Wednesday, July 1, 2020

My Garage With Teeny Apartment Attached




A couple of months ago, I moved into a garage with a small apartment attached. Yes...you read that right!  

I think my garage is bigger than my apartment...

Garage Door To The Left Of Photo


My teeny apartment is just 750 square feet...but I love it. 

I'm the first one to ever live in it, and it's the first time in my life I've ever lived in a place all by myself. 

Family is close by, and I've got some great neighbors. I'm good!


My Teeny Tiny Front Room

It's a bit of a challenge to decorate and furnish a small place and still be comfortable without being overly cluttered. 



For 2 months it's been pretty bare! I think I'm up to decorating now since stores are starting to open up. 


If you remember, I sold most of my furniture in Texas to the people who bought Rivercrest Cottage. What they didn't buy, I gave away. 

Looking back, it wasn't a smart move. LOL!!! We had two storage units filled with "pretties" and no furniture when we got to Mississippi!

When we bought the Mississippi house, I bought new furniture trying to quickly make it a home for Wild Bill. It felt like we were going to have a fresh start! That didn't work out...

With Wild Bill gone so soon, I gave our new furniture to the people who bought the house and went to hide out stay with Middle Daughter and family here in Illinois. If you read that post, you might remember the family lost their house and everything in a storm 2 days before looking at our house (the first time) with my realtor.

Most of my special "decorating stuff" I have left has to go into the oversized garage in bins. It was love at first sight for the garage...


Length of Garage Is One and A Half


There's a small driveway in front of the garage, so I can leave the car outside and use the garage as an entertaining area. There's no room for a table in my apartment, but in a pinch, I could put folding tables and chairs in the garage if I needed to feed people.


Garage On Left Is Mine, My Porch On Right

I want another ping pong table in the garage like we use to have. That is, if social distancing ever ends. 

Right now there's just me...and lots of stuff! This photo was taken before I went back to Mississippi and picked up my storage stuff.



Illinois tends to get cold. The garage has a wall heater to keep it warm in winter. 


Electric Heater at the top of photo

I won't use it unless I need to do some work out there. I don't think I'd want to pay the bill for heating it more than just a little.



Thanks for dropping by!


33 comments:

  1. Fantastic. love it...perfect. prayers

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  2. It looks lovely and I guess everything is relative - but I wouldn't call 750 sq. feet "teeny tiny". My 1 bedroom - pretty standard size apt. is only 560 sq. feet and it's considered to be a decent sized unit - especially for a city apt. Enjoy your new space.

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    1. I understand, Margie. I was kind of joking. There's no place to put a table. We are out in the far suburbs and most apartments are larger. I chose this one for the garage. Most apartments don't have attached garages and I love a garage. I was living in my daughter's guest room so I've got lots more room now. Just nowhere to put stuff.

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    2. You will figure it all out - and hey - IKEA always has great storage ideas. Enjoy the process.

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  3. Ha! I agree with Margie about tiny...home sizes are all relative...We've lived in small 400 sq ft ( husband & I) and our largest was 1200 sq feet (five of us). You have a great space for you at this time and that garage will have possibilities for gatherings or hobbies for sure. I'm looking forward to seeing your posts in the next months as you make this your nest.

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    1. I'm fascinated with the small home movement, which made me excited to try to see what I could do with a smaller space. I wanted a year to sit and think what direction I want to go in.

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  4. I am looking forward to following your progress as you make this apartment your home.

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    1. Thanks Mama! I like that I have a nice new space that is neutral. The trick is to use what I have and some new pieces to make it my own.

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  5. That looks like the perfect size! Now you get the chance to make it all about you.

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  6. I love it. It is plenty big for you. House I have is about 950' and hubs and I shared it with pets. Of course I have a basement.
    I am glad to see you moving forward - it is hard to do.
    Can't wait to see what you do with the place!

