Can Two People Live in A One-Bedroom Apartment?

Living with someone can be very rewarding but it also comes with many challenges – especially when you share a small space. If you’re thinking – can two people live in a one-bedroom apartment? – then this article breaks down on what to expect.

Think of two people in a one-bedroom apartment! Sounds overwhelming, right? But if you give it a thought, it might work out perfectly fine.

There are certain things you should keep in mind when living with someone in a one-bedroom apartment. This article will explain how you can share a one-bedroom apartment with your partner or friend with ease and comfort. And all the pros and cons you need to know before you make the big move!

How Big Is a One-Bedroom Apartment?

A one-bedroom apartment is usually a small space. The standard size of a one-bedroom apartment in the US can vary from 700 to 1000 square feet. However, certain units can be as small as 400-500 square feet. A one-bedroom apartment will typically have a living room, a kitchen with a dining area, a bedroom, and a bathroom. Additionally, in some designs, you may get a balcony as well. So, in short, a one-bedroom apartment is not a very spacious accommodation.

Why Do People Live Together?

With increasing rents, utility bills, and taxes, it seems like the only logical solution to this is to share a place with your partner or a friend. However, besides monetary interest, a couple may feel the need to move in together to get to know each other and explore their relationship better. One-bedroom apartments are the most practical and easy option for young couples and people struggling to balance their demands and their financial constraints. They are a popular choice for college kids and young adults. Many people move-in with a friend or a roommate to split the cost of living. Some people also rent out the space to others looking for cheap accommodation.

Pros – Can Two People Living in A One-Bedroom Apartment

There are many benefits of living and sharing a one-bedroom apartment with someone. These are:

1.    Low Cost

Can Two People Live in A One-Bedroom Apartment

Cost is the most significant upside of sharing accommodation. You will need lesser furniture, and sharing will significantly reduce the usage of electricity. The rent and taxes will all be equally divided. Plus, being closer to work you can save on commuting. Overall a large sum can now go into your savings account instead of monthly expenses. Imagine bearing the cost of living in an apartment alone, now you don’t have to worry about it as you can split all the bills and payments!

2.    Half the Chores

Can Two People Live in A One-Bedroom Apartment

If you are tired from work or just not feeling well, you won’t have to worry about the dishes, the laundry, or vacuuming. These chores will not pile up for later because you can work around a deal with your roommate which suits you both. This way you will always have someone to split the workload with. Dedicate proper responsibilities and make sure each partner contributes to the house work equally.

3.    Save Time

Can Two People Live in A One-Bedroom Apartment

You are not on your own when it comes to maintenance, running errands, and chores. Your roommate will do half the work, which will save you plenty of time. As you have someone else to share the responsibilities, now you can make more time for leisure or other activities. This is also a great advantage for college kids who need to focus on their studies instead of managing an entire house on their own.

4.    Progress in Relationship

Can Two People Live in A One-Bedroom Apartment

A couple is supposed to share a bedroom anyway. Moving in with your significant other in a one-bedroom apartment will give the two of you a chance to spend more time with each other in an intimate space, letting you both connect deeply and take your relationship to the next level. Also, it will give an insight into the future of your relationship. You can learn a lot about someone when you live with them. You will learn about each other’s habits, likes and dislikes.

5.    Enrich Your Friendship

Strengthen bond while living together

What could be better than having your best friend live right beside you? It can be a lot more fun. And you will not have to take time out to hang out with each other. This could lead to a stronger bond between the two of you. Your friendship can grow to an extent you never imagined before. Also, even if you are living with a roommate, there is always a sense of companionship and you can rely on each other for support during tough times.

Cons – Can Two People Living in A One-Bedroom Apartment

1.    Lack Of Privacy

Once, as a couple, you start sharing a room, say goodbye to privacy. From bed to closet, to bathroom everything will be shared, and if you value solitude, moving into a one-bedroom apartment may not be an option for you. Even if you are sharing your apartment with a friend or roommate, you will still have to compromise on 100% privacy.

2.    Lesser Storage

Lack of storage space in apartment

Managing storage in a one-bedroom apartment is a hard task. On top of that, managing all the belongings of two people in a single bedroom can be a tricky task. Too many things cramped up in a small space can give a cluttered and unpleasant site. It will be challenging to find things in a mess. And, it will take ages to organize everything repeatedly. So, try to increase storage by installing built-ins, shelves and racks.

3.    Personal Space Compromised

Lack of personal space in apartment

If you choose to share your apartment with a friend, you are deemed to interfere in each other’s personal space. This can be very frustrating and annoying and it can become a big issue if you are a private person. A simple solution is to set clear boundaries and make sure not to interfere in each other’s personal space.

4.    Bearing Each Other’s Habits

Room mate fights over apartment

If you and your partner/friend have conflicting routines and habits, then fights will break out frequently, resulting in bitterness and completely messing up your relationship. You can either find a midway and come to a compromise. However, it is better to discuss these things before moving in together.

So, Should Two People Share a One-Bedroom Apartment?

It’s perfectly normal and quite common for people to share a one-bedroom apartment. It is challenging but certainly doable. Before taking this decision, make sure you have common grounds with each other, and the two of you should talk openly about each other’s concerns and references. This allows you to set rules beforehand and avoid clashes and arguments.

Eventually for two people to live together in a studio apartment, it will take some compromise from both sides. But, with time you will understand each other more and find effective ways to accommodate each other. You will learn to manage the space and truly embrace your new lifestyle as roommates.

Conclusion

To conclude, yes two people can share a one-bedroom apartment comfortably. Like everything else in this world, it also has some pros and some cons. If you cannot compromise on your privacy then this is not for you. However, if you want to cut extra expenses, have a companion and live an affordable lifestyle then sharing an apartment is a great option. Thus, to each their own.