1. Start by Evaluating Your Lifestyle and Daily Routine
Before comparing floor plans, think about how you spend most of your time at home.
Your lifestyle should be one of the biggest factors influencing your apartment choice. Someone who spends most of the day working outside may have different space requirements than someone who works remotely or enjoys entertaining guests.
Ask yourself a few important questions:
Do you work from home regularly?
Do you enjoy cooking and preparing meals?
Do you frequently invite friends or family over?
Do you need a separate workspace?
Do you have hobbies that require additional room?
Do you prefer an open layout or separate living areas?
For example, remote workers may benefit from an apartment with enough room for a dedicated desk and comfortable workspace. Meanwhile, someone who travels frequently may prefer a smaller, easier-to-maintain apartment.
Understanding your daily habits helps you focus on apartments that support your lifestyle rather than simply choosing the largest available unit.
2. Understand the Different Apartment Layouts
Chicago offers several apartment layouts, each designed to accommodate different living arrangements and preferences.
Knowing the differences between them can help you narrow down your options.
Studio Apartments
Studio apartments combine the bedroom, living room, and kitchen into one primary living area, typically with a separate bathroom.
They are often a practical choice for individuals who prefer a compact and functional living space.
A studio apartment may be ideal if you:
Live alone.
Prefer a minimalist lifestyle.
Have fewer furniture and storage requirements.
Want to maximize your rental budget.
Don't need a separate bedroom or home office.
With smart furniture placement and creative storage solutions, a studio can feel comfortable and organized without requiring a large footprint.
One-Bedroom Apartments
A one-bedroom apartment provides a separate bedroom in addition to the living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
This layout offers more separation between sleeping and living areas, making it a popular option for individuals and couples.
A one-bedroom apartment may be ideal if you:
Prefer a private sleeping area.
Live with a partner.
Occasionally work from home.
Enjoy having a separate living room.
Need additional storage or furniture space.
The extra separation can make everyday activities feel more organized, especially if you spend considerable time at home.
Two-Bedroom Apartments
Two-bedroom apartments provide an additional bedroom that can serve different purposes depending on your needs.
While some renters use the second bedroom for a roommate or family member, others turn it into a home office, guest room, or hobby space.
A two-bedroom apartment may be ideal if you:
Share your home with a roommate.
Have children or family members living with you.
Work remotely and need a dedicated office.
Frequently host overnight guests.
Want more flexibility for future lifestyle changes.
Before choosing a larger apartment, consider whether you will regularly use the additional space. Extra square footage can be valuable, but it should also make sense for your budget.
3. Consider How Much Storage Space You Need
Storage is one of the most overlooked factors when choosing an apartment.
Even a well-designed apartment can feel crowded if there isn't enough room for clothing, seasonal items, household supplies, and personal belongings.
During an apartment tour, pay attention to:
Bedroom closets
Kitchen cabinets and pantry space
Bathroom storage
Entryway storage
Additional storage areas
Space for larger household items
Think about your existing belongings and whether they will comfortably fit into the apartment.
If you own several pieces of furniture, sports equipment, or seasonal decorations, you may need more storage than someone with a minimalist lifestyle.
Features such as custom closets and thoughtfully designed storage areas can also help maximize the available space without requiring a larger apartment.
4. Think About Your Furniture and Room Arrangement
An apartment's square footage doesn't always tell the full story. The layout and furniture arrangement can make a smaller apartment feel spacious or cause a larger apartment to feel cramped.
Before choosing a unit, consider the furniture you already own and the pieces you plan to purchase.
Here are a few practical tips:
Measure your bed, sofa, dining table, and other large furniture.
Check the dimensions of the living room and bedroom.
Look for layouts with enough walking space.
Consider where your television, desk, and storage furniture will go.
Avoid overcrowding rooms with unnecessary furniture.
Open-concept layouts can make apartments feel more spacious by connecting the kitchen, dining, and living areas.
If possible, review the apartment's floor plan before scheduling a tour. This can help you visualize how your furniture will fit and whether the layout matches your preferences.
5. Balance Apartment Size with Your Rental Budget
Choosing an apartment isn't just about finding enough room. It's also about finding a space you can comfortably afford.
Larger apartments generally come with higher rental costs, but the monthly rent isn't the only expense to consider.
Remember to account for:
Monthly rent
Electricity and heating
Water and other utilities
Internet expenses
Parking fees
Move-in costs
Additional building or amenity fees, if applicable
Consider how much of your monthly income you want to allocate toward housing and other living expenses.
For roommates or couples, sharing the cost of a larger apartment may make an additional bedroom more affordable.
