Why Single People Should Have Three-Bedroom Apartments

The number of bedrooms a person deserves in an apartment is a subjective matter. A single person may prefer a three-bedroom apartment for extra space, an office, or a guest room. However, others may argue that a single person does not need a three-bedroom apartment and could make do with less space. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, budget, and the intended use of the space.

Cost of upgrading to a three-bedroom apartment for a single person

The cost of upgrading to a three-bedroom apartment for a single person will depend on a variety of factors, including location, the size of the apartment, and whether the person chooses to rent or buy.

Renting

Renting a three-bedroom apartment will be more expensive than renting a one-bedroom or studio apartment. In the 25 largest US cities by population, upgrading from a one-bedroom to a two-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $43 to $1,710 more per month on average. Upgrading from a studio to a one-bedroom can cost between $51 and $1,169 more per month.

On average, a one-bedroom apartment is 243 square feet or 51% larger than a studio. A two-bedroom apartment is approximately 292 square feet or 41% larger than a one-bedroom.

In some cities, the cost difference between apartment types is smaller. For example, in Charlotte, North Carolina, one-bedroom apartments are actually cheaper than studios on average. This is because, in Charlotte, most studio apartments are located in the city's downtown area, which has higher rent prices. One-bedroom apartments, on the other hand, are spread across the entire metro area, which lowers their average rent.

Buying

While renting is more common, some people may choose to buy a three-bedroom apartment. The cost of buying an apartment will depend on factors such as location, size, and condition.

One advantage of buying an apartment is that you can customise the space to suit your needs. For example, one person who bought a three-bedroom apartment turned one room into a game room/office, one room into a storage space/guest room, and kept the third room as the master bedroom.

Additional Costs

Whether renting or buying, there may be additional costs associated with upgrading to a three-bedroom apartment. These costs could include:

• Furniture and décor: Larger apartments will typically require more furniture to fill the space.
• Utilities: Larger apartments may have higher utility costs due to increased space and usage.
• Moving costs: If you are moving from a smaller to a larger apartment, you will need to factor in the cost of hiring movers or renting a moving truck.
• Maintenance and repairs: As a renter, you may not be responsible for all maintenance and repair costs, but as an owner, you will need to budget for these expenses.

The cost of upgrading to a three-bedroom apartment for a single person will depend on a variety of factors, including location, size, and whether the person chooses to rent or buy. It is important to consider not only the cost of the apartment itself but also any additional costs that may be incurred, such as furniture, utilities, and maintenance.

Benefits of having extra space

Whether you're a single person or not, having extra space in your home can be beneficial in many ways. Here are some advantages of having extra space:

Flexibility and Multi-purpose Functionality:

An extra room can be a "flex room" or a "bonus room," providing flexibility to adapt it for different needs and purposes. It can be used as a guest bedroom, a home office, a hobby room, a library, a media room, or even a home gym. With some creativity and space-saving furniture, you can create a multi-functional space that meets your evolving requirements.

Storage and Organisation:

Extra space can be a lifesaver when it comes to storing items and keeping your home organised. Whether it's seasonal decorations, hobby supplies, or additional furniture, having a dedicated storage area ensures your living spaces remain clutter-free and comfortable. Quality storage solutions also protect your belongings from theft, fire, and extreme weather conditions.

Comfort and Privacy:

Having extra space allows you to create private areas for relaxation and leisure activities. You can design a cosy lounge or reading nook, a game room, or a home theatre, providing a quiet retreat within your home. This extra space enhances your comfort and gives you room to pursue your passions without distractions.

Enhanced Home Value:

Flex rooms or bonus rooms are highly valued by potential homebuyers. They appreciate the versatility these spaces offer, whether it's a growing family or changing hobbies. By converting an extra room into a functional space, you can increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to buyers if you ever decide to sell.

Accommodating Guests and Visitors:

Extra space can be a blessing when you have guests or relatives visiting. You can set up a comfortable guest bedroom or a combination room with hidden storage for a cosy and welcoming stay. It ensures your guests have their own private space, and you don't have to worry about accommodating them in your personal areas.

In conclusion, having extra space in your home provides numerous benefits, including flexibility, improved organisation, enhanced comfort and privacy, increased home value, and the ability to accommodate guests. Whether you're a single person or a large family, making the most of extra space can significantly improve your living environment and overall quality of life.

How to make use of the extra space

There are many ways to make use of the extra space in a three-bedroom apartment as a single person. Here are some ideas:

Guest Room

A guest room is a practical use of a spare bedroom. You can experiment with fun and cosy decor and create a tidy, inviting space for guests to stay.

Home Office

If you work from home, you can set up a home office in one of the spare rooms. This provides space for a desk, printer, scanner, laptop, and any files or reference books you may need.

Personal Studio

For artists, musicians, and craftspeople, a spare room can become a personal studio. All you need is your workstation (e.g. an artist's easel or guitar amp), a place to sit, and some storage.

Walk-In Closet

Transform a spare room into a large walk-in closet by installing decorative hanging racks, shelving, and a full-length mirror.

Home Theatre

With a large-screen TV, reclining furniture, speakers, and a coffee table, you can create a home theatre for movies or gaming.

Indoor Garden

Fill your spare room with plants to brighten your mood and freshen the air. Choose hardy houseplants like spider plants, snake plants, and succulents, or try food-bearing plants like microgreens, mint, or basil if you have a green thumb.

