In these unprecedented times, many lives, plans and situations have been upended. For many, the uncertainty has brought about a seemingly more hectic and out-of-control life. Also, with social distancing and lockdowns, getting our ‘me’ time has become harder.

This is painfully true for those who are stuck at home with families or share a flat with a roommate or partner because now, the harmonious in-and-out-of-home schedules have been temporarily put on hold. Having our own personal space for some alone time is beneficial for our mental health and well-being. These boundaries we set give us energy, stimulate creativity and most importantly, help us relax and calm down, as a place of respite from a crazy world.

Personal space can be described as boundaries that we establish among people in order to feel comfortable. It can be physical or emotional. Sometimes there are situations that require you to create your own personal space. If you share an apartment with someone but you feel crowded and you just need breathing space. The apartment may be small, and you want to establish boundaries and create your own space. If you are in a relationship that makes you feel overwhelmed, you will ask for a break because you need space. You are entitled to your personal space. This article will share some tips on what you can do to achieve your personal space.

1. Rearrange your space

You can rearrange the furniture to suit your taste and maximize space in your apartment. In order to enjoy personal space, you have to create it. You can decorate a small apartment and create a huge space illusion. You hang an eye-catching painting on the wall with a rug on the floor. Make sure you place furnishers against the edges and create open space in the room. The aim is to move about freely and enjoy your personal space. Ensure nothing is in the way, preventing you from moving freely.

2. Create a Partition

A lot of privacy goes out the prewar window when you’re sharing a small apartment with roommates, but even if you sleep in the same room you can still create boundaries. There are many ways to physically separate living areas that don’t require a construction permit. Curtains, screens, and bookshelves each provide personal space without taking up much of their own. Tall plants and standing mirrors can also create the illusion of separation. Room dividers don’t have to be solid. Although your own private area may extend only a foot beyond your bed, the effect will feel expansive.

3. Swap your couch for chairs.

While there are many space-saving sofas and couches for small apartments, individual chairs create more personal space in your living area. In fact, a chair is all yours as long as you’re sitting in it, creating another microcosm of independence.

4. Create a reading nook.

Regardless of how big or small your apartment is, chances are there’s at least one empty corner or alcove. If your roommates are cool with it, put a chair there (ideally in front of a window like the nook in one of Lake Street Studios’ micro-apartments) and use that nook for reading and relaxing. Your nook doesn’t have to be completely private. Even if you’re situated in the middle of a common area, as long as you have that nook all to yourself, it’s still your personal space.

5. Use storage wisely

Using storage wisely help to keep your space organized and more spacious. You can use the space to move around freely and do whatever you like. Ensure that you use all the storage available before you buy storage boxes to store your items. If your bed frame has drawers use it to store some items.