The goal is to find an apartment that provides the space you need without putting unnecessary pressure on your finances.
6. Don't Overlook Natural Light and Layout Efficiency
A thoughtfully designed apartment can feel more comfortable even without having a large floor plan.
Natural light, window placement, ceiling height, and room arrangement all contribute to how spacious a home feels.
When touring an apartment, look for:
Large windows that allow natural light inside.
Open living and dining areas.
Practical kitchen layouts.
Convenient room connections.
Sufficient closet space.
Minimal unused or awkward corners.
An apartment with an efficient layout can provide better functionality than a larger unit with poorly arranged rooms.
Consider how the available space will support your daily activities, not just how large the rooms appear during your initial visit.
7. Think About Your Future Space Requirements
Your current living situation may not be exactly the same a year or two from now.
You might start working remotely, move in with a partner, adopt a pet, or develop hobbies that require additional space.
Although you don't need to plan every detail of your future, considering possible lifestyle changes can help you make a more practical decision.
Ask yourself:
Will I need a home office in the future?
Could I be sharing the apartment with someone?
Am I planning to purchase additional furniture?
Will my storage requirements increase?
Do I expect my daily routine to change?
If your lifestyle is likely to remain simple, a studio or one-bedroom apartment may be sufficient.
However, if you anticipate needing more flexibility, a two-bedroom layout may provide additional options.
8. Compare Floor Plans Before Making a Decision
Once you understand your needs, compare available apartment floor plans to see which layouts offer the best combination of comfort, functionality, and value.
Don't focus exclusively on the total square footage. Pay attention to how each room is arranged and whether the available features match your priorities.
For example, compare:
What to compare- Why it matters
Bedroom dimensions- Determines furniture placement and comfort
Closet space- Helps organize personal belongings
Kitchen layout- Supports everyday cooking and dining
Living area- Provides room for relaxation and entertainment
Window placement- Influences natural light
Overall layout- Determines how efficiently space is used
At Evergreen Lofts, prospective residents can explore studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartment options. Comparing the available floor plans is a helpful way to determine which layout best matches your space requirements.
Apartment Size Checklist: What to Consider Before Choosing
Before making your final decision, use this checklist to evaluate your options.
Lifestyle and Space Needs
Identify how many people will live in the apartment.
Determine whether you need a separate workspace.
Consider how often you entertain guests.
Identify your storage requirements.
Think about possible future lifestyle changes.
Apartment Features
Compare studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts.
Measure your existing furniture.
Check closet and storage space.
Evaluate kitchen and bathroom layouts.
Consider natural lighting and ventilation.
Review the available floor plans.
Budget and Convenience
Set a realistic monthly rental budget.
Ask about additional fees and utilities.
Compare rental prices between layouts.
Consider commuting and neighborhood convenience.
Make sure the apartment provides good value for your needs.
Taking time to review these details can help you avoid choosing an apartment that feels either too small or unnecessarily large.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing Apartment Size in Chicago
What apartment size is best for one person?
A studio or one-bedroom apartment can be a great choice for someone living alone. The best option depends on your budget, furniture requirements, storage needs, and whether you prefer having a separate bedroom.
Is a one-bedroom apartment better than a studio?
It depends on your lifestyle. A studio is often more compact and may be more budget-friendly, while a one-bedroom apartment offers separate sleeping and living areas. If privacy and room separation are important to you, a one-bedroom layout may be a better fit.
Is a two-bedroom apartment worth the extra cost?
A two-bedroom apartment may be worth the additional expense if you need a roommate, home office, guest room, or extra flexibility. Compare the additional rent with how frequently you expect to use the second bedroom.
How do I know if an apartment has enough space?
Consider the number of occupants, furniture dimensions, storage requirements, and your daily activities. Reviewing floor plans and touring the actual unit can help you determine whether the available space is sufficient.
What should I look for when comparing apartment floor plans?
Pay attention to bedroom dimensions, closet space, kitchen arrangements, natural lighting, living areas, and overall layout efficiency. A functional floor plan can make a significant difference in everyday comfort.
Find the Right Space at Evergreen Lofts
Choosing an apartment with the right amount of space is about finding the balance between comfort, functionality, and affordability.
Whether you prefer the simplicity of a studio, the privacy of a one-bedroom apartment, or the flexibility of a two-bedroom layout, understanding your lifestyle and space requirements can help you make a more confident decision.
If you're exploring apartments in Chicago, Evergreen Lofts offers thoughtfully designed residences in the West Lincoln Park area, with options to accommodate different living arrangements and preferences.
Explore the available floor plans, discover the building's amenities, and find a space that fits your everyday lifestyle.