Library

Create your own private library by lining the walls of a spare room with bookshelves. Add comfy chairs and warm lighting for the perfect place to relax with a good book.

Home Gym

Even a small bedroom offers enough space for a home gym. Leave as much space as possible for dynamic movements and add a cardio machine, yoga mat, and free weights.

Wellness Room

Devote a room to meditation, yoga, and peaceful living by keeping it free of electronics and work-related items. Add artwork, a shelf for items like incense or bells, and leave an open space for stretching and meditation.

Storage

Use the extra space for storage if you have a lot of belongings. This will help you keep the rest of your apartment tidy and organised.

Craft Room

If you're into arts and crafts, a spare room can be the perfect space to set up a craft room. You can keep all your supplies organised and easily accessible, and close the door on any mess or unfinished projects.

Game Room

Create a fun space for entertainment with video game consoles, board games, or a pool table.

Home Bar

Turn your spare room into a cosy pub with a freestanding bar, stools, a mini-fridge or wine cooler, a TV, and a sound system.

Of course, you can also mix and match these ideas to suit your interests and needs. For example, you could combine a guest room with a home office or a craft room with a library. The possibilities are endless!

Determining the right apartment size for you

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right apartment size for your needs. Here are some guidelines and things to think about to help you make the best decision:

Purpose of the Apartment

Firstly, consider how you plan to use your apartment. Are you a single person looking for a comfortable space to live and work, or do you intend to entertain guests and host parties? If you frequently have guests or plan to work from home, you may need a larger space with designated areas for different purposes.

Number of Occupants

The number of people living in the apartment will significantly influence the size you need. A studio apartment, typically ranging from 350 to 1,000 square feet, is usually suitable for one person, as it combines living and sleeping areas into one open space. A one-bedroom apartment, ranging from 550 to 1,000 square feet, offers more privacy and is ideal for a single person or a couple seeking separate living and sleeping spaces.

If you're considering having roommates or starting a family, a two-bedroom apartment, usually 1,000 square feet or more, provides ample space for multiple occupants. This option allows for greater flexibility in terms of decor and can accommodate guests, home offices, or even a growing family.

For larger families or multiple roommates, a three-bedroom apartment, typically 1,200 square feet and above, offers a generous amount of space. These apartments often feature larger kitchens, dining areas, and additional bathrooms, providing a comfortable living environment for multiple occupants.

Budget Constraints

Your budget will also play a crucial role in determining the right apartment size. Studio and one-bedroom apartments are generally more affordable and suitable for those with limited budgets. If you require more space but have budget constraints, consider alternative options like utilising a one-bedroom apartment for multiple functions or renting a party room in the building for larger gatherings.

Lease or Rental Agreement

The duration of your lease or rental agreement is another factor to consider. If you plan to buy a house or move to a different rental in the near future, you may want to downsize and save money for that investment.

Functionality and Furniture

Visualising how your furniture will fit into a new apartment can be challenging. Consider using home decor planner software or creating a scale drawing on graph paper to ensure your belongings will fit comfortably in the available space.

In conclusion, determining the right apartment size depends on various factors, including your budget, the number of occupants, the purpose of the space, and the length of your stay. By carefully considering these aspects, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and lifestyle.

How to visualise if your furniture will fit in a new apartment

Whether you're a single person living in a three-bedroom apartment or simply looking to move into a new space, it's important to plan ahead and visualise how your furniture will fit. Here are some tips to help you with this process:

Measure Your Space

Start by measuring the room your furniture will be placed in. This includes taking measurements of the length and width of the room. It's also a good idea to measure the height, especially if you're planning to purchase tall furniture or install shelves.

Measure Entries, Passageways, and Stairwells

This step is crucial but often overlooked. Measure the height, width, and diagonal width of every doorway, hallway, elevator, and staircase you'll be moving your furniture through. Don't forget to consider fixtures and architectural features that may cause obstacles. Make sure to measure the entry clearance of all doors and take note of removable obstacles like doorknobs and trim.

Measure Your Furniture

Measure the length, width, and height of your furniture, as well as the diagonal depth for pieces like sofas, chairs, and desks. For taller pieces like bookcases or armoires, measure the diagonal height from the bottom left corner to the top right corner.

Utilise Apps and Online Tools

Take advantage of the many apps and websites available for planning room layouts. These tools allow you to input your room dimensions and furniture sizes, and then experiment with different arrangements virtually. Some popular options include "Rooms" for iOS, "Amikasa" for iOS and Android, "Home Design 3D" for iOS and Android, and "Planner 5D".

Compare Dimensions

Once you have all your measurements, compare them to ensure your furniture will fit through the spaces and that you have adequate room for arrangement. Determine if the furniture will need to be moved straight, at an angle, or on its end. Remember to allow for some clearance around the furniture, with at least 4 inches less than the passage measurements.

Consider Obstacles and Fixtures

Account for any obstacles or fixtures, both movable and immovable, that may impact the placement of your furniture. This includes light fixtures, wall art, area rugs, fire sprinklers, angled or low ceilings, and handrails. Ensure you have easy access to all necessary measurements so you can reference them quickly during the arrangement process.

By following these steps, you can effectively visualise how your furniture will fit in your new apartment and avoid any unpleasant surprises on moving day.

Frequently asked questions