One of the most exciting phases in moving into a new condo is shopping for and filling it up with appliances.

Indeed, a certain thrill comes attached to the prospect of acquiring new things for our new space. However, you should not approach this endeavor arbitrarily. Small areas can be tricky, and if you buy appliances and furniture without a plan, you may end up with the dilemma of not having enough space for them. Whether you are moving into a new condo in Quezon or an apartment elsewhere, following a concrete appliance buying guide is paramount. Your guide should be customized according to your needs and budget.

Apart from that, it should outline the goals and priorities you have in mind. That said, be sure that the appliances you do end up purchasing fit your lifestyle and the unique demands of condo living. Bear in mind that living in compact spaces does not mean that you have to sacrifice convenience. However, you do have to compromise in other areas. If you are planning to move into a place where square footage is somewhat limited, let this article serve as your guide.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING APPLIANCES FOR COMPACT SPACES

a.) Height

One of the primary considerations you should put into mind when shopping for appliances is height. Whether it will occupy space from the floor or counter up, height should be the first thing to consider. You cannot leave room for even just an extra inch as this could already spell a myriad of problems in accommodating all of your appliances in a limited area. Precise measurements are pivotal as these will help determine whether your refrigerator or other appliances can fit in your condo. Be sure to add at least two inches to whatever appliance you will be buying to ensure that it does not come too close to the bottom of the kitchen ceiling or cabinet.

b.) Portability

Make it a point to choose appliances that are portable to ensure that they do not take up too much space in your dwelling when you are not using them. Today, modern machines and dryers are made to be stored away once you are done with laundry. For portability, these appliances come equipped with wheels and other configurations. With this convenient feature, you are allowed maximum and optimal use of floor space in small spaces or rooms.

c.) Countertop Space

In limited spaces, you need to make do with whatever nooks and crannies are available to you. This means ensuring that you are making the most out of the countertop space in kitchens and bathrooms in your smaller living environment. Look for appliances with compact designs so as not to overwhelm your countertop spaces. You may also consider purchasing appliances with a dual-purpose feature. Also, you may want to consider foregoing a top kitchen drawer so that your space can accommodate your dream appliances on the counter.

d.) Built-in Room

Some condos are built with areas that provide the depth to accommodate appliances. If you have customized your limited space his way, you are already at an advantage. These built-in spaces can be used for your microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, and the like. Even better is that refrigerators can be placed back and away from high-traffic areas depending on the layout of the room.

TIPS IN BUYING APPLIANCES FOR SMALL AND COMPACT SPACES

1.) Do not buy on impulse

The thrill of purchasing an array of appliances for your new home can be incredibly overwhelming. After all, if you have just moved in, there is so much to buy! Unfortunately, this very same excitement can lead many to buy things on impulse. These impulsive purchases can quickly eat up the space in your compact condo. That said, just because a particular appliance is on sale or on a promotional offer does not mean that it is worth buying, nor is it the right machine for your needs.

However, this is not to say that all discounted items are useless; however, it would be wiser to approach these offers with a shrewd mind. Know what you need and list them down. Sure, you may need a vacuum cleaner, but you may want to choose a more compact one that you can easily fit into a corner.

2.) Be thorough about your purchases

Home appliances are a little more complex nowadays than they were a decade ago. Some of them have unique features and capabilities that may make your chores a little easier and more convenient. Bear in mind, however, that no matter how tempting these fancy high-tech appliances are, they may not always be worth the purpose you want them for. Some of them may be difficult to install, complicated to use or have hidden issues that you will only discover upon installation. That said, be a little thorough with your purchases and understand what it is that you are buying. A little tip that will be helpful is to read the instruction manuals prior to your purchase. Not to worry, as almost all appliances already have their instruction manuals available online. Just read and understand what their requirements are and weigh your options. Also, evaluate your space before you finalize your purchase.

3.) Read reviews

Like anything valuable you wish to buy, it would be helpful to read reviews prior to actually making a purchase. There would undoubtedly be customers before you who have already used the product, so it would make sense to read what they had to say about it before buying it for yourself. Also, you can ask friends, colleagues, and family members who may be using the same appliance for their experience regarding the product. Otherwise, you can always go online and read the comments and reviews users have written. By reading reviews or asking for opinions from others, you will prevent yourself from making a bad or wrong purchase. Keep in mind that your space is limited, so you really cannot afford to store extra and unnecessary home appliances.

4.) Do not buy anything extra

Typical houses have more appliances than needed. Some of them are put on display, while others have been used sparingly. That said, there is only a handful of useful appliances that you can use daily. If space were not limited, you could certainly afford the luxury of showcasing modern and fancy appliances. Unfortunately, the same thing cannot be said for limited spaces. With that in mind, identify what your must-have appliances are and do not buy those that you do not need. If you are not fond of coffee, there is no absolute need to get a coffee maker. Likewise, if you have no predilection for lavish food, do not waste money and space on electric cooking convection. Instead, look for appliances that would serve you better and afford you more convenience in your day-to-day life.

5.) Measure

Always measure the space you wish to use in your house. Also, be sure to measure the appliances you wish to buy. Do not do this exclusively for big appliances such as the refrigerator, cooking stoves, and TVs. Measuring for precise and accurate dimensions also applies to small appliances such as air fryers, vacuum cleaners, and the like. Keep in mind that in limited spaces, every inch counts. Apart from ensuring that the appliances you buy would fit, this practice will also help you visualize how your compact space can look beautiful and spacious.

6.) Stick to a budget

As said above, shopping for new appliances may be exciting. However, be sure not to go overboard and work within a budget. It does not bode well for you to have the latest modern hi-tech home theater but skip on your credit card payments just to get it. Also, it would be helpful to scout for the best deals before deciding on a purchase. Always be sure that what you are buying is a bargain and the best deal for you. Today, most appliance centers are offering their wares on a zero-interest installment basis. Take advantage of this and make sure you honor the terms, or the interest rates will shoot up.

7.) Match your lifestyle

You alone would know what you need. In this regard, you can choose to buy only the appliances that would match your lifestyle. If you are particularly fond of working in the kitchen, invest in good and quality kitchen appliances. However, if you tend to eat out a lot, then maybe a simple microwave oven and a separate induction cooker would already do.

8.) Be ready for repairs

As a keen and shrewd buyer, always discuss an appliance’s warranty terms before finalizing your buy. Keep in mind that nothing lasts forever—even the most modern and durable appliance. Take note that there may be appliances whose warranties you have to buy separately. Regardless of what your budget may be, always keep in mind that getting a warranty is paramount. You are definitely going to need it. Be ready for repairs, and in that regard, ask the salesman where their service centers are.

CONCLUSION:

The guide above contains just some of the tips that will help you buy the right home appliance for your home. Your space may be limited, but that does not mean you should skimp on its potential. With the tips above, make sure that you choose appliances that would fit your lifestyle and needs. Sure, you may be able to fit more appliances in your space, but make sure you actually use them.

After all, you would not want these things to be taking up valuable space and gathering dust in your home.