There’s something powerful about unlocking the door to your very first place after spending over a year living in a car. When you’ve survived in a space no bigger than a back seat, you develop a deep respect for shelter, warmth, and the simple comfort of having walls around you. But moving into a small apartment brings a new challenge: how do you make every single inch count when space is limited and money is tight?
For me, the answer was creativity.
When Space Is Small, Think Vertical
In compact living spaces, the biggest mistake people make is thinking horizontally. A traditional bed can swallow half the room instantly, leaving little room to breathe, relax, or entertain. I knew I couldn’t afford to sacrifice precious square footage, so I started thinking upward instead of outward.
That’s when the idea of a high-rise loft bed came to life.
By elevating the bed, I essentially created two rooms in one — a sleeping area above and a cozy living space below. The transformation was dramatic. What could have been a cramped studio suddenly felt intentional, organized, and surprisingly spacious.
Building Something with Zero Experience
Here’s the part that makes this even more meaningful: I had absolutely no experience with tools. None. I didn’t grow up building things. I didn’t know the difference between most drill bits. But I was determined.
After scrolling through the Tedooo app for inspiration, I found step-by-step instructions for a loft bed structure similar to this one. With guidance from experienced crafters in the community, I learned as I went. There were moments of doubt — measuring twice (and sometimes three times), re-screwing boards, stepping back to make sure everything was level — but every small victory built my confidence.
And when it was finally standing strong, I wasn’t just looking at a bed frame.
I was looking at proof that I could build something stable in my life again.