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Living in Less Than 300 Square Feet: Personal Stories of Compact Living
In today's expensive and hyper-competitive real estate market, many individuals are opting for smaller living spaces to afford the locations and financial situations they desire. CNBC Make It recently featured three people who have successfully embraced living in less than 300 square feet.
Alex Verhaeg, a barber, bike messenger, and content creator, moved into a 95 square-foot apartment in Manhattan's East Village in 2020. Despite its size, Verhaeg considers it home and appreciates the minimalist lifestyle it necessitates. Sung Yoo, following a breakup and a family tragedy, downsized to a 140 square-foot tiny home in Santa Monica. The well-designed space, situated in her landlord's backyard, feels comfortable and allows her to enjoy the beach lifestyle.
Precious Price, who initially purchased a three-bedroom house in Atlanta with the intention of renting out spare rooms on Airbnb, decided to build a tiny home in her backyard instead. The 296 square-foot tiny home now serves as her living space, while she rents out the larger house. This arrangement allows her to live in her tiny home for free.
Living in such small spaces has its challenges, but these individuals have found creative solutions. Verhaeg shares bathrooms and showers with other residents, while Yoo utilizes an outdoor cooking setup. Price has optimized her tiny home's layout, including a lofted bed, a daybed that doubles as a couch, and a fully equipped kitchen.
These stories demonstrate that living in compact spaces can be fulfilling and financially advantageous. It encourages intentional living, appreciating the value of possessions, and finding innovative ways to maximize limited space. As the housing market evolves, embracing smaller living spaces may become a viable option for those seeking affordability and a minimalist lifestyle.
