Sallie1234's Profile

I once lived next to a family of four from Japan (mom, dad, 2 pre-teen daughters) who were living in NYC while Dad was on assignment for a couple of years. Their apartment, a studio, was approx 375 square feet. They didn't appear to feel put upon. Dad was out of the house for long hours at work (I hear this is common with successful Japanese execs) and daughters were lively and fun-loving and immaculately groomed. I am sure Jane and her 2-year-old will do just fine.
That said, I would encourage Jane to consider the importance of lighting -- differentiating between "task-time" lighting and "relax-time" lighting helps to zone your day when you are living and working in the same place. This need not be pricey.

Consider a blank spiral notebook, or two. One can be a "guest book" for visitors (or patient) to write names in. It can be difficult to remember who showed up and when. This way, if it gets lonely, or memory fades, patient can sort through names and dates. If guests leave contact info (phone numbers or email addresses), so much the better.
The other notebook could become a journal. As on a vacation journey, sorting out one's thoughts and experiences at the end of the day (or whenever) helps to de-stress and impose ones own routine (as opposed to the routine being imposed upon you!).

If you try shipping, use overnight (or two-day, if that's when you can "meet" them at the destination). Sending them on the moving truck, which might spend a full week or more in transit (more than that, if your belongings do not fill up a full truck), in the heat of summer?? Not likely to work. Or, fly cuttings with you in your cabin baggage.

Generally I am with notbob; but I would put the table near the windows (to enjoy the view and avoid any "ick" factor of eating near the bathroom). The TV could easily be over the table. I have a 4-person table in a 428-sq foot studio, and I am here to tell you that it unfortunately has become a catchall. I would recommend shopping for an oblong table with a top that flips out to square, or a dropleaf table, or just a 2-person round table (there are a lot of right angles in that apt already) with a folding table stashed, or even rented, for the day you have more guests. And storage ottomans, or a plain bench -- no coffee table! Having balcony chairs that can serve as indoor chairs for guests is a great idea. Take your time thinking about a six-drawer chest next to the fridge; good for storage but you may favor an un-crowded entrance.

When I saw the headline, I thought that this post was going in a different direction: towards items that would not clutter up a small space. (I understand the Japanese are experts at giving gifts that will not become clutter, such as expensive Scotch.)
You know, ideas like drink, comestibles (great chutney, great cheese, great shortbread, fresh pecans), movie tickets, iTunes gift cards, gas cards, and, yes, museum memberships. Theater tickets, concert tickets. Plane tickets!!

Possibly, jsut possibly, the trouble you mention (in blog) with fit of the dresser drawers is that they are no longer in the spaces they started out in. You could try switching them around to see if they fit better.

Not a complete list:
It Happended One Night
My Man Godfrey
Pride & Prejudice (Colin Firth)
To read: Anne of Green Gables