Ever feel like you could live in an Airstream trailer just fine and dandy? If so, life in a 200-Square-foot apartment isn't much of a stretch. All it takes is some multi-functional furniture and a creative eye to see a small space's big potential.
How big is 200 square feet?
The general consensus is that the average two-car garage is 400 square feet. To figure out how big 200 square feet is, simply chop that garage in half. Of course, that's not an exact calculation, but it gives you an idea of what to expect from such an itty-bitty space. It's also similar in size to an Airstream travel trailer, which can go a bit larger to a bit smaller, depending on the model.
How to calculate 200 square feet
It's simple enough to measure the Square Footage of any given space. It only requires a few simple tools and a piece of paper to jot down the measurements.
- Grab a 100-foot tape measure, a calculator and a pen/pencil and paper
- Draw out a rough depiction of the space on the paper. In a 200-square foot apartment, this is easy to do and probably only includes one room and a bathroom.
- Measure the length and width of the primary room (in inches). Round up to the nearest inch and write it down.
- Divide each measurement by 12 to convert it into feet. So, if you measured 144 inches in length, the room would be 12 feet long.
- Next, multiply the length in feet by the width in feet. This will give you the square footage of the room. For example, a room that's 10 feet wide by 8 feet long is 80 square feet.
- Measure and calculate for other rooms and bathrooms, as needed. This isn't a big job in such a small space. Then, add the square footage of all rooms together to achieve the total square footage of the unit.
Not so confident in your adding skills? Use a square footage calculator, instead of calculating it all yourself.
Here's how to live in a 200-square-foot apartment
Whether you're downsizing from a multi-bedroom apartment or a full-fledged house, the principles of moving to a really small space are all the same, if on a different scale. Here are some helpful tips to make the transition seamless, even easy.
1. When in doubt, throw it out
A 200-square-foot space doesn't have room for your extensive American Girl doll collection. So, maybe pick your favorite and sell, donate or store the rest. Before moving day, go through everything from clothes to kitchenware and make the tough decisions about what to keep and what to toss. Chances are, you'll never miss the vast majority of the items you purge.
2. Go shopping
No, don't replace everything you just tossed. Instead, look for furniture and storage solutions that allow for maximum functionality. Really think through the floor plan and your individual needs, though. For example, don't waste money and space on a big TV and entertainment unit if you're just fine using an iPad or laptop to stream. Select a bed with storage drawers underneath and headboard shelves, perfect for books or knick-knacks.
Measure and assess bathroom and kitchen cabinets, then, hit the local home organizing store for installations that maximize space potential. Whatever you do, don't forget the walls! Creative shelving and hanging pieces that open up to reveal hidden jewelry or other types of storage are both attractive and functional.
3. Change your ways
Already a minimalist? Carry on. Otherwise, it's time to scale back some deep-seated habits to succeed in a small space. When out and about, resist the urge to buy unnecessary items that'll just wind up causing clutter. Ask yourself if you really need the piece. If you decide you do, commit to getting rid of an item at home to maintain balance.
It's also a safe bet you should streamline your kitchen habits. The kitchen pantry at a 200-square-foot unit isn't likely to support a warehouse club habit. Instead of buying in bulk, switch to planning meals on a weekly basis. This is more efficient and space-saving, plus, it'll likely save you a bundle of money on wasted food, as well.
4. Become a maintenance master
Don't let chores and dust and clutter pile up around you. Instead, set a cleaning schedule and stick to it. Tidying up regularly is key to preventing the pileup of mail and crumbs and other undesirable nastiness, which will keep the small unit from feeling unnecessarily claustrophobic. Since it's a small apartment, it shouldn't take long at all!
Also, make a point to de-clutter on a larger scale on the regular. This can happen quarterly or at whatever interval feels right to you.
Tiny apartment, big changes
Many people swear by the freeing effect of living in a small space with few material items. If this sentiment strikes a chord with you, perhaps it's time to look into a 200-square-foot apartment! As the old saying goes, sometimes, big things really do come in small packages.
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