4 Tips for Choosing Between a 2- and 3-Bedroom Apartment in Bradenton and Sarasota

Choosing the right size apartment can certainly be tricky. If you have unused space, you’re draining your wallet when you could be adding to your savings account. On the other hand, if you’re cramming your family into a unit that’s not large enough, you’ll all feel the squeeze.

Consider these four elements when deciding between a two- or three-bedroom apartment home.

1. Evaluate Your Sleeping Arrangements

One of the first things to consider is how much space your family requires for a comfortable night’s sleep. Are your kids content sharing a room? The incentive of bunk beds can make children more excited about the opportunity for a shared sleeping space, but children who are several years apart or have vastly different interests could push you toward the three-bedroom option.

2. Consider Your Budget

You’ll also want to put together a monthly budget that includes your utility bills, credit card or loan payments, groceries, fuel, toiletries, entertainment and other needs. Most experts recommend that you spend no more than 30 percent of your income on rent. You should plan to spend 50 percent of your post-tax income on necessities, at least 20 percent on debt payments and savings, and no more than 30 percent on unnecessary wants.

If you need every available dollar to afford a three-bedroom apartment, you’re probably better off with the two-bedroom option. You don’t want a medical bill or sudden car repair to put you in an impossible situation. If you have a healthy savings account, minimal debt, and plenty of room in your budget for a larger apartment, then you may enjoy the comforts that this added space can offer.

3. Check Out Your Furniture Collection

Measure the square footage in your current home and take a good look at how much furniture you have. This will make it easier to decide whether to go with the more spacious three-bedroom option, or utilize all of the space in a two-bedroom apartment home.

Be sure to check out our 3D floor plans for Springs at Bee Ridge or the interactive space planner for Springs at Palma Sola (click the "find properties" button to search for the appropriate community) to get a look at how your furniture will fit in our two and three-bedroom apartment homes.

4. Identify the Use for Each Room

If you’re wavering between a two or three-bedroom apartment, you may not need the extra bedroom as a sleeping space. Perhaps you’re considering adding a guest room to your home or using the extra room as an office or craft area. Before you commit to the added expense, make sure this is a space you’ll actually use. Do you have enough visitors to necessitate a guest room? Do you work from home and need a dedicated office, or will it sit unused as you play on your laptop in the living room?

Did you recently choose a new apartment in one of our Springs communities in Bradenton or Sarasota? Share your tips for picking the perfect apartment home in the comments section below!