Mark Roemer image of a small studio apartment

Can Two People Live in a Studio Apartment Comfortably?

When it comes to apartment living, I, Mark Roemer, know every individual has a particular set of preferences for the type of apartment or building that they would like to live in. Some people may prefer to live in larger apartments, whereas others may choose to live in smaller flats. A great example of smaller living space would be a studio. Many people live alone in a studio apartment. Still, a significant number of people also prefer to share a studio apartment with another person for various reasons, including financial necessity or socialization. Is this a possibility for you? Depending on who you ask, you may not be able to stand living in such close quarters a complete stranger.

In most cases, people discover that sharing a studio apartment with a significant other is substantially easier than sharing one with a friend. A significant other reduces the number of beds you need in your apartment, and you are likely more comfortable being closer to and more intimate with your SO than you are with a friend when you live with them. Of course, living in a studio with a friend is possible as long as everyone is familiar, which is especially important in such a tiny place. A studio apartment shared with a stranger, on the other hand, should be avoided at all costs. Many individuals would feel uncomfortable sharing a single room with a stranger or someone they don’t know well.

In any case, here are some more suggestions for cohabiting in a studio apartment with another person, as well as general guidelines for living in a small area to make life a little bit simpler for you and your roommate.

Establish a set of ground rules.

With such a limited space, it’s essential to establish ground rules, such as what is permitted and not permitted in the room. These can include cleaning and tasks schedule and how often and how late visitors are allowed to come and go. There is no restriction on what these guidelines can be for, but they are established to ensure that the connection between you and your roommate does not become strained. Ensure that the various obligations are evenly allocated and that you and your partner are comfortable with the ground rules and boundaries you have set up for yourself.

Techniques for maintaining a sense of privacy.

One of the most significant worries and problems associated with sharing a studio apartment is the considerable loss of privacy. In lieu of simply having you and your partner live in one large room, you should experiment with creative visual barriers to provide the impression of more space. There are many other ways to accomplish this, such as hanging beads to create separation or even utilizing a flag, bed sheet, or piece of fabric to provide each person with their own small “room.” While this isn’t perfect, it is far more beneficial than doing nothing at all in the short term.

Only keep the stuff you need.

When it comes to letting go of things that you might use at some point in the future, the majority of individuals have a difficult time. When it comes to sharing a studio apartment, on the other hand, it’s nearly a certainty that you’ll get along. Two individuals sharing a small space like a studio apartment implies that neither of you will keep much of anything aside from the things you need. Although you will undoubtedly require some art, furniture, and other decorative pieces, there is a significant chance that you will not be able to maintain or accommodate everything that you had intended to be in your new home.

Make the best use of all available space.

When you have a limited amount of room, such as a studio apartment, you must be inventive in utilizing the available area. When you have two individuals living in such a limited place, this becomes even more important. To avoid running out of space, you must efficiently make the most of every square inch of available space. There is something for everyone, from employing shelves to hidden storage, from varied design tactics to bookcases, and everything in between. Prepare to do some investigation because there are dozens and dozens of online advice on making better use of limited space.

Your roommate is important.

Some people are just not compatible with one another, and to live in a reasonably tiny one-room apartment, you need to get along well with your roommate and your roommate. The fact that roommates don’t always agree or like one other is understandable when each person has their own room/space. On the other hand, in a studio apartment, you will be in regular contact with the other person; therefore, you should get along with them. So, before simply moving in with anyone, you should take some time to consider what you are looking for in a roommate and put out the effort to discover it. The ideal situation is to share a studio with a significant other or a close friend. Still, we understand that this is not always an option for some people to pursue financially.

Conclusion

Living in a small apartment by yourself can be challenging at the best of times. Add another person to the equation, and you might be in for a terrible experience. The above reasons should help you alleviate any problems from the start. Beyond that, you are going to have to work things out. If I, Mark Roemer, could offer one last piece of advice, it would be to try to find a roommate on a different schedule than you are. This will allow you to have the maximum amount of time to yourself. It will give you the illusion that you are living alone even though you are not. That is how they do things in the military with the small rooms they provide the service members. From what I have been told, it is a great experience all around for both (or even sometimes three) people that have to live in the room.