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    1. Cheryl, good to hear from you. Yes, I do finally feel like I'm moving forward. Trying to figure out who I am after nearly 30 years as a couple. I put pink towels and rug in my bathroom! Girly for once in my life.

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  7. Love it!!! My little house in Illinois is only 780 sq. feet and the garage we put on is almost bigger than the house lol! So I am right where you are now. It is a challenge to decorate and make things work but once you figure it out is is so much fun living small. Less work and easy to keep clean. Hope you enjoy your new place. xoxo

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    1. Kris, thanks. I love seeing what you do with your cottage. Always learning from you. I'm spending this year learning who I am and what I want for the next part of my life. Small works for me. Just need to figure out what decor I want.

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  8. I'm so glad you're able to move forward and making some decisions. Also important to have some relatives nearby. I think the apt is wonderful. I wouldn't want a lot of space to take care of either. it looks perfect!! So nice to hear from you!

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  9. You've had a lot of changes in a fairly short amount of time, and you've kept a good attitude. I'm glad you found this cute place and I know you're going to have fun doing some decorating.

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  10. Lovely, I am looking forward to seeing you give this apartment your magic touch

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  11. It looks lovely and the size seems just right. When you decorate it and put your touch on it , it will be home.

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    1. Trying to live up to the title of your blog! Don't know which is harder...starting over? or accepting the change?

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  12. The garage in my house is too small to hold a car. I am looking for a house in New London at affordable prices. Is there anyone here who can help me? Buy Assignment Online

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  13. I love it, and can't wait to see it after you've put everything into place. You are so talented at decorating and making a place beautiful. You look great, by the way. I love that shot of you in the mirror.

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    1. Thank you, Melba. I've lost 4 sizes so far. Just decided one day to lose all the weight I wrapped around myself during the last two years. I guess it was for protection maybe?

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  14. Looks lovely. And a perfect size. I think you'll be able to find a spot for a small dining table for up to 4, perhaps one of those that fold away. Love the idea of having the garage (right next to the kitchen even!) for larger groups. You are amazing!

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  15. That's a very cool apartment and garage. You'll be able to create the space to suit you. My brother converted his garage into a dining room.

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    1. Joe, I don't even have room for a dining table in my apartment. Just have some space at the center island. I'm not eating much at home anyway so not a loss.

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    2. Plus it's a good excuse not to entertain! :D

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  16. It's a "new normal" for all of us in many different ways - you especially. I am praying for you and all the transitions you are experiencing. You are a truly humble example of resilience to me, my friend...and so much more. I just wrote about this a bit on my blog today...then I came here and read your post. You are embracing change and challenges with much grace and hope. thanks for your inspiration ♥

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    1. Carrie, thank you for your kind words. Somedays the challenges are just too much. I'm thankful for my little peaceful place and family I have near.

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  17. What a cozy, convenient space! You have certainly shown the strength inside you as you have gone through such trying times. I can't wait to see what you do with your apartment.

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  18. Rivercrest Cottage,
    What an adorable kitchen space!
    Love the size of your garage!
    I'll be watching as you decorate your new living quarters in Rivercrest Cottage Style!
    Best wishes with this newest endeavor!
    Pat

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  19. Hello!! I was so thrilled to see you stopped by!! Love your apartment!! are you in the downstairs unit? Looking forward to how you will be decorating it!! Love your hair..I am getting mine cut for the first time since March 8th today..I trimmed it a bit but it is way too long for me and too thick...Take care my friend and I am anxious for your next post!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  20. I'm excited to see what you do with your blank canvas! I'm sure you'll create a cozy and comfortable place for yourself. And when this thing is over we will all come to visit and admire, I'll bring cake.
    Amalia
    xo

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  21. I can't wait to see what you will do with it. It's a great space. You sound like you are doing better after such a sad loss.

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  22. I'm glad you're in your new home. I know you'll make it wonderful. Hugs to you!
    Laura

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