If you think about the way you spend time within your home, you may be surprised at how little space you actually occupy out of the total space available. I recently moved from a small three bedroom two bath home that was approximately 1400 square feet into a 550 square foot efficiency apartment in the center of downtown.

While living in the house I had consciously or unconsciously picked out my favorite areas of the home and spent the majority of my time moving between those areas while ignoring the rest of the house. My life within the space revolved around my desk in the living room which had the best natural light, the guest bath because it was more convenient than the master, a bedroom and the kitchen. In essence I was only occupying one third of the available space in the home.

When I moved to my downtown apartment my goal was to create a cozy retreat that only utilized the amount of space I required. The reason I chose the apartment was because it has three large windows across the front that flood the space with natural light and I could instantly see my desk positioned in front of one of the windows.

Every space offers challenges and my new apartment had plenty. Some of the furniture I brought with me from the house was just not going to work there. You will need to be flexible, creative and patient when moving into a small space and transforming it to fit your lifestyle.

Evaluating the things you currently own and making smart decisions about how they may or may not be utilized in the new space will be critical. If they will not work, put it on Craig's list, consign it or donate the item and start looking for the right piece.

Look at the space with a creative eye and think about the potential for multiple purposes. Look at going vertical, horizontal or any other innovative way to squeeze usefulness out of every square foot. But most of all have patience and realize you will not create the perfect space overnight. It will take time and experimentation to get it right. I have been in my apartment for a month and there are still several containers filled with things that are looking for a new home within my new home.

Don't go it alone. There is a plethora of information on the internet about people and companies with a passion to live small. Here are a few links to get your creative juices flowing.

https [:/] /www.pinterest.com/mycornerview/small-space-living/

http [:/] /www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/rooms_ideas/small_spaces/

http [:/] /www.tumbleweedhouses.com/

Senior Care Real Estate Needs – Joe B. Nester serves the Real Estate Needs of our Senior Clients. Joe is currently a licensed Realtor and the Director of Internet Marketing for Agapé Senior. Visit link and ask Joe any question about Real Estate and Senior Care. Or call (803) 730-7269.