As with most things in life, you should assess your situation. After all, what some may feel is a good size apartment for a couple might not work for you and your love. The decision totally depends on your personal circumstances, so enter into the conversation with an open heart and a realistic mind.
Things to consider
There are a few significant factors to consider when deciding what makes a good size apartment for a couple, and everyone can agree that the first one is a biggie.
Extra expense
Most people can find a use for an additional room, but can you realistically shoulder the extra cost of a two-bedroom apartment? Weigh the potential uses for the room against the additional per month amount of rent to decide if the extra bedroom is a suitable option.
Depending on where you live, a second bedroom can run you anywhere from an extra $200 or $300 to as much as $700-plus. Remember, most experts recommend spending no more than 30 percent of your take-home pay on rent. Many suggest sticking closer to the 20 percent mark, in case of financial hardship or to save more every month.
For a lot of renters, the decision on what makes a good size apartment for a couple has to do just as much with income as it does with actual space.
Extra space
Probably the biggest bonus of selecting a two-bedroom rental is that you’ll have more room for both of your stuff. It’s still important to purge the extras so that everything doesn’t pile up in an overwhelming mess, however. So, if you have doubles of some items like a couch, coffee maker and bed, you can choose to keep, trash, donate or sell those items.
Don’t toss everything out before you’ve decided on a purpose for the extra room, though. Your old bed could be ideal for a guest room, as well as an extra sofa or desk. Unless you make tons of toast on a daily basis, you probably won’t need more than one toaster, so downsize accordingly.
Extra breathing room
Even the happiest couples need a little space now and then. An extra room could be the perfect place to seek sanctuary with a good book or simply for some alone time away from the noise of the kitchen, television and idle chatter. Especially when your beloved has friends over.
Possible uses
The sky’s the limit when choosing what to do with a potential extra room. Just make sure you both agree ahead of time on how the space will be used. You’re supposed to be living like lovers, not fighting like annoyed siblings! Check out these sample scenarios for that oh-so-desirable square footage.
Office
More and more people are working from home at least part-time. If that’s the case for either or both of you, an extra room is very helpful to use as an office to stash printers, computers, those cords that somehow pile up and even a fax machine (if you’re really old school). Even better, with the right furniture and creative arrangement, both of you can utilize this space to make the money that pays for it!
Bonus Room
Another reason to consider opting for a second bedroom is the potential use of the space as a mixed-use bonus room. For instance, you or your significant other may need a room devoted to crafts, exercise, gaming and other pastimes that are important to you both. So, it’s important to think about your needs and hobbies when selecting a good size apartment for a couple.
Guest room
Even though your focus should be on finding a good size apartment for a couple, it’s also wise to think about your potential guest situation. A guest room can come in handy, especially if your family and friends live out of town.
Also, take into consideration the occasional stray mutual friend, who may weasel their way into spending the night. It’s better you have a spare room for them than a living room couch.
If you can benefit from the extra space and the additional cost in rent won’t hamper your lifestyle, a guest room is a good option. Plus, if done right a guest room can double as an office or other type of space.
Closet space
Apartments are notorious for their closets (or lack thereof). If you and your love are both clotheshorses, you’ll probably find that the master closet leaves a lot to be desired. An extra room could easily become a well-organized space for keeping off-season clothes, shoes and outerwear, as well as other household supplies you don’t have room for in the master closet.
Kid’s room
If you’re planning on having kids anytime in the near-ish future, it will behoove you to consider the space he or she will take up. An apartment that’s a good size for a couple might not work if one or more little ones get involved.
Plus, pregnancy is stressful enough, so why add moving to a larger floor plan to the load? Small children come with lots of furniture, toys, strollers and other baby essentials, so factor in plenty of extra room for Junior.
Extra space for pets
People with pets should also bear in mind that furry, scaly and feathery friends take up extra space. Whether you want to have an out of the way spot for litter boxes, pet beds, food dishes or other necessities, a spare room is an excellent place to stow them.
Stay on the same page when looking for a good size apartment for a couple
It’s not unusual to waffle back and forth about whether you truly need an extra bedroom. This is an amenity that many people can do without, but which can also add an extra layer of functionality to your new home.
Whatever you end up choosing, moving in together is an important milestone, so make sure you’re both in sync with this decision. Start this new era off on the right foot!
