Whether you’re downsizing or you simply love the notion of minimalist living while maximizing the use of space, there’s no doubt that studio apartments are becoming much more popular in recent years. Many people enjoy the perks of having just enough space for their lifestyle (yes, home workouts included), without having too much empty space to maintain, or to hoard unneeded material things.

Studios are the perfect example of how less is more. They are very cost-effective especially when they are serviced, they are low-maintenance, making them ideal for business folk and entrepreneurs, and they can be exceptionally well-designed to maximize the use of space. However, not all studios are created equal, which is why you need to consider the following ideas before you choose the perfect apartment to rent.

Maximum Use of the Layout

If “cozy” is the first term that comes to mind when you envision your dream studio apartment, then you need to make sure that the studio in question has the right layout for your needs. The same amount of room can be perfectly distributed for you to have plenty of storage space, and to give purpose to any unused space in your studio. If you’re about to bring your own items, check if they can fit correctly and if you have any extra space available for additional things you’d introduce.

Any studio’s interior design should accommodate an ample storage room that’s cleverly hidden. Closets built into the wall paired with storage in drawers under your bed and sofa can be of great help. If your studio has a tiny kitchen, you’ll want to maximize the use of space for cookware and utensils without overburdening your counter.

Location Defines Livability

In densely populated areas such as New York or Hong Kong, you want to make sure that your apartment is close to all the relevant places necessary to ensure your quality of life. Do you want to live in a nice, safe neighborhood? What about access to nearby bus stops and metro stations? Do you have a nearby market? Is the neighborhood too noisy for you to work from home or sleep properly?

Look into the area thoroughly, as even the finest apartments can be useless when you put them in a street with too much noise pollution, excess traffic, and without access to those crucial amenities that make your life easier.

Additional Features that Come With your Studio

In recent years, another trend has surfaced when it comes to studio rentals across the world. In urban areas where many people wish to reside in high-end, well-developed neighborhoods, there’s an increase in serviced studios. That means that your serviced studio apartment comes with additional rooms and space you can use, such as a communal kitchen, laundry area, and a lounge.

Such studios are great both for entrepreneurs and freelancers, as well as others who love to live alone, because the additional commodities make the studio all the more functional and its many additional features more appealing. Just be mindful of the cost vs value ratio, and then choose if it makes more sense to go for a classic studio or a serviced one.

Calculate the Move-in Costs and Maintenance

Whether the elevator needs maintenance, you need to chip in for the new security system, or the building has a fixed cleaning fee, you should look for a transparent overview of all the costs that come with the studio. In cities with high living costs such as Sydney or Paris, preparing yourself for the expenses is a must.

Since you will be living alone, you want to make sure that you can afford the rent plus utilities, maintenance fees, and the final move-in costs required by the building. Ask about the mandatory deposit, and the first month’s rent and utilities to prep your finances – even studios can be costly at first until you settle in.

Parking and Inviting People Over

Apartment buildings in bustling cities are notorious for being unpredictable in terms of additional space that’s at your disposal when you become a tenant. For example, do you have the right to have someone sleep at your place (as crammed as it may be) or do you have access to a parking spot in your garage, even if you don’t own a vehicle, so that a guest can park comfortably within the space owned by the building?

These details need to be readily available when you’re talking to an agent or a landlord, so make sure to ask about such details. Even once you decide on the apartment, check the contract and make sure that these details are outlined clearly so that you have a legal right to such amenities.

Final Thoughts

Keeping a three-room apartment or a two-floor house in check is a burden many modern-day people are doing their best to avoid. With access to studio apartments that are properly designed to be as functional as possible, you can transform your lifestyle and enjoy your life all the more for it. Before you take that leap, make sure to consider the listed ideas and ask the right questions to your potential landlords – inform yourself, and you’ll find a studio that will have every feature you need to satisfy your needs.