping isn’t just for women. Men can find some fantastic deals, too. I hate to shop for clothes in department stores, but I love the adventure of buying used clothes. Don’t dismiss the idea out of hand. Good second-hand stores aren’t smelly, dirty, or scary — they’re just great places to find bargain clothing.
Depending on budget and location, you must select an apartment with less square footage than you dreamed. How small is too small? What about a 200-square-feet apartment?
Micro-apartments are becoming more popular as rents go back up in major urban spots like New York City. It might be all you need if you hate clutter and love a minimalist aesthetic. You can make it work as a single person or a couple.
But how big is 200 square feet, really?
How to calculate 200 square feet
When you’re touring the apartment complex, the leasing agent will let you know the square footage of every unit you see. But, what if the community isn’t as formal, you’re looking into a smaller complex or a garage apartment?
Knowing how to measure the square footage of your future home is incredibly helpful. Here’s how to do it.
You’ll need a pencil, paper, your phone’s calculator and a long tape measure (100-foot or more)
Start with the first room in the apartment. Look at the room’s shape — is it a rectangle, triangle, trapezoid or another shape? This will help record the dimensions of the room.
Use the tape measure and measure the width and length of the room in inches, rounding up to the nearest inch (or feet if your tape measure has it). You want whole numbers for this.
If you measured inches, divide each number by 12 to convert it to feet.
Use this square footage calculator to input the width and length of the room in feet. You’ll get the square footage of the room you’re in. Do this in every apartment room and add the square footage together at the end of all rooms.
Can you live in 200 square feet?
You’ve seen the headlines, “Can you believe this person lives in 200 square feet?” How big is 200 square feet, really? For example, a 400-square-feet apartment is about the size of a standard two-car garage. At the same time, a school bus equals a 300-square-feet apartment.
The best way to visualize 200 square feet is to think about a one-car garage with an average-sized car with little room on the sides. It will be a small studio that you’ll have to furnish strategically and keep low on clutter.
This studio floor plan from Nora Apartments in Seattle, WA, is an example of what an apartment close to 200 square feet looks like.
Source: Rent./Nora Apartments
Tips for living in 200 square feet
You don’t have to sacrifice your style or your sanity to live in 200 square feet.
Go monochrome
Paint can take you very far in a small space. A cool bright white from floor to ceiling and cohesive finishes will instantly make the space look bigger. Choose a neutral color palette that you’ll carry from your furniture to your linens and accessories to create a calm space.
Too much color can quickly overwhelm the senses in a 200-square-foot apartment. For example, keep your bedding crisp white with subtle stripes if you need a pattern. It will open up the space and make it look more together.
Have a place for everything
Having a place for everything means no clutter. Decide what you need to display and what doesn’t in each room and put it away.
If you need more small space storage, go vertical with shelves above the couch, the toilet or your desk. It will clear the floor and make the space look bigger. Get clever with your space usage. Use baskets or the inside of your oven for your pots when not in use.
Embrace dual-purpose furniture
Can a desk function as a work spot and your nightstand? How are you using your closet for clothes and homewares?
Have a big suitcase? Use it to store your blankets and bedsheets when not in use. Maximize your space by using the space under your sofa, bed and coffee table to store, display and organize any of your things.
Understand your layout
Understanding a small apartment’s main paths and overall layout will help determine the main spaces to decorate and prioritize. It’s not enjoyable to keep tripping over something because it’s not in the right place.
Identify the paths you take the most to the kitchen, bathroom and bed to mark them off-limits when buying furniture. This will quickly bring a little peace to the chaos and make your apartment look more put-together.
Clean windows
This seems small, but keeping your windows clean will bring more natural light into the space and make it seem brighter. Place a mirror nearby to reflect all that good light to other spots in your small apartment.
Only use thin, light-colored curtains to maximize the light for those windows.
Make your 200-square-foot apartment mighty
It all comes down to your lifestyle — 200 square feet is more than enough for someone with a minimalist personality that doesn’t need too much. Just because you are going minimal, it doesn’t mean you can’t make that apartment a home.
You can make this small apartment beyond cozy while being intentional about what you bring into it. Don’t get too stuck in the “how big is 200 square feet” and more in the potential for you.
A freelance writer based out of the Atlanta area, Alia has penned articles during her decade+ career for such sites as HowStuffWorks, TLC, Animal Planet, Zillow and many more. Her favorite things to write about include fitness, nutrition, travel, healthcare and general lifestyle topics. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Alia’s an avid Dawg, but she also loves reading, sewing, eating all things chocolate and playing sports with her husband, three boys and beloved border collie, Flash.
In the family-friendly neighborhood of Encino, in the San Fernando Valley region of L.A., a former NBA All-Star’s house is looking for new owners.
Listed for $4,999,000 (Michelle Schwartz and Mauricio Umansky of The Agency hold the listing), the gated mid-century estate is currently home to former NBA player Kiki VanDeWeghe and his wife, acclaimed interior designer and structural engineer Peggy VanDeWeghe.
Kiki, whose full name is Ernest Maurice “Kiki” VanDeWeghe III, and Peggy bought the house back in 2010, per public records, and have revamped the entire residence — giving the mid-century home a refreshed, stylish look that combines bold, sophisticated design elements with wellness amenities and an overall emphasis on wellbeing and relaxation.
The single-level, 5-bedroom home has a harmonious, Feng Shui-inspired layout, accented by dramatic design elements.
The elegant dining room and wine bar are ideal for hosting large and small gatherings alike, while the zen den — featuring walnut floors and a stone fireplace with a fossil stone hearth — provides a peaceful space to unwind.
Arguably the most attractive part of the house, the family room boasts high ceilings, oak floors, and a 23-foot stone alcove wet bar that seamlessly transitions into the chef’s kitchen.
Kiki and Peggy’s primary bedroom suite is actually a fully-fledged retreat.
It features a loft, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, dual bathroom vanities, a steam shower, and a massive walk-in closet.
The are 4 additional private suites, each with its own custom finishes, en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets, and a walkout to the luxe outdoor space.
Speaking of the outdoor areas, the couple’s home features an oversized saltwater pool, an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, a putting green, a veggie garden, and even a rooftop deck.
The long-retired hoopster, who played for the Denver Nuggets (1980-1984), the Portland Trail Blazers (1984-1989), the New York Knicks (1989-1992), and the Los Angeles Clippers (1992-1993), moved on to become the general manager of the Denver Nuggets and the New Jersey Nets, and a head coach of the Nets.
He also served as the NBA’s executive vice president of basketball operations for 8 years, playing a significant part in modernizing the league’s basketball operations during his tenure. VanDeWeghe stepped down from his position in 2021 but retained a league advisory role.
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