GUIDE FOR UNDERSTANDING WHAT SIZE APARTMENT YOU NEED
Whether you’re downsizing for retirement or moving into your first apartment, it can be hard to know what size apartment will fit your needs. Use this guide to answer all your questions and pick the perfect floor plan for your lifestyle!
Check out the table below to get a general idea of how big a space is!
Square Footage: Similar to the Size of:
• 500 • Two Car Garage
• 900 • School Classroom
• 1200 • Half a Tennis Court
Start Here: How to Find the Perfect Apartment Size for Your Needs
How many square feet is your current living space? Are you feeling cramped trying to function in a small space, or is your apartment so big it feels empty? Looking at your current living situation helps you create a baseline to know how much space you need to enjoy day-to-day life, narrowing down your apartment hunt and helping you find a perfect fit!
What is a Square Foot?
A square foot is a unit of area measurement used to quantify the total space occupied by a two-dimensional surface, such as a room, floor, or piece of land. It represents the area of a square with sides that are each one foot long. In the context of apartments, the size of the living space is often measured in square feet.
Generally, a small apartment might range from around 300 to 600 square feet, typically consisting of a studio or one-bedroom layout. Medium-sized apartments usually fall between 600 to 1,000 square feet, accommodating one to two bedrooms and offering more space for living and storage. Large apartments typically exceed 1,000 square feet and can go up to several thousand square feet, providing ample room for multiple bedrooms, spacious living areas, and additional amenities like dens or home offices.
Current Living Situation
If you’re currently living in a 1200 square foot apartment and sizing down to a 900 square foot apartment, you may be surprised to find that there just isn’t enough space for all your stuff, and the worst way to discover this is after you already signed a lease and moved in.
Consider the things you are taking to your new place.
- Are you decluttering and downsizing to make your move easier?
- Do you have bulky furniture that won’t fit in a small space?
Take the time to measure your furniture and compare those measurements to the floor plans you’re considering. If you have a lot of clothing, dishes, linens, or a lot of anything really, consider your storage needs and the organizational systems you rely on in your current home.
- Will your new apartment have built in storage? If not, will you be able to fit necessary organizers like dressers and credenzas in your new space?
Using your current living situation as a baseline can help you find an apartment that perfectly fits your lifestyle.
Relationship Status
Your relationship status can significantly influence the amount of space you need in your living environment. As a single individual, you’ll have less belongings and functional space needs than a family of five and can easily live in a studio or one bedroom apartment without feeling pinched for space.
If you’re married or living with a partner, a studio or one bedroom apartment may still fit your lifestyle, but you will have double the belongings to store. You’ll need to consider how much closet space is available and how you’re going to divide it up between the two of you. If one or both of you works from home, a two or three-bedroom apartment could allow for a home office and give you a private, quiet space for work calls.
Significant Life Changes
Significant life changes can have a profound impact on your space needs and the type of living environment that best suits your lifestyle. If you’re getting married or moving in with your partner, you’ll need more space to accommodate both your belongings. If you’re expecting a baby, it can be surprising how much space a little person takes up. You’ll need space for a crib, changing table, and all their clothes. As they get older, you’ll want them to have their own bedroom so you can walk around without waking them up.
If you’re planning to have a baby soon, you may think about your space needs in advance. This could involve preparing a nursery, reconfiguring existing living areas to accommodate the baby’s needs, and ensuring your home is safe and child friendly.
Upon retiring, many individuals choose to downsize their living space to reduce expenses, simplify their lifestyle, and make the most of their retirement years. This may involve moving to a smaller home, condominium, or retirement community that requires less maintenance and offers amenities tailored to retirees’ needs.
The Benefits of Touring
Touring an apartment offers numerous benefits, providing you with a firsthand experience that goes beyond what photos or descriptions can convey. By physically visiting the space, you can truly immerse yourself in the layout, ambiance, and flow of the apartment. This allows you to assess factors such as natural light, room proportions, and potential storage solutions, gaining valuable insights that help you determine if the apartment is the right fit for your needs and lifestyle.
Monthly Budget
When you’re deciding on what size apartment you need, budget can’t be overlooked.
