Consider A Studio Apartment For Solo Senior Living

First Look at My Apartment 2018

The first thing I had to do once I downsized and moved from a house to a studio apartment was to figure out how to set it up. It is not as easy as it sounds. Especially if you bring boxes of things that you used in your previous homes. My studio apartment is 338 square feet which is pretty small compared to some others. I have been here now since 2018, so seven years. Over that time period I have gotten rid of more items that I didn't need or use. If I use it I will keep it. Sometimes I cry at the thought of getting rid of certain things but I have no room for things I can't use. After all that time, I am still doing it. Still getting rid of items. The hardest has been kitchen items. As long time readers of this blog know, I was a "modern homesteader" and did a lot of cooking and canning. It has been difficult for me to give up that part of my life. It has come over time though. Now my focus is making my life easier so not as much cooking. 

The kitchen

Most studio apartments are one big room with a kitchen area along one wall. The bathroom of course is the only separate room. I am very fortunate to have an ideal setup. My kitchen and bathroom are next to each other and are disabled friendly. I could use a wheelchair in them if I needed one. My kitchen is a small square with the bathroom door opening into it. One wall of the kitchen is completely open that goes into the rest of the apartment. The area outside my kitchen doorway is my "office". My table is where I keep my computer and all my computer related equipment. Since I do not have others here for meals I am on my computer when eating because that is what I like to do. 

My office is opposite the kitchen

When I am cooking or cleaning in the kitchen I can take a break to sit down at the table and still keep an eye on the kitchen. I am very careful about the electrical appliances I use. The last thing I want is a fire so I double check everything every time. I cannot stand for more than five minutes so I put something on to cook and then take a break. Checking on it every now and then. It is always within my view. Of course now I cook simple meals and clean up is fast. I wash the dishes after every meal so they do not pile up. If for some reason after supper I cannot do the dishes it is no big deal. I will do them in the morning. Living alone is really a plus for me in the kitchen. 

Living Room Area

The rest of the apartment is basically set up for sleeping, relaxing while watching television and for my pet bunny rabbit. Since I have not been sleeping in a bed for over a year now I do not have a bedroom in this space. Right now the area I had for my bedroom is where I keep the bunny cage and his area. A large dresser creates a wall for that space so it is not seen from the rest of the apartment. When my bunny is gone I will make it into my bedroom again. I have enough space in this area that I could have a love seat or small couch. For me though. a recliner, the curio cabinet, a stand with a lamp and a chair is enough in this tiny space. The television is on top of the big  dresser which puts it in the middle of the room. So the sound of it will never affect the next apartments. The same with my CD player as it is on the dresser next to it. 

My bedroom area

The reason I chose a studio apartment over a one bedroom is because I really love the open plan. Growing up with my own bedroom where I spent my happiest times made me miss having one as I got older and was married. I wanted my own space! More than anything. Most people want a one bedroom and when I moved here I did too. But as soon as I stepped into this apartment to look at it..........I was in love with it! High ceilings in the living and bedroom area makes it appear spacious. I took my name off the list for a one bedroom and have here in my studio happily ever since. Things are different when you live alone. A studio might be harder to live in with another person. It is all about privacy.  

kat's Kitchen

I can take a quick glance at my home and see what needs to be done. If you are planning a move and think a studio apartment is too small maybe you should go look at some first. For one thing they are much cheaper in rent and utilities. Easier to clean and take care of. Easier to live in if you end up with some kind of mobility issues. I can use a walker, a mobility chair or a wheelchair in mine if needed. Another plus is that it makes you get rid of all your excess stuff. It does not mean I live like a pauper. I just use different things here than I did at my old house. 

Copyright © 2025 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2025 Kathleen G. Lupole