Morning Routine for Apartment Living: Small Space Lifestyle Tips

The sun peeks through my bedroom window, spilling warm light onto the soft, crumpled sheets of my bed. My cat, a fluffball named Biscuit, prioritizes lounging around over any morning agenda. I glance at the pile of untouched laundry looming like a mini-mountain by the door. A cup of coffee in my hand, and a desire to remain nestled in the cocoon of my pajamas, I can’t help but chuckle at the reality of my morning routine. Here’s the scoop: living in an apartment isn’t just about saving rent; it’s a lifestyle, with its own quirks and joys. My morning routine embraces the compactness of my space while keeping the chaos at bay.

I’m not an expert-on-all-things-small-space, but over time, I’ve snagged a few tricks that not only help me navigate my mornings but also bring a splash of joy to the somewhat chaotic vibe we apartment dwellers know all too well. So grab your favorite mug, and let’s chat about how to make mornings in a small space feel rich and fulfilling.

Start with a Gratifying Wake-Up

I’ve tried every phone alarm app known to humanity. (If you ever find an app that doesn’t make me want to throw my phone across the room at 6 AM, please let me know.) But now, I’m all about the gentle wake-up. I set a soft, serene sound to nudge me awake rather than a jarring beep. A few breaths, a stretch or two, and I let the sunlight in.

Tip: Make it a habit to not check your phone immediately. Instead, give yourself five peaceful minutes. Think about the day ahead, your goals, or maybe just what to have for breakfast (coffee, obviously!).

Feeling the sunshine on my face as I wake up is like a little ritual that preps my brain. It’s not just about warding off grumpiness; it sets a positive tone.

Designate a Cozy Spot

Living in a small apartment means every inch counts, right? I’ve taken to creating a designated “morning nook.” This is a spot by the window (facing the murder of crows that insists on yelling at me every morning). Here sits my favorite vintage armchair, courtesy of that local thrift shop that always makes me feel like a treasure hunter.

Having a cozy spot to sip coffee and engage my brain is crucial. And let me tell you, this chair has seen many a deep thought (and a few too many spilled cups of coffee, RIP).

Add a Touch of Nature

I know the whole “bring the outside in” vibe is so Instagrammable, but hear me out; plants make your space feel more alive. A few potted succulents on the window sill instantly transform my little nook into a mini-zen garden. Plus, they don’t ask for too much care, which is essential for someone who is notorious for neglecting houseplants.

Quick tip: Get a small herb pot, too. Fresh basil by the window not only makes my apartment smell divine but also jazzes up breakfast dishes without much effort. Just be careful not to pull the stems off willy-nilly at first—definitely learned that the hard way.

Brew a Good Cup of Coffee (or Tea)

Oh, coffee—the elixir of life, especially in a small space. I’ve tried every fancy coffee gadget out there, from the French press to that contraption that looks like a UFO. But honestly, nothing beats a simple pour-over. There’s something almost ceremonial about watching the water drip, measuring out those coffee grounds like I’m some sort of domestic wizard.

By the way, there’s an art to choosing a good coffee blend. Try experimenting with local roasters, or swing by your neighborhood coffee shop for fresh beans. They usually have recommendations, too!

Treat Yourself

Now, let’s steer into the territory of indulgence. Whether it’s adding whipped cream to your concoction or treating yourself to a pastry, mornings are about self-care.

Consider this: A warm croissant while reading the news in that cozy nook? Yes, please. It’s about making your morning special, no matter how small your kitchen or dining area is.

Declutter the Space

Brace yourself. The “little things” you leave lying around? They pile up, and before you know it, you’re dodging piles of clothes and dishes to get to your morning nook. I’m not here to preach Marie Kondo levels of tidiness, but a quick ten-minute clean-up session can make a world of difference in your mental state.

Here’s a pro tip I learned (the hard way): have a basket for “random stuff.” You know the type—mismatched socks, takeout menus, and maybe the odd cat toy. At the end of the week, deal with the contents. You’ll thank yourself later.

Move with Intention

Now, I know this isn’t yoga class, but those few morning stretches can be a game-changer. I mean, who doesn’t wake up feeling like a crooked pretzel? Sinking into a few stretches by the window, maybe alongside Biscuit, gets the blood pumping and clears the mind.

You don’t need a full routine; just some light stretches will work. Reach for the sky like you just won the lottery—it’s playful, and it sets you up for the day ahead.

Embrace a Mini Mindfulness Practice

Now, hold on. Don’t roll your eyes just yet! I know mindfulness can sound like a buzzword. But taking a few moments to practice gratitude or even meditation can transform your mindset.

Find a quiet corner, sit comfortably in that vintage chair (pro tip: sit up straight—trust me), and just breathe. Think of three things you feel grateful for—could be anything from a delicious croissant to simply having a cozy nook to sip coffee in.

This little practice helps ease into the day. And, let’s be real, life in a small apartment can feel chaotic at times.

Set Intentions for the Day

After my slow start, I like to set clear intentions. What’s on my agenda today? It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Jot down a few key things in a planner or even on a sticky note. I’m guilty of using too many post-its, though—my fridge could practically be a museum of spontaneous thoughts and to-do lists.

Pro tip: Choose a motivational quote for the day and leave it visible. You’ll be surprised how inspired you feel when you see it during breakfast, instead of just scrolling through your phone for mindless distractions.

Conclusion: Embrace the Day in Your Small Space

So there you have it—a glimpse into my slightly chaotic but lovable apartment morning routine. It’s all about finding joy in the little rituals and being intentional with space. Small space living may come with its challenges, but it’s also rich with opportunities to craft a life that feels both vibrant and homey.

As I sit here sipping the remnants of my coffee, staring at the pile of dirty dishes I’ve managed to ignore, I’m reminded that living well in a small space is about balance. It’s about those small bits of happiness and the quirks that make our mornings feel meaningful.

So, whether you’re in your pajamas while reading this or just looking for ways to spice up your daily routine, remember that every little change makes a difference. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with that laundry pile calling my name.

Cheers to mornings, mindfulness, and mastering the art of small space living! What are your go-to small space lifestyle tips? Let me know below!