Making It: Studio Apartment Still Shaking Off Stigma

 ChatGPT calls it "trading space for savings." The studio apartment is becoming the solution to keeping a roof over your head - at any age - in this time of extreme rent inflation. Demand is up. 

Once how youth managed to live on their own or take on the Big City, studio apartments symbolized starting out. The average square footage was and is 450 to 550. In Manhattan that could be only 170 square feet.

Then, of course, you were expected to "move on up." First a one-bedroom. Then a house. Then a much bigger house. 

Now, the studio apartment represents financial survival, not just starter shelter. 

More of my clients over-40 are renting studios. For years their usual was the one-or-more bedroom apartment or house. That was then. 

If you follow leasing information it's the one- and two-bedrooms which provide special deals. They are less in demand. Usually there's a significant difference between the monthly payment for those versus a studio.

But there's a but. A number of clients experience "shame" about downsizing. You wonder: What will people think. How can you entertain, even for one other person for lunch. Over is the idea of a party. The obsessive thought is "At my age I should be living in big house."

There's also the logistical issue: What to do with the furniture. Some has sentimental value. "My mother left me this old-fashioned two-seater with the hand-crafted coffee table. I need smaller for the studio."

Letting that go can be soul-wrenching. And if you do you may have to even invest in buying different kind of furniture to accommodate the smaller space.

This could be your first experience with that. Facebook Marketplace, Next Door and Craigslist are free platforms to post the items for sale. No commission charged. A charity might take what doesn't sell but don't count on that. They tend to be picky. You may have to pony up some money for the stuff to be hauled away and dumped. Plan ahead. Don't wait until close to your move-out date. 

The good news is that since The Great Recession plenty of thrift shops, both profits and non-profit, have popped up. Within about five miles on Reynolds in Toledo, Ohio there are six of them. Find the micro home decorating you need.

More good news about studio living: You'll probably isolate less. As in Europe, where space is at a premium, you'll be getting out more.

In the next column on Making It I'll look at affordable ways to get around. In 2025, the average price for a new car is $48,000 to $49,000.

Thrown off your game, maybe the first time since you started working? You made all the right moves and then the world moved in another direction.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, reskilling and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. There’s no risk.