angye's Profile

I can't believe how many people think this situation couldn't possibly be true. Validates my thought that many who practice small living do it as a choice, because it's novel. I know families of 5 that share rooms not much bigger than this. While I don't have a room with these dimensions, we only have two rooms and a bathroom, and a family of four. We also have overnight guests (any where from 1 to 4 people) very often for 2 days to 2 weeks at a time. This is all in an attic with slanted ceilings that you will bump into if you don't pay attention, less than 500 sq feet, no "proper" kitchen, a shared shower with another apartment, and a shared entrance. 1. This "sort of arrangement" is common in this country. 2. There's nothing disturbing about siblings sharing a bed. Now for advice...I'm guessing that if you wanted to or were able to move out, you would have...so good for you for asking for advice for your small space on a site like this even though many people think it's fake. A few people have given really good advice already that I'll repeat. I like the idea of rolling mattresses that you can stack and use as a couch when you're not using. I personally use a full size futon that can be put up into a couch, and store a queen size futon folded longwise and a crib mattress underneath, along with some underbed storage in a container. You could make this idea your own in whatever way works best for your space. I try to be as minimalist as I can, which caused me to really evaluate what was necessary. You guys are probably already pretty pared down, but I still get rid of things every month, and don't buy anything I can't borrow. I'd put a shelf going as far around the room as possible with enough space for your books at the very least.A cheap option that I still use as storage are the wire cube shelves they sell at stores like target that come in boxes with 6 squares. These are much more affordable and customizable than an expedit. You can use those to store folded clothes or whatever. I'd keep the closet use for deep storage in the back and keep it as sectioned as possible, maybe with different colored hangers (or even paint/ nail polish on dry cleaning hangers) to tell whose is whose. For a desk, a folding table is your friend. You'll be forced to keep it clean and finish what you started because you'll have to fold it up. You can store it against the wall (behind your futon if you get one?) when you're not using it. It'll still be tight, but you'll at least have the few features you want. I'm curious to see what you do with the space. Good Luck ! ^_^