Apartment and Communal Living: Merits, Demerits, and Helpful Tips
Living in an apartment – whether it’s a city flat, a purpose-built complex, or part of a converted house or an amazing location like Hayes Point – can be practical and convenient. Many people find it suits their lifestyle, offering great value in a world of rising living costs. But communal living also comes with its fair share of quirks.
Here we explore the benefits and challenges of apartment life, while offering practical tips and Amazon product suggestions to make your space more comfortable and efficient.
Advantages of Apartment and Communal Living
1. Affordability and Lower Maintenance
Apartments are typically cheaper than houses in the same area, both in purchase price and running costs. Maintenance like guttering, external paintwork, or roof repairs is often handled through a service charge or by the landlord.
Tip: Keep your indoor air fresh without relying on window access using a compact air purifier like the Levoit Ultra Quiet Air Purifier. Ideal for small flats with limited ventilation.
2. Prime Locations
Most apartment buildings are located close to shops, public transport, restaurants, and medical services – perfect for those without a car or with a busy lifestyle. Whilst Hayes Point is a little distance from shops, on a nice day a walk will do one good.
Tip: If parking is tight, consider a foldable shopping trolley like the Rolser Big Polar 2 to bring groceries home with ease.
3. Less Outdoor Chore Work
With no lawn to mow or garden to weed, you’ll find more time for hobbies and relaxation. Internal upkeep is usually all that’s needed.
Tip: For quick floor cleaning in tight spaces, a cordless vacuum cleaner like the Shark Handheld with Pet Tool is lightweight and easy to store.
4. Enhanced Security
Apartments often offer added security such as controlled entry doors, intercom systems, and even CCTV in common areas. That peace of mind appeals to single residents, students, and older adults.
Tip: Whilst Hayes Point may be safe, outside our complex may be different – e.g. when shopping. A personal alarm will at least alert those around you that you are in distress. Vantamo Personal Alarms are low cost but quite effective.
Some Challenges of Apartment and Communal Living
1. Noise and Lack of Privacy
Apartments come with shared walls and communal access areas. This can mean more noise from upstairs neighbours, hallway chatter, or plumbing sounds.
Tip: There are several ways of reducing noise including laying carpets and rugs, erecting bookshelves and erecting window shutters. A low-cost way to help is to insert inside your windows – Wordmouk Window Draft Excluder, 5M White Door Draft Stopper Blocker. It won’t cure the issue but will help reduce the noise coming through those gaps.
2. Limited Space
Storage can be an issue in compact apartments. There’s often no attic, garage, or spare room.
Tip: Make use of vertical space with a multi-tier storage shelf like the SONGMICS 5-Tier Metal Shelf Unit or use under-bed storage bags like the Lifewit Foldable Storage Bags.
3. Service Charges
If you own your flat, service charges can sometimes seem expensive, particularly if lifts, landscaping, or communal cleaning are involved. But they cover essential maintenance that ensures the block remains safe and functional.
Tip: A financial organiser folder such as the Amazon Basics Expanding File Folder can help track payments, lease documents, and correspondence neatly in one place.
4. Restricted Outdoor Access
Without a private garden or yard, outdoor space can feel limited.
Tip: Bring the outdoors in with a compact indoor herb garden kit like the Click and Grow Smart Garden Italian Herb Mix. You’ll enjoy fresh basil, parsley or other herbs without stepping outside.
Practical Tips for Happy Apartment Living
1. Be a Considerate Neighbour
A simple hello, keeping noise down, and taking care when using shared areas makes for smoother communal living. Respect goes a long way in close quarters.
Tip: Use felt furniture pads like the X-Protector Non-Slip Pads to prevent noise when moving chairs or furniture on hard floors.
2. Improve Airflow to Prevent Damp
Condensation and mould are common in flats with poor airflow – especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
Tip: A portable low energy dehumidifier like the Devola 25L Dehumidifier helps reduce moisture in bedrooms or bathrooms. Keep windows ajar when safe, and wipe down wet surfaces regularly.
3. Organise Your Kitchen Cleverly
Apartment kitchens are often compact. Maximising cupboard and counter space is essential.
Tip: Use a tiered spice rack like the Joseph Joseph CupboardStore Organiser and a magnetic knife holder to free up drawer space.
4. Emergency Lighting
It’s extremely rare at Hayes Point to have a power cut but in case there is one we suggest you have at hand a powerful battery-operated torch or light that can light up a room.
Tip: Use the Beizkna 30W LED Work Light – rechargeable and super bright.
Final Thoughts
Living in an apartment isn’t for everyone, but it can be a highly rewarding lifestyle. Whether you’re saving for a house, downsizing in retirement, or just love the buzz of urban life (or rural in terms of Hayes Point), there’s plenty you can do to make your apartment feel like home.
With a bit of smart thinking – and the right products to simplify daily life – you can enjoy the best parts of apartment living without letting the limitations get in your way.