Home alone in Gotham: when all you can afford is tiny dwellings

[@jekalambert9412]

As an introvert, I totally understand how privileged it feels to live alone in your own space after coping with the stress of living with housemates. I get it why 90sf could be an enticing option. Great video! Thanks for giving us a peek into how people are adapting to an inflated housing market that limits how much space an average person can afford.

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

What I am impressed with is how up-beat most of these tenants seem, and sound. They aren't wimping around like victims. They have wants and desires in life, and in order to satisfy those requirements, they have arrived at solutions that are "right" for themselves. Many of those solutions are ingenious.Thoughtful. Useful. These folks seem to have come to grips with their situation and have used their cleverness to adapt, and accept. Everyone in this vid sounds educated and articulate. What none of you judges seemed to consider is that these folks have chosen to live in the most exciting city in America.These people seem aware of the difficulties that many New Yorkers face to be here. We're crazy about our City, we love living here. Personally, I would get the bends if I had to live somewhere else. If you don't understand why, please stay where you are, you'll be more at home.

[@FireflowerDancer]

​@@JackMason-oq8lfI too am all for ingenuity, but when you talk about the choice to move, I wonder if you realize how many people do not have a choice to relocate? It's too expensive. I am fortunate to have housing provided, but choosing where that housing is? Simply not an option. I don't think middle class people really have a grasp on what it's like for people living at poverty level. Poverty being defined as too poor to choose where you live, the type of housing you have, or choose to raise a family. And needing to recieve benefits in order to pay monthly bills. You start to worry less about 'your future' and 'your status' and more of, being worried your car is going to be the next one to be broken into, that you will have an empty stomach, maybe for days, before you can get another full meal. Worrying so much that you get used to frequent to constant exhaustion. Just practical stuff.

[@FireflowerDancer]

​@@JackMason-oq8lfAnd just to add, I'm not saying anyone needed to be pitied. Just realize 'cleverness' isn't always enough to create the circumstances that you want and need to thrive. I mean, people don't live in slums because it's what they want, or because they are lazy or dumb.

[@jenniferlloyd9574]

I've never had a roommate. The only "roommate" I've had has been relationship based.

[@normagrimstad8869]

Thank you for covering an older person. So much media out there is about young people.

[@d.m.5017]

As a native Brooklynite, from experience living in Md, South FL & ATL b4 & after 2 kids. Bigger isn't always better. Huge house with alot of wasted space. You end up buying more crap that you don't need or use.

[@RareEarthSeries]

If the woman who'd moved to Hawaii reads these comments: she might thing about installing a 'sink twice' on her toilet. They're common in small Japanese apartments, and use the water that refills the toilet as a faucet above the tank, allowing for hand-washing in bathrooms without a full sink. I have one in my bathroom and it works great.

[@myoldvhstapes]

Also popular in prisons.

[@blowitoutyourcunt7675]

Most of the ones I saw in Japan were so tiny as to be unusable, had no soap and we're often used as a place to hold small decorative tchotchke (mostly plastic flowers). It made for a very awkward affair, as I was just rinsing my hands and had to either use no soap or try to not touch anything with my dirty hands while I left the bathroom to find an adequate sink and soap. It was bizarre and my sister who had lived there for years didn't have an answer either lol : )

[@Erika-gm2tf]

Also popular in innovative US restaurants. (They always have a seperate sink too--code and all, but I love it when they pop up. I joyfully use them.

[@POTSy-EDS-Zebra]

I love the utilitarian style that allows to save resources as well as be comfortable. I see no reason why those shouldn’t be commonplace why not use the water that’s going to just go down the drain to fill up the toilet all while saving space? Makes sense to me. I’m a nurse and saw colostomy bag changing/cleaning stations in a bathroom on a train in Japan and thought how considerate of them to do that so people who need it can not only have something that’s easier to use and separate from where others wash their hands, but also the reminder of “hey, we care about you and your needs too.” I saw something the other day about how the engineers found the most efficient route from point a to point b on their train system by using some kind of plant (sorry I can’t remember) and allowing it to grow in a model of the current system so it took the shortest route to its water (I believe) source and they were able to revamp the system to be much more direct and efficient. Other than my seafood allergy and nonexistent knowledge of the Japanese language, I would absolutely love to live in such a beautiful and functional country.

[@yvettejones4249]

Bad idea to link sink faucet to toilet faucet. I don't think that's very safe. They do it in Japan, but I don't think it's safe.

[@lanaschnekenburger2736]

The guy w glasses ( hair cutter and editor) is going places. He’s humble and motivated and is very organized with his space. I don’t think the small space bothers him enough to not focus on where he wants to go in life. I wish him great things!

[@laikanbarth]

I love how you included the history of New York apartments in your reporting. Very well done and very interesting.

