So, you’re one of the blessed few people with a two-bedroom apartment, or maybe a one-bedroom apartment with a spare room! You might currently be using the space to store odds & ends, out-of-season clothes, or random furniture you nabbed from your parents. What if we told you that you could be using this space to make money, learn a new skill, or even change the world? It’s true! No matter how small your spare room is, it’s enough space to make a big difference.
1. Rent it out.
If you don’t have a need for the space, why not rent it out and make some money on it? Do a little bit of research and find out if Airbnb’s are legal in your city and if they’re permitted under your lease. If you’re good to go, check out our handy tips for decorating a guest bedroom, take some pics of the spruced-up space, and post your new vacation rental!
2. Foster animals.
The only thing better than being an animal lover with a big heart is being an animal lover with extra space. Create a little sanctuary in your spare room and foster animals! Talk to your local animal shelter about taking in animals in need of a temporary place to live. The shelter will cover the cost of food and medical care, and you’ll just need to provide the home. Just make sure animals are allowed under your lease…and that you’re strong enough to give the animals back when they’re ready for adoption!
3. Create a tranquil meditation room.
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, it might just be in your spare room. Create a cozy little den with pillows, tapestries, books, blankets, candles, and anything else your heart desires. Use it as a place to meditate, drink your morning coffee, or turn off your brain for a bit after a long day.
4. Set up an office or a business space.
It can be hard to get work done on your couch or at your kitchen table. Create an office space with your spare bedroom to solve all of your productivity problems or start a side business. All you need is a desk, an office chair, and some lighting. If you’re really ready to get down to business, throw in a coffee maker!
5. Use it as your “hobby” space.
If you’re passionate about something, why not dedicate a whole room to it? Turn your spare room into a mini-library and reading nook, a music studio, or a home theater to screen all the newest flicks.
6. Make a workout room.
Sometimes walking to your complex’s gym is way too much work. Create a mini-gym in your spare room instead! Search for treadmills, ellipticals, and other machines at discounted prices on Craigslist and LetGo. Add some free weights, a yoga mat, and voila – you have an at-home fitness center! There are many indoor, body-torching exercises you can do without equipment too.
7. Turn it into an epic closet.
If you’re a fashionista or simply have a large wardrobe, you can use your spare room as a massive closet and dressing room. Set up some garment racks, shoe shelves, and hooks to hang coats, scarves, and other accessories. Add a table to display jewelry or other accessories. Get creative!
8. Make a game room.
If you’re a kid at heart, consider turning your spare room into the ultimate game room. Set up a table for card games and board games. Search Craigslist and LetGo for cheap ping-pong or pool tables. Hang up a dartboard and set up your PlayStation or Wii. Decorate with vintage gaming posters. Once it’s all set up, invite friends over for a game night in your new game room!
Having a spare room in your apartment is an awesome opportunity: an opportunity to get creative, get entrepreneurial, get fit, or get zen. How will you remake your spare room this year? Whatever you do, do something great! Connect with ApartmentSearch on Facebook or Twitter and let us know!