Life in NYC is something many people dream of. Although the lifestyle that goes with New York comes with many great perks, it also has some downsides. As you’re probably aware, finding a spacious place in NYC is nearly impossible. Nevertheless, we all need to make sacrifices to get what we’re looking for. In reality, living in an NYC micro apartment is still living in NYC, making this sacrifice well worth it. You just need to find ways to live large even though you’re in a confined space.
Decluttering is a must
If you’re going to live in a micro apartment in NYC, you’ll need to tend to it a bit more frequently than you would normally. Decluttering needs to become a part of your usual cleaning routine. If you’re not someone who’s intensely devoted to minimalism, you’ll have a hard time keeping your home clean if you don’t discard what you don’t need. In whichever way best suits you, try to create a realistic and attainable schedule. This way, this won’t feel like much of a chore.
Things you can live without
Here are some suggestions of items that you may not need as much as you thought.
- A coffee table
Coffee tables, along with bedside tables, aren’t essential. Of course, if you deem them an important item, you can get them. Otherwise, there are plenty of other ways to find a place for your coffee cups and bedtime books that don’t require as much space. - A bedroom
If you’re tight on space, you probably won’t be able to have a separate room for sleeping. That’s fine. You can get a fold-down bed. - Knick-knacks
Keeping all kinds of souvenirs and decorative pieces around your home is fine if you have the space for it. However, in an NYC micro apartment, this would unnecessarily make your home feel cluttered.
Make sure that your personality shines through
To live large in your New York micro-apartment, you need to find a way to feel free and unconfined. One of the best ways to do this is to let your unique personality shine through. You can do this by bringing in items you hold dear, painting your walls a certain color, or bringing your favorite scented candle.
Come up with organizational techniques
Apart from decluttering your small apartment in NYC, you’ll also need to keep all your remaining items in order. If you’re not very orderly and tend to keep things lying around your home, this needs to stop. The two rules to live by are to make everything easily accessible and to make sure to return every item to its place once you’re done using it.
Best NYC neighborhoods for newcomers
If you became a New Yorker recently, you should explore some neighborhoods, no matter which one you live in. A great way to live large in NYC is to go outside and get to know your surroundings. Here are the best NYC neighborhoods for newcomers.
- Brooklyn
- Staten Island
- Battery Park City
- Manhattan
Small furniture can be great
Although it may not be the most popular type of furniture among the crowds, it can be a real space saver. You can still decorate your home according to design trends in New York; just make a few compromises and alterations on the side. Especially if you live alone, getting smaller tables and kitchen cabinets shouldn’t be an issue.
Find creative storage options
Save space in your home by finding storage in some unlikely places.
- Space-saving furniture
Get beds, ottomans, and chairs that have extra space in them and use them for linens or even clothes. - Vacuum seal all your clothes and linens
Before storing the linens and clothes that you won’t use for a while, make sure to seal them. - Hang anything that you can
Using vertical space is a great space-saving idea. This is especially applicable in rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Look for additional storage options
If you cannot find a way to squeeze everything inside your NYC micro apartment, you need to think outside the box. Finding a moving company that offers storage options in order to find the perfect storage unit for your belongings is a great idea. Browse through Best Movers NYC to find the most reliable professionals.
Best design choices for your NYC micro apartment
When designing your small space, you need to be objective. Even though you may be a fan of really vibrant colors and dark wooden tones, this isn’t applicable in a tiny apartment. Make sure to read up on all the tips and tricks to make a home seem more spacious. Bring a lot of light into your home, hang as many mirrors as you feel comfortable with, and paint your walls a light color.
Advantages of smaller apartments
- They’re very cozy
Especially during the colder winter days, you’ll love the fact that you live in a small apartment. Lighting a few candles and making hot chocolate will fill up the space completely. - You won’t feel lonely
Even if you live alone, a small apartment won’t let you feel the emptiness. - They’re cheaper to furnish and easier to clean
Something you’ll love during your relocation is just how easy it is to furnish your place. Maintenance is pretty much the same.
Be realistic – don’t chase the unattainable
Expecting that your NYC micro apartment turns out perfectly is a dead end. You’ll only get disappointed. You cannot expect to never feel the downsides of living in a smaller space. Especially if you don’t live alone, you’ll sometimes feel as if you lack personal space. This is all normal. Remembering that you live in one of the world’s greatest cities and that you have anything at your fingertips should help you get over these moments.