Paris Apartment Living – Tips for Optimizing a Small Space

Bonjour! For those who have been following my journey around the world (from the USA to Colombia), I have just settled in an apartment in Paris, France! Life in Paris is very different in so many ways to the life I had been living in Medellin. Other than the language, one of the biggest differences is the size of apartments. In Paris, apartments are old, beautiful and small! When I say small, I am living in a studio that is 20m^2, that’s about 215 sq ft. For one person it is totally doable, but for two, it has been challenging. I am here to offer some tips on how to maximize space in small apartments so that you get the most out of your new expat home.

Maximize Your Storage Spaces in a Tiny Apartment

When living in a small apartment, get creative with storing your things. In Paris, it is very common that apartments offer a storage unit along with the apartment, which makes storing suitcases and other bulkier items easier. I suggest buying baskets of varying sizes to organize your things. It is easy for a small space to look cluttered! Hanging your clothing is also a fantastic way to maximize closet space, think up, not out, in order to maximize your space!

Limit Horizontal Surfaces

This may sound strange, but limited horizontal surfaces mean less surface area to set things on. As I mentioned above, it is easy for small spaces to get cluttered, so chose your furniture wisely. We decided to only have a small desk and a small table for eating, and even as much as we organize it is a daily challenge to keep the place clutter-free.

Get Creative With Multi-Purpose Spaces

Getting creative with multi-purpose spaces has helped us immensely when furnishing this apartment. Since we couldn’t fit a sofa and a bed in the same space (without taking up the entire apartment) we opted for a sofa bed that folds out nicely at night and can be put away (with storage underneath) to enjoy the space of the room during the day. With two working adults at home, we had to get creative with our workspaces. We created a small bar in the kitchen that we use as a prep space, and as my ‘office!’ No, it is not ideal, but we are truly getting the most out of our small space.

Spend More Time Outside

One of the advantages of having a small apartment is that it encourages spending more time outdoors. In France, it is very common for people to spend time outside, especially in the warmer seasons. Wine on the terrasse, anyone? How about a picnic in the park? A bike ride through Paris? The city is truly an extension of people’s homes and it is incredible just how much life happens in the streets of Paris.

 

Does the idea of living in a small space give you anxiety or are you up for the challenge? For more tips about life abroad, join our expat community to make your move the best it can be! What are you waiting for? 

by: Erin Colton-Enberg