Are you downsizing or just trying to figure out how to make your smaller space work? Look here to see how big 1000 sq. feet is and get some tips on what to do with your space and how to maximize it.
If you’re like us, you were probably ecstatic to finally move out of your parents’ home and into your own apartment. It was all fun and games until you toured an apartment the same size as your old childhood bedroom and realized you had no idea how big 400 square feet was! It was then that you asked yourself, should I look for a 1,000 square foot apartment ? How big is 1,000 square feet anyway?
A home or apartment that is 1,000 sq. feet will have a square area that generally measures 40 feet long by 25 feet wide. 1,000 square feet is about the size of two full-sized two-car garages. In general, a 1,000 sq. ft. home is one where you can comfortably fit a kitchen, dining area, and two to three bedrooms.
1,000 square feet is a bit smaller than the average size of a standard American home, which is 2020 was 2,333 square feet according to census bureau data. However, 1,000 sq ft of space is an average size for new models of homes that have two or three bedrooms, space for entertaining, and other extra amenities. 1,000 sq. ft. homes are just over the average size of a standard rented apartment in the United States (889 square feet).
If you’re new to renting or buying, or are simply looking for more advice on how to find the perfect 1000 sq ft apartment or home, we’ll help you by offering advice on decorating and measuring! Read on below for some tips on how to enjoy life in a 1000 sq ft home, making the most of your space, and all the benefits of a 1,000 sq ft floor plan.
How Do I Know It’s Truly 1000 Square Feet?
It’s important to take accurate measurements and dimensions of your property before agreeing to any rental lease. Generally, the square footage of your apartment or home will be listed online or in your rental agreement. Unfortunately, these dimensions might not always be accurate, and can even be inflated without your knowledge.
Misrepresented square footage for homes and even land isn’t super common, but it can happen and can lead to lengthy lawsuits. This is because the amount of square feet directly coincides with how much you will pay in rent every month to your landlord, and also affect property taxes in a newly built home.
Fortunately, you can easily measure the size of your future home or apartment using a simple tape measure, calculator, and a scratch piece of paper. This will ensure that your apartment or house is truly 1000 square feet.
How To Calculate the Square Footage of Your Home
To calculate the square footage of your home, start by taking a tour of the house and writing down every single room, including the living room, the closets, bathrooms, bedrooms, pantries, family room, and other livable spaces such as the den or basement. Do not include measurements for a lawn or yard.
After you’ve written down all rooms and areas, take your time to measure the length and width of each of these rooms. Then, multiply the length and width of each room to find the square feet for each. For example, if a room has a length of 12 ft and a width of 14 ft, this equals to 168 sq ft of space.
Do this for every single room, and then add them all together. That’s it! Compare this number to the sq ft stated on the home or apartment listing, and ask your landlord about any discrepancies. Keep in mind to double-check your measurements.
How Much Can I Fit in a 1,000 Square Foot Rectangular Area?
A 1,000 sq ft home can easily fit 2 to 3 rooms, a living area, and one bathroom or two. If you have younger children or live on your own, a 1,000 sq ft home or condo is perfect to fit your room, an extra office or den, an extra children’s bedroom, and still have area left over to entertain guests and have a spacious kitchen.
Rooms in a 1,000 sq ft home or apartment aren’t small either. For instance, if your home has 2 bedrooms, the average size of those will be around 168 square feet, leaving you with another 664 square feet of floor area to enjoy! The size of these rooms allows you to install a king size bed, which is around 42.4 square feet, so you don’t have to sacrifice comfort.
What are the Benefits of a 1000 sq ft Living Environment?
With so many ways to enjoy and utilize 1000 square feet of space, it’s no surprise that many people are starting to make the transition into a smaller 1000 sq ft condo or home. There are various benefits to moving your or your family to a smaller home. Below are just a few.
Costs and affordability
Most people cannot afford to live in a luxurious mansion right away. However, they can afford a smaller home or rental since they can save big on rent, maintenance costs, and utilities. The average rental cost is based on square footage, and can vary by state.
California has some of the highest rental costs, at $2.15 per sq ft as of 2018. Other states, such as Tennessee, on the other hand, might charge $0.77 per sq ft. Whatever state you live in, on average the smaller the floor area, the less monthly cost for rent.
Since the home is smaller, you also save money on utilities including heating, cooling, electricity, and gas. This is because it doesn’t take a lot of energy to power a smaller 1000 sq ft home compared to another larger home.
Ease of Maintenance
Everything from exterior paint, to exterior siding, interior paint, and interior flooring must all be kept well maintained as they can wear away and become damaged over time. Smaller homes and apartments take much less time to clean and maintain than larger homes, meaning you can enjoy your home while also retaining its value without having to sacrifice precious time and labor.
Coziness
Perhaps the best reason to downsize to a home that’s 1,000 square feet is that it just feels cozier. Imagine curling up with your family and having your children nearby in another room, all in a warm and comfortable home. New research has even shown that tiny homes (1,000 square feet or less), can help people feel more in control. For example, people can feel more in control of their environment and their finances. This is just one of the many benefits of downsizing.
Making the Most of 1,000 Square Feet
1,000 sq feet is the perfect size for anyone looking for a spacious, cozy, yet affordable home or apartment. 1,000 sq feet of space is enough for any small family or single person to live comfortably in a 2 to 3-bedroom home or condo. Although smaller than the average home, many people are now seeing just how beneficial it is to live in a 1000 sq foot area due to its ease of maintenance, affordability, and flexibility.