Apartment Living with Kids: How to Make It Work for the Whole Family

Raising a family in a multifamily community might not seem like the traditional route—but more and more families are discovering the perks of apartment living with kids. From reduced maintenance responsibilities to easy access to shared amenities, apartment life can offer flexibility and convenience that stand-alone homes don’t always provide. However, thriving in a smaller space with little ones requires creativity, structure, and thoughtful design.

If you’re navigating life in an apartment with children—or considering making the move—here’s how to make it work and even thrive as a family.

1. Maximize Storage in Small Spaces

The first challenge many parents face in an apartment is limited storage. But with the right strategies, you can turn every square inch into functional space:

• Go vertical: Use wall-mounted shelves, hanging baskets, and tall bookcases to store books, toys, and supplies.
• Under-bed storage: Utilize bins or drawers under beds to store out-of-season clothing, extra bedding, or toys.
• Multi-functional furniture: Look for beds with built-in drawers, ottomans that double as storage, and coffee tables with hidden compartments.
• Closet organizers: Invest in hanging closet organizers or customizable storage systems to make the most of bedroom and hallway closets.

Pro tip: Rotate toys regularly. Keep only a few accessible and stash the rest out of sight to cut down on clutter while keeping things fresh and engaging for your kids.

2. Create a Dedicated Play Zone

Kids need a space to call their own—even in a small apartment. Carve out a corner in the living room or their bedroom that’s all about play.

• Define the space: Use a colorful rug or small play tent to mark the “kid zone.”
• Storage nearby: Keep open bins or cubbies at kid height so they can grab and put away toys easily.
• Quiet corner: Include soft pillows, books, and stuffed animals for a cozy reading nook that encourages downtime.

If space is tight, choose collapsible or stowaway toys and furniture so the play area can disappear when needed. Think fold-up play kitchens, stackable building blocks, or even a wall-mounted art station.

3. Make Shared Amenities Work for You

One major advantage of apartment living with kids is access to community amenities. Take full advantage of these perks:

• Playgrounds and courtyards: Let your children burn off energy in safe, enclosed areas close to home.
• Pools: Many communities offer seasonal pools—ideal for summer fun and family bonding.
• Community rooms: Host birthday parties or playdates in common areas when you need more space.
• Fitness centers: Sneak in a quick workout while your child is at a nearby supervised playroom, if your building offers one.

Knowing your neighbors and the on-site staff can also make your community feel like an extension of your home—so take time to build relationships.

4. Stick to a Routine

When you’re living in tighter quarters, structure can help keep chaos at bay.

• Morning and bedtime routines: Set clear expectations for when it’s time to wake, eat, play, and rest.
• Designated quiet times: Teach kids to respect “quiet hours” in the building, particularly if you have neighbors below.
• Clean-up rituals: Involve your kids in daily clean-up routines. Use songs or games to make tidying up fun.

Routines also help children feel secure and comfortable, especially in a shared space where boundaries can sometimes blur.

5. Decorate for Both Function and Fun

Your apartment should reflect the personalities of all who live there—including the kids. It’s possible to create a stylish yet family-friendly home:

• Kid-accessible art: Let them choose art or framed drawings to hang at their eye level in their play area or room.
• Color coordination: Use baskets, bins, and bedding that match your home’s aesthetic to maintain a cohesive look.
• Chalkboard or dry-erase wall: Give them a creative outlet that doesn’t take up space or damage walls.

Use removable decals and command hooks to keep the space flexible as your kids grow or interests change.

6. Plan for Noise and Privacy

Noise control is a big concern in apartment buildings. While it’s impossible to eliminate every stomp or squeal, a few tricks can help:

• Area rugs and curtains: Area rugs help absorb sound and make rooms cozier.
• White noise machines: Ideal for nap time or bedtime, especially if you share walls with other families.
• Headphones or earbuds: Great for older kids to watch shows or play games without disturbing others.

Also, carve out small moments of privacy where possible—for both kids and adults. A curtain divider or a simple “quiet time” sign can make a big difference in shared bedrooms or living spaces.

7. Engage in the Community

Fostering connections within your multifamily community helps create a sense of belonging—for both you and your kids.

• Join resident events: Seasonal parties, movie nights, or family-friendly events are great ways to meet others.
• Organize a kids’ swap: Consider organizing a toy or book swap with other parents in your building.
• Connect with other families: Form walking groups to the park, plan shared babysitting duties, or rotate playdates.

An apartment complex filled with familiar faces makes it feel more like a true neighborhood.

8. Embrace the Upside of Apartment Living with Kids

Apartment living doesn’t have to feel like a compromise. In fact, many families find it offers unique advantages:

• Low maintenance: No lawn care, snow removal, or major repairs.
• Urban access: Walkability to parks, libraries, schools, and museums.
• Financial flexibility: Lower costs than a mortgage, which frees up money for experiences or savings.

When set up well, your apartment can be just as nurturing, fun, and functional as any house.

Final Thoughts

Apartment living with kids is entirely possible—and can even be deeply rewarding. With smart storage solutions, a little creative design, and active participation in your community, you can build a lifestyle that’s just right for your family.

Whether you’re in a cozy one-bedroom or a spacious three-bedroom unit, making the most of your space and building strong connections with neighbors will help your family thrive. So embrace the possibilities, roll with the noise and mess, and enjoy this stage of family life—apartment-style. For more apartment-friendly ideas, visit our other posts on the Bigos Blog!