Home Sweet Apartment Series: Homemaking While Apartment Living (Part 2)

Over the next few weeks we'll be discussing some strategies for managing and decorating the home that are specifically geared toward small space and budget-conscious living.

Read Part 1- Homemaking While Apartment Living

     Another benefit we've enjoyed is that we have flexibility in our location and job. If my husband is presented with a job opportunity, then he can accept it without concern of a mortgage or the housing market. We would, of course, be required to pay extra to break the apartment lease, but if we need to do so to move quickly then we can. In another season in life we may decided to settle down somewhere more permanent. However, in our current season we need to be able to go where the job opportunities are presented.

      The next two benefits directly relate to small space living. I'm intrigued by images and articles on individuals who live in extremely small spaces and how they make it work. I'm always struck by their resourcefulness in managing the space, purposefulness in every item, and life lived beyond material possessions. These stories are one source of inspiration for me towards the concept of minimalism. (The previous post is on a book onminimalism and if you haven't checked it out then I highly recommend doing so). It's amazing how the more space we have the more stuff we'll find to fill that space whether done consciously or unconsciously. When I've had larger spaces, I don't evaluate needs versus wants nearly as much because the items are stored away out of sight. Regardless of if I really need the item I can keep it because I can find a place for it. The problem then becomes spending so much more energy and money to maintain these storage places. I've also noticed that when my home is spacious and full I'm less likely to go out into the community and connect with others. I get comfortable in my own space so fast, but yet I in no way desire my home to be a great fortress of stored stuff within which I am a hermit. No, life is about relationships. I find it more difficult to be focused on such if I'm busy tending and guarding my stuff. Could I invest in the lives of others either with my time, finances or other resources with the current expenditures given to having extra space for extra stuff?

     Speaking of relationships, I adore the fact that I'm always aware of the presence of my husband or guests in my home. This is perhaps one of my favorite perks to small space living as I have always wanted in a home for it be a small space overflowing with friends and family. The kind of place in which everyone is drawn from their individual rooms of seclusion and into spending time in common rooms like a dining room, kitchen, or living room. I like the noise and commotion of relationships. It's a sweet sight and sound to be enjoyed in life!

       Everyone will have his/her own experiences with small space or apartment living. There is beauty to each experience if we come to see them as seasons and blessings in life. I believe it's important to embrace your living space and make it your own. It's also important to be resourceful and wise when transforming the space from just a structure to a heartfelt home.  I aim to provide ways in which you can decorate, organize and live well within a small space and within a small budget. The heart of the matter is in creating a space within which relationships are built. 

 Up Next:  Concepts For Small Space Living- Making It Work

Linked up at: A Mama's Story, The Alabaster Jar, The Better Mom, What Joy Is Mine, Covered in Grace, Raising Arrows, Homemaker By Choice, Time-Warp Wife, Far Above Rubies, Growing Home, Thankful Homemaker, A Pause on the Path, Heavenly Homemakers, Cornerstone Confessions, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Deep Roots at Home, Raising Homemakers, We Are THAT Family

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