In Santa Fe, the average rent for a:
- 400 square foot studio is around $1,050 per month
- 690 square foot one bedroom apartment has an average rent of $1,685
- 950 square foot two-bedroom apartment averages $1,875 per month
- 1,200 square foot three-bedroom apartment has an average rent of $2,225
If your heart is saying three-bedroom apartment, but your wallet is saying two-bedroom apartment, you may want to look at downsizing some of your belongings so you can comfortably fit in a space that’s within your budget.
Apartment Layout
Even something as seemingly simple as the layout of your apartment can have a big effect on your lifestyle! If you love to cook, look for an apartment with good kitchen appliances and plenty of counter space. If you love to host parties, an open layout with lots of common space is the way to go! For those who work remotely, choosing an apartment with an additional room to use as an office, or an alcove for a desk is essential. If you have guests frequently, include a guest room in your list of must haves as you tour apartments. If you love to garden or spend time outside, look for apartments with patios or balconies so you don’t have to sacrifice your hobby.
Sharing Your Space?
When you’re deciding on what size apartment you need, budget can’t be overlooked.
In Santa Fe, the average rent for a:
- 400 square foot studio is around $1,050 per month
- 690 square foot one bedroom apartment has an average rent of $1,685
- 950 square foot two-bedroom apartment averages $1,875 per month
- 1,200 square foot three-bedroom apartment has an average rent of $2,225
If your heart is saying three-bedroom apartment, but your wallet is saying two-bedroom apartment, you may want to look at downsizing some of your belongings so you can comfortably fit in a space that’s within your budget.
Let’s See If We Have The Perfect Apartment For You
Madera offers spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments tailored to meet a variety of needs. With generously sized floor plans, residents can enjoy ample living space, making them ideal for individuals, couples, families, or roommates seeking comfortable and versatile living arrangements. Whether you’re looking for extra space for a home office, a dedicated guest room, or simply room to spread out and relax, our luxury apartments provide the flexibility and comfort to accommodate diverse lifestyles.
Regular 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
Our regular one-bedroom floor plan is great for those who love cooking and entertaining! The big kitchen island with a sink makes cooking and cleanup a breeze and provides extra seating for dining. You’ll find the washer and dryer right in your spacious walk-in closet, so you never have to drag laundry across the house again!
- 680 Square Feet
- Walk-In Closet with Washer & Dryer
- Kitchen Island Sink
Large 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
Our large 1-bedroom floorplan has an open layout and plenty of storage space so you can make your home whatever you need it to be! It can be great for lots of different hobbies and occasionally having friends crash on the couch. If you want to really maximize space, you can forgo a kitchen table and use the island for dining.
737 Square Feet
Open Kitchen Layout
Linen Closet
2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
Our 2-bedroom 1 bathroom floorplan features an extra-large main bedroom that allows you to fit a crib, a dog bed, a stationary bike, or whatever else you please. The sink in the kitchen island makes cooking an entertaining breeze, and you can use the second bedroom for family, a guest room, an office, a home gym, and more!
904 Square Feet
Extra Large Main Bedroom
Kitchen Island Sink
Regular 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom
In our 2-bedroom 2-bathroom floorplan you’ll see that the main bedroom has a private ensuite bathroom and spacious walk-in closet. The kitchen island with a sink is great for cooking and entertaining, and you can use the extra storage space on the balcony for outdoor gear.
- 944 Square Feet
- Kitchen Island Sink
- Main Bedroom with Ensuite Bathroom
Large 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom
Our large 2-bedroom 2-bathroom floorplan has a perfect little entryway right when you walk in where you can set up a drop zone. The open spacious kitchen and living area can transform into whatever you want! With the patio or balcony right off the kitchen, you could even set up a romantic outdoor dining area.
- 989 Square Feet
- Open Layout
- Main Bedroom with Ensuite Bathroom
3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom
With three bedrooms you can fit more family members, have a guest room and a home office, or even create a personal Zen room. The spacious open living and dining area can be flexible to fit the many functions of your day-to-day life. The main bedroom has a big walk-in closet and a private bathroom.
- 1,162 Square Feet
- Spacious Living & Dining Area
- Large Kitchen Island