Efficiency Apartments

Why Efficiency Apartments May Be Your Best Bet

When you're looking for a place to live, you want to be sure and research all of your available options. If you're looking to save money in the process, it’s in your best interests to learn about efficiency apartments. An efficiency apartment is generally the smallest (and cheapest) type of apartment available. It usually includes one living space, which is your bedroom and living room combined. In addition, there is usually a separate kitchenette and a separate bathroom. Some apartments that are labeled "efficiency" will include the kitchenette as part of your large living area (not as a separate room), and some efficiency apartments have no kitchenette at all. Occasionally, you'll find an apartment that is labeled an "efficiency apartment" that requires you to share a bathroom with other tenants in the building.

Efficiency Apartment Rentals Are Ideal for Busy Singles

If you're a single person, you’ll find that an efficiency apartment offers the perfect amount of living space at a reasonable price, and they often come furnished (which is good news if you're just getting your first apartment, or if you don't have enough cash saved up to purchase furnishings). Because your space for sleeping and your space for entertaining friends are the same, you'll want furnishings that can convert from a bedroom item into a living room piece. A futon is a good choice, for example, since it doubles as a sofa and a bed. Some efficiency apartments still come with Murphy beds (those old-fashioned beds that fold up into the wall), but this is less common these days.

Make Sure You and Your Landlord Are on the Same Page

Efficiency apartments will usually be labeled as such in the rental listings. However, you might also look at "studio apartment" listings, since these terms are often used interchangeably. Whatever you do, be sure to check out the apartment before you sign the lease. You need to confirm that you’ll be comfortable with the smaller space. It's also important to do this because landlords often define "efficiency" apartment differently, and you want to know exactly what you're getting.