Getting married this year? Congrats! But, if you’re living in a small NYC apartment with limited storage space as many of us do, here’s some advice about your wedding registry: Think wisely and don’t go overboard. Yes, it’s tempting to list all the great appliances, gadgets, and decorative paraphernalia. But, where are you going to put it all? Exactly. Consider this list for the best space-conscious bets for your wedding registry.
Get the Union Jack-patterned milk frother. It will pair perfectly with your royal couple coffee mug. (Source: Amazon)
But First, Coffee.
A fancy coffee pot seems like a great idea until you realize it eats up a quarter of the counter space in your tiny Manhattan kitchen. Opt instead for a nice French press or a moka pot, both of which can be stored in a cabinet when not in use and easier to clean than a big countertop contraption. Not ready to compromise on your morning joe? Add a frothing wand to your list, which can easily get shoved into a drawer. Be sure to ask for either the cow print or Union Jack pattern.
KitchenAid Mini Mixer in bright red
Just Say No to the Giant Mixer
Everyone wants the classic KitchenAid stand mixer in a bright, trendy color. However, these babies take up a lot of valuable counter space. Instead, try the company’s compact Artisan Mini Mixer, which boasts a lighter weight and smaller footprint. What’s more, its many attachments (don’t forget to register for them as well) make the mixer versatile. Pop on a new attachment and it can become a food processor, grain mill, pasta press, and more. Suddenly, you only need one kitchen product for nearly all your married life meal prep.
Toaster ovens can do it all: Bake, broil and toast!
Maximize Your Toaster Space
Skip Smeg’s adorable four-slice, pop-up toaster and instead opt for a toaster oven. For the same amount of space on your counter, you’ll gain lots in versatility. A toaster oven can make your morning toast and also doubles as oven space when you’re having a dinner party. And on hot summer days? Instead of blasting your oven and adding more heat to your apartment, use the toaster oven to bake, broil or toast!
Washer-Dryer Dreams Do Come True
Does your apartment lack a washer/dryer and you are resigned to making weekly trips to the laundromat? Instead, ask for a portable washing machine that you can hook up to your kitchen or bathroom sink. Obviously, make sure the building allows it and you have room to store this item. Or, make it even easier and ask for a subscription to FlyCleaners. If you’re old enough to get married, you are old enough to send out your laundry and dry cleaning.
Consider getting a subscription to food delivery services like BKLYN Larder.
No Counter Space Required
Think outside of the box store and inside of your mailbox instead. Consider registering for subscriptions instead of things that will take up space. Perhaps a meal delivery service like Blue Apron or Hello Fresh will have you and your honey cooking together for the first time. Or maybe a subscription to Winc will invite the two of you to expand your palate without an obnoxious sommelier breathing down your throat.
Try a new spin on date night and register for a monthly box from Crated With Love, which includes new date ideas and themed treats. If you want to go more local, consider a monthly delivery from BKLYN Larder, which has a bunch of different specialty packages to choose from including cheese, chocolate and olive oil. Astor Wine also offers monthly subscription packages. You can opt for reds only, a 12-bottle combo pack or wines of the world.
Cut Down on the Package Peanuts Clutter
Finally, consider stocking up on experiences rather than things that will end up just cluttering your apartment. Honeymoon funds is a new trend is cropping up in the wedding registry industry. Sites like Zola, Honeyfund, Plumfund, and Blueprint Registry will let you register for honeymoon expenses, like flights and accommodations, but also extras such as a couples massage, dinner for two, champagne upon arrival, and more. Not only does this approach save you from the clutter, it also creates memories that will last you a life.
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