So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and swap suburbia (or the countryside, or your parents’ basement) for the bright lights of a major city like New York or DC. Good call. But before you get too excited, there’s something no one tells you right away: city apartments are trendy, but small. Like really small.

If you’re moving to one, you need to prep for smaller living spaces. That is, unless you plan on sharing your bed with a bookshelf and the air fryer. Let’s talk about how to make the most of a tiny place whether you are buying or remodeling and without feeling like you live in a storage closet.

Declutter As Much As Possible

Here’s the truth: most of your stuff won’t make the cut. Not because it’s useless, but because it just won’t fit. When you’re staring down a 400-square-foot studio, the six-person dining table and three coffee makers suddenly seem like luxuries.

The key here is honesty. Do you really need four winter coats if you’re moving to DC? Will it be that cold? Are you going to use that second monitor? Probably not. Sell what you can. Donate the rest. Your new place doesn’t have room for emotional baggage or duplicate slow cookers. If you hire movers, moving less stuff will be cheaper, too.

And if you’re like most people, you’ll still overpack. That’s fine. Just accept that there will be a second round of cuts once you actually move in.

Downsize with Strategy, Not Panic

The point here isn’t to see how fast you can toss everything you own. Rather, think about what you want out of your new space. Start with what brings real value — maybe it’s your record player, your favorite chair, or your tiny espresso machine.

If you’re moving to DC, it makes sense to downsize before the move so you’re not hauling oversized furniture into a tiny walk-up. You’ll save on moving costs and spare yourself the drama of trying to wedge a sofa through a 30-inch doorway.

This step’s all about looking ahead and prep for smaller living spaces with ease. Measure your new place, get the floor plan, and try to imagine how your existing stuff will actually fit. Or won’t.

Think Vertical, Not Horizontal

If you’re used to wide open layouts and endless closet space, urban living will flip that on its head. Cities go up, not out. And you need to prepare for the transition. Your storage should be ready, too.

Wall-mounted shelves. Over-the-door racks. Hooks on hooks on hooks. This is how you win the space game. Even under-bed containers will feel like a revelation.

One smart move? Look for furniture that does double duty. Beds with drawers. Ottomans with hidden storage. Desks that fold into the wall. The more tricks your stuff can pull, the more livable your space will feel.

Know Your Building Before You Pack

Before you even box up your belongings, do your homework. Some buildings have freight elevators. Some don’t. Some have stairwells that feel like medieval castle towers. Some don’t even have room for a full-size mattress to make the turn between landings.

You’ve got to plan for this. Call the landlord or property manager. Ask about move-in restrictions, loading zones, or stair widths. The last thing you want is to show up with a moving truck and find out you have to carry a sofa six flights up because there’s no elevator.

Also, consider delivery timelines. That sweet new couch might arrive before you even get the keys. Urban timing matters.

Furniture That Folds, Stacks, and Stores

Wondered why city people are obsessed with IKEA and secondhand furniture apps? You’re probably getting it now — most of it is small and made for apartments. When space is tight, flexibility is everything.

Look for items that fold up when not in use. Think of nesting tables, collapsible desks, and wall-mounted drying racks. Your goal is to keep the space open when you’re not actively using something.

Bonus tip: Secondhand furniture often comes already assembled. In a city where moving anything is a headache, that’s a major win. Plus, it’s better for your budget and the planet.

Design for Comfort, Not Just Storage

Of course, you shouldn’t start treating your new apartment like a game of Tetris. You’re not arranging a storage unit here — so make sure your place feels good, as well as efficient.

Start with lighting. One well-placed lamp can change the whole room. Add mirrors to reflect light if you feel cramped — these will make everything seem bigger. If you need to open up the space more, decorate with neutral colors or light tones.

And don’t forget your personality. Art, books, plants — they matter. A small apartment doesn’t mean you have to live like a robot. Pick a few pieces that bring you joy, even if they serve no practical purpose. That’s what makes the place feel like yours.

Living Small Doesn’t Mean Living Bad

The best thing about living in a small city space? You don’t need much to make it feel like home. Less to clean. Less to spend. Less to worry about. You’ll quickly find that living with less doesn’t mean living worse.

Sure, it takes a little effort to prep for smaller living spaces. You’ll get frustrated at first. You’ll stub your toe on something. But once you settle in, the simplicity feels freeing. And your bank account will probably thank you, too.

So, go into it with a plan, but also with an open mind. You’ll figure it out — and you’ll probably end up wondering why you ever thought you needed so much stuff in the first place.

Adjust Your Mindset Before You Arrive

A lot of people think prepping for a smaller space is just about logistics. But your mindset matters just as much. If you arrive in your new apartment already frustrated by what you gave up, everything is going to feel cramped and disappointing.

Instead, shift your focus. Living small means living smart. You’ll learn how to get more use out of less stuff. You’ll figure out that you don’t need a walk-in closet or a guest room to feel comfortable. You might even start to enjoy its simplicity.

Treat it like an experiment. What can you do without? What do you actually miss? What turns out to be more important than you thought? This kind of mental reset helps you appreciate your space for what it can do, not just what it lacks.

Also, give yourself time to prep for smaller living spaces. Your first few weeks might feel rough. That’s normal. Once the boxes are gone and you’ve found a rhythm, everything settles in. And soon enough, your tiny apartment in the middle of a massive city won’t just feel livable — it’ll feel like home.

Don’t Forget To Hire The Pros For A Safe Relocation

Ready to prep for smaller living spaces stress-free? Don’t just pack—plan smart. Let professional full-service movers handle the heavy lifting, tailored to your new layout. Contact trusted movers near you today and simplify your downsize!