When you’re looking for an Apartment to rent, you may come across certain terms that aren’t familiar or particularly clear. One such term is a Micro apartment, which is especially common in urban areas in which space comes at a premium. Learn more about the meaning of the term micro apartment and whether this type of unit would work for your lifestyle and needs.

You’ll find the following information in this article:

• Definition of a micro apartment
• Purpose of micro apartments
• Pros of micro apartments
• Cons of micro apartments
• How to live comfortably in a micro apartment

What is a micro apartment?

Micro apartment is a term used to refer to a rental unit that is smaller than the typical unit offered to a renter. In order to qualify as a micro apartment, a rental unit typically measures 350 square feet or less in size. When calculating the square footage of an apartment, you multiply the width by the length of the room. Based on this calculation, a micro apartment would be no more than 30 feet in length or width by 10 feet in length or width. In some areas, a micro apartment can be even smaller. 

The small size of this type of unit means that most micro apartments are studio-style, meaning that the space is open and the kitchen, bedroom, and living space don’t have walls or doors between them. However, most cities have laws in place that require all rental units to include certain essential amenities. These include a bathroom, a living space, a sleeping space, and a kitchen area.

Purpose of micro apartments

A shortage of affordable housing has affected people across the nation, leading developers and city planners to get more creative in their usage of the available space. When designing and constructing new apartment buildings and complexes in densely populated cities and metro areas, some developers are shifting their focus to options that can hold a larger number of renters. Cities across the U.S. have seen an increase in the construction of multifamily residential structures with smaller units, including apartments that qualify as micro apartments.

In certain cities, such as Boston and Seattle, laws regulate the minimum size of a rental unit. Massachusetts state law dictates that every rental unit must contain at least 150 square feet of space for the first occupant and an additional 100 square feet of floor space for each additional occupant. A similar law is in effect in Seattle, and rental units must also have a full kitchen or kitchenette in the Emerald City.

Pros of micro apartments

Living in a micro apartment comes with a few benefits. One of the main advantages is the cost, as a micro unit can cost 20%-30% less than a standard rental unit in a major city. When comparing micro apartments with studio apartments, you might find that the rent is between $300 and $600 less per month for the former, helping you to save a lot of cash. 

Developers and builders also typically construct apartment buildings with micro units in densely populated areas, so you’ll be close to or within the center of the city in which you live. Public transportation is generally more accessible in larger cities, so you may not need to own a vehicle, depending on where you live and its proximity to your workplace. Some rental communities that offer micro units include access to communal space for renters, such as game rooms, gyms, and rooftop decks. Having access to these amenities might make the micro apartment feel a bit more appealing.

If you’re an eco-conscious renter, living in a micro unit can help you reduce your carbon footprint. Micro apartments take up less space and many have eco-friendly features, including heating and cooling systems, lighting, and materials. Some micro units are available with furnishings that fit into the available space, so you could save on furniture as well. If you don’t like to spend your free time cleaning, living in a smaller space will certainly appeal to you. Less square footage means fewer surfaces and floors to clean.

Cons of micro apartments

Moving into a micro apartment can feel jarring, especially if you’re used to having a bit more space. These units are small, there’s no question about it. You can’t live in a micro apartment with a roommate or partner unless it meets the size requirements to have more than one occupant. The size is the main drawback, and it can prevent you from hosting gatherings with friends or family members. However, if you can make do with the smaller size and you don’t mind living alone, a micro apartment could be a cost-effective option.

How to live comfortably in a micro apartment

If you decide to move into a micro apartment, take some time to consider how you want to furnish the place (assuming that the furnishings aren’t included). Many micro units include murphy beds, which are foldout beds located within the walls. When you want to go to sleep, simply fold out your bed and you’ll be ready for a good night’s rest. You can fold it away during the daytime to increase your living space.

A couch might not fit in the designated living area of a micro unit, so get creative when shopping for furniture. Look for a fold-up desk that you can fold away when it’s not in use or pick up a low dresser that can double as a coffee table. Before you invest in any furniture pieces, make sure to measure the available space to ensure that it will fit. Some furniture manufacturers cater to micro units, so shopping these brands can help you find the items that will work best.

Whether you’re planning to move into a micro apartment or not, you can use Zumper to explore rentals in your area. Now that you understand the meaning of the term, you can filter your search to include or exclude micro apartments, depending on your lifestyle and desires for your next living space.

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