9 Things to Love About Apartment Living with Kids
When I imagined my family, I saw a large suburban house with three bedrooms, a backyard that included a lemon tree, a compost pile, and a giant clothesline between two sturdy poles. I also imagined a white picket fence. The scene was peaceful and idyllic. My kids could roam freely, climb trees, and lose themselves in their imaginations.
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As life is wont to do, I had a completely different plan.
In a few short years, I’m a mother to two boys living in a two-bedroom apartment just outside the busy CBD. The backyard is now a communal garden that’s the same size as my childhood driveway. And the apartment itself has fewer square feet than the two bedrooms I grew up in.
This feels like a downgrade on paper. The space is small, the privacy is restricted, and logistics can be difficult. Apartment living with children has surprised me by introducing me to a new world of conveniences and joys. There is chaos, but there are also hidden gems that make my lifestyle work.
Here are nine things you will love about apartment life with children, even if it wasn’t your dream.
1. The Community You Never Expected
The sense of community is one of the best things about apartment living. In an apartment, you’re likely to bump into the same family every day. This is different from suburban living, where your neighbors are a few blocks away. With children, the proximity of neighbors can lead to wonderful friendships.
An anonymous Easter Bunny left chocolates and bunny notes on our doorstep for a week. The small gesture made our family instantly feel welcomed and part of a special thing.
My oldest quickly made a friend who lives just a few houses away, making rainy days or quiet afternoons much more enjoyable for all. Playdates can be arranged easily because the children only have to walk across the hall or gather in the garden. No car rides necessary.
These little connections can create a feeling of belonging, even if you are naturally introverted. This is especially true in sprawling suburbs with kids who may be several hours apart from one another.
2. Fewer Things in Less Space (Mostly)
It’s time to downsize if you have kids in an apartment. The days of colossal toy boxes and wardrobes with clothing for every occasion are over. At first, it felt like we were always fighting for space.
After a while, I realized that this smaller footprint made us rethink the things we love and need. Before moving in, we did a big purge. This made life easier. Less clutter is better for your mind.
My kids are more appreciative of their possessions because they have less room to store extra toys and clothes. They choose their favorites and take better care of what they already have. We rotate toys to keep them fresh and avoid adding bulk.
This minimalist approach can be a blessing in disguise. This minimalist approach has allowed us to spend less time cleaning and organizing and more time together.
3. Storage Solutions Can Be Your Best Friend
Apartment living is all about smart storage solutions.
If you don’t have any built-in cupboards or closets in your apartment, portable storage such as stackable boxes, drawers under the bed, or furniture that can be used for multiple purposes is essential. Clear, labeled bins that slide on shelves or can be tucked under beds are great for keeping toys, clothes, and craft materials neatly organized.
The difference is huge. A small bookshelf that has been turned into a toy station and baskets for the daily necessities in the living area, as well as hooks for bags and coats near the door, have all made a big impact.
Storage is more than just a matter of tidiness. It’s also about your sanity. Your kids will be able to learn how to store things independently when everything is in its proper place. You’ll also spend less time looking for the missing shoe or permission slip.
4. Cleaning Smaller Spaces is Easier and Faster
Cleaning the house can seem like an endless marathon if you’re anything like me. Apartment living has its upsides. The smaller space means that there are fewer rooms and therefore fewer cleaning tasks.
In a fraction of he time, I can dust, vacuum, and wipe all surfaces. This means that I can spend more time outdoors playing or doing errands and less time cleaning.
It’s a huge help when you have to juggle the chaos that comes with young children and a busy schedule. Kids tend to be more responsible for cleaning up after seeing how quickly everything can be made neat.
5. Balcony, Communal Garden, or a Balcony is a Hidden Gem
If your apartment does not have a large backyard, a shared balcony or outdoor space can bring families a lot of joy.
It’s a small garden, but perfect for an afternoon of play or the first time a toddler digs in dirt. This is a great place for children to play in a safe environment.
You can turn your balcony into a mini-oasis by adding some pots of flowers or herbs, buckets of water, and sensory toys. Or, you could just put a comfortable chair on it where you can sip coffee as your children play.
Balconies can also be a great way to get a breath of fresh air and connect with the outdoors. This is especially useful in cities where there are few green spaces.
6. Parks, Pools, and City Amenities are All Within Walking Distance
Apartment living is a great option, especially if you live near a CBD or in upscale suburbs. You can enjoy the proximity of parks, playgrounds, and swimming pools as well as cultural events, libraries, and other facilities.
It’s not necessary to have a huge backyard. You can often find well-maintained, public spaces with a variety of activities and adventures. This is something we’ve done a lot of times: quick walks in the park, splash sessions in the pool, or storytime at the library.
There’s a compromise: Less private outdoor space, but more options for fun and fitness in public places.
7. The Cozy Factor – Easier Heat, Easier Feel Close
The coziness of apartment living is one of my favorite aspects. The kids will be asleep (thank goodness) when it is finally bedtime. The whole house will be warm with only one heater. No need to keep the radiators on in different rooms or adjust the thermostat.
A smaller room creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere that makes family life feel close. The background soundtrack includes the muffled sounds from neighbors, the hum of the washing machine next doo,r or the soft footsteps upstairs. As strange as this may sound, it creates a feeling of security.
Our apartment is a nest-like space, ideal for those early years when parenting can be a challenge.
8. You Can Make Bedtimes Easier
Bedtime can be a challenge if you live in a large house. You have to make sure that everyone is tucked into bed, the lights are off, the doors are closed, and the children are all seated.
The distance between the kids’ bedroom and the living room is small in a smaller apartment. You can listen to music in the living room while your children can see you.
This small reassurance can help them to settle quicker. It’s also easier for parents to check in without having to navigate stairs or long halls.
9. Learn Flexibility and Creativity
Apartment living with children forces you to be more creative and flexible in your parenting.
You will learn how to maximize every square inch. Playtime becomes more creative as you combine indoor crafts and frequent excursions outside. You create routines to maintain calm and order amid chaos.
Early on, children learn to respect their neighbors, share public spaces, and have a good time in the community. They learn to be more flexible, which is an important life skill.
Conclusion
Living in an apartment is challenging with children. Lack of space, privacy, a nd a large backyard can feel like a limitation, especially if you still hold onto the suburban dream.
Apartment life has its unique benefits. The apartment life fosters connections, both within the family and between neighbors. It helps you appreciate simplicity, community, and proximity. It promotes creativity and flexibility for both you and your children.
What works for one family may not work for another. If you’re living in an apartment and have children, embrace the nine benefits of having a small space. You may find that living in a small space is just as joyful, full of love, and rich as you imagined.
