It is likely a part of our nature to long for large home and wide open fields, for space to roam while we bring up our progeny and our families in that joyous freedom. However, the reality for many of us includes debilitating student loans, sky-high rents, cramped city living, and tiny apartments. What is a confined guy or gal to do? Check out these items below that will help you get the most out of your small living situation.
10. Robot Vacuum, Meet Deebot
There are various robot vacuums on the market. Roomba was the industry pioneer, but did you know you can get the same functionality for a fraction of the cost? I purchased this model a year ago as a black Friday special and I haven’t looked back. Robot vacuums are range limited, so small apartment spaces are perfect for their automated cleaning. Mine is tucked away under the TV stand, so it has a minimal footprint.
9. Wall Hooks, Pack of 8
These wall hooks come in handy. Add a place to hang towels in the restroom, oven mitts in the kitchen, or a place to hang artwork in the living room. The transparent backing helps make sure the hooks are as unnoticeable as possible.
8. Small Dust Buster, Black & Decker
These things are surprisingly useful around the house. The charging base can be stored when not in use, and you can put the dust buster somewhere out of the way until needed. I use this for cleaning corners, the car, bugs and spiders, food spills, and any other situation where there is a dry mess I need to clean up. Black and Decker has a surprisingly high quality range of dust busters. With a rechargeable battery and reusable waste container, this dust buster is surprisingly durable.
7. 2-in-1 Laptop for Work and Play, Dell XPS 13 2-in-1
Hopefully you still have space for a TV. If not, you can consider getting a laptop that can double as an entertainment system. The new 2-in-1 laptops have full laptop performance, but can be reconfigured as a media device. Sure you can watch videos on a normal laptop, but when you swivel that screen and get the keyboard out of the way, it becomes a way more immersive experience. Chances are high you have a computer already, but if not, consider a 2-in-1.
6. Swiffer Sweeper
Assuming you have hardwood floors, there are not many options when it comes to mopping. It is hard to find space for a mop and a bucket, so I have found that a Swiffer sweeper does the job. Paired with the robot vacuum ideally, you can do some moist scrubbing with a Swiffer sweeper to pick up the remaining dust and sticky spots. I keep mine next to my toilet, which keeps it out of the way handily.
5. Nested Suitcases, Samsonite
With all of the money you are saving, hopefully you have some money left over to travel and forget about your cramped conditions back home. I recommend getting a nested suitcase set. The smaller carry-on size can be stored in the larger check-in suitcase when stored at home. You can even use the carry-on suitcase as storage. It’s like free storage space!
4. Tiny Nightstand Lights, with USB
Sometimes even getting lights into an apartment is difficult. Floor lamps are great but take up valuable real estate. If you get a tiny nightstand light, not only can you re-use the space on your night-stand, but the room feels much brighter due to the light’s proximity to your head. Plus add in features like USB charging, and you are looking at one handy light.
3. Folding Guest Bed and Cot, Lesuit
Just because you have a small space doesn’t mean you can’t be hospitable. This is the best guest bed I have found, with a balance of comfort, storability, and affordability. A little bit of memory foam can go a long way these days. This includes both frame and mattress, a great deal. Extra tip: if you can get a murphy bed in your apartment, that will save you TONS of space.
2. Toaster Oven and Air Fryer
Let’s be honest. If you are living in a small space, there’s a high chance you are living on your own with more frozen dinners and prepared meals than you would like. Not judging, I lived like this for more years than I care to remember. But if you appreciate good food, you know that something out of the oven or fryer is 20x more tasty than something out of the microwave. Check out this toaster oven & air fryer combo. I find this to be one of the most useful items in my kitchen, and good food can help change a person’
1. Good quality dining table, extendable
One of my favorite pieces of furniture after moving into my small apartment was my dining table. Beautiful when closed, and practical when open. You don’t want to keep a larger-than-necessary dining table open all of the time, but when guests are over, it’s nice to have the flexibility to add seats on the fly. Plus you use this every day, not only for eating, but often for working and lounging. Take my advice, invest in a good dining table, and extendable ones are even better.