[@helengardiner7283]

Thank you for this window into a completely foreign world. I was an emancipated adult at 16 and SO HAPPY to find a "boarding house". It was a 300 sq ft beautifully furnished room in the gigantic house of the most lovely couple I will ever know. They made sure I could afford the rent before they told me what it was 😊. I was working 20 hours a week and going to high school. Somehow, there was always extra dinner, lunch, food. They were a bit lonely and could use a younger set of hands to do grocery shopping. I needed a home where I did not need to watch my back. 25 years later they became godparents to my first child. I'm alone now. About the age of the "old guy 😅" in this. The world is entirely different. If we do not adapt, we die. I mean as a species and as individuals. What strikes me most about these dwellings is that every homeless person in my city would do ANYTHING to be able to lock that door and know they are safe. A private bed, toilet/shower and kitchen!? Nirvana. Survival first. Like most things, it's a matter of perspective whether you see these places as sad or awesome. I love boats and am constantly in awe of people who come up with ways to maximize space that work well consistently. Sailing around the world with my ex and our two children was not only on the agenda but in full preparation mode at one point as we tried to get off the corporate wheel. Figuring out how the 4 of us were going to live in a 42' trimaran was fun. But we never did the trip. I'm pretty sure the reality, even with all the space above deck and all around, would have gotten claustrophobic fast. I'm one of the people that so much of the world seems to be mad at. I'm 65 (boomer), a retired health professional. I own my own house, can help my adult children and have pensions that will last me the rest of my life. I took the opportunities I was offered and worked with my foot to the floor for 50 years. Then I broke, mentally and physically. I wasn't going to slow down (driven by trauma) so my body/brain made me slow down. So now I live with 3 other women. All of us have chronic health conditions that do best with a very quiet household. Think of it as a sanctuary, and you are on the right track. Starting 8 years ago the first housemate showed up. A friend had rescued her, traumatized to the point of speechlessness. She stayed in my guest bedroom like a ghost. It was 6 months before she could come out and speak. She's still here. The demons are mostly kept at bay. She's made some friends. We took on the other two as my specialist brought them to my attention. Everyone has their own room. Everyone except "the sisters" has their own bathroom. There is a big, fully fenced and completely private backyard that everyone uses. We have a garden. The neighbours are nice. Many people have pets, not us: we feed the wildlife and teach the squirrels tricks. You can walk anywhere. No one pays more than $600/month except me. Somehow there is always extra food, or whatever, when needed. I hope I'm making them proud. I also hope that more people will consider house sharing. Intentional housesharing. Matching seniors or disabled people with others that might be able to provide that help for reduced rent. Everyone can still have their private space and each house can be set up to meet the needs and desires of the people that live there. We like gardening, the outdoors, cooking and silence. We like the temperature to be 68 year round. Others might want all students or seniors who love heavy metal...it is completely customizable. The places you have shown here appeal to me because of the functionality. Some of the custom built ins are fantastic. However, except for the young man who cuts hair and seems to know everyone in the building, I dont see much life happening. Perhaps that is the point of living in NYC: life happens out outside of the home? It made me a bit sad when you mentioned having a tree outside the apartment. That was a pretty sad tree. I'm in a city of 1.5 million. Tiny compared to NYC. There are trees and green space everywhere for anyone to use. Drive an hour in any direction outside of the city and you will be in the prairues, tne foothills, the hoodoos or the mountains. Probably without another soul around. You can buy a beautiful, fully renovated but keeping the original charm, home on a big lot with 60 year old trees for about $800,000 CDN. That would be a lot less for Americans with the exchange rate. There are as many ways to live as there are people on the planet. Some work for a while, some for a lifetime. If I HAD to live in an environment like NYC, I would find a way. I don't think I would thrive there now. I've become used to that fine white linen and fancy French perfume (thank you Joni). I'm thankful that I no longer need to be close to work or schools and that I have a home to open to others.

[@chronicfish]

"This is a Juliet balcony, which is a fancy term for not really a balcony." 😂

[@chrisbabbitt4202]

$1200 a month for 86 sqft. Absolutely insane!

[@dawnnewell237]

But it’s NYC, and - oh, look: a tree! *smh*

[@Sarah-xw2ff]

NYC pays very high salaries. Many people forget that. You can buy a home in Tennessee for 85K on a bunch of acres, but you'll be making minimum wage at your desk job if you work in that state as well.

[@iantawashington-allotey9913]

@@chrisbabbitt4202 it’s amazing how people can adjust to situations. He’s making the best of his space.

[@SoulfulVeg]

I remember many of these videos from when they 1st aired. I was living in a 3200 sf house and working like a slave. Since then, I've drastically downsized, even living out of a backpack for a year and then moving overseas. I'm back in the US since 2017 and still living much smaller. I'm much happier now that I dont let stuff rule me.

[@BlackMagickMike]

NYC is more than Manhattan. Manhattan is ridiculous. I lived on Long Island for 3.5 years until Sept 2021 and worked in the city. I was living with family while working on getting established there. The costs for apartments was exorbitant overall. What is missing in your conversations is the up front fees AND proof of income in multiples of the rent you have to have to even be considered for an apartment in greater NYC. It's a BAMBOOZLE and overrated. It's all for the sake of caché. I don't even feel bad for folk who want to endure it. I moved to Tulsa for an overall lower cost of living with a ballet, a symphony, abotanical garden, a zoo, an aquarium, 2 planetaria, an international airport, a Saks, AND a half-height copy of the original WTC tower by the SAME architect. I live in a walkable neighborhood adjacent to a university and have multiple parks near by. My commute is 15 minutes. My duplex has SPACE and a yard for $1100/mo. I don't miss NYC.

[@annatullison1482]

So many have been deceived...close 2 years ago moved AWAY from one of the top 10 cities in USA ...Fishers IN in Hamilton County..they were a town but changed their status to a "city". We are former military and lived overseas most of young adult lives....if you are young and financially fit yes...go right ahead....but during the shutdowns.....hubby and I saw the writing on the wall....we left the so called fancy city and HOA fees and purchased over 10 acres of land in a rural area, we have 2 ponds with fish. We have well water and we only have trash and electric bill. We have been trying to grow food and I learned how to can at the age of 55.....I say all this because the people really need to think about what will happen when you are forced to only be in your cities and can 't travel outside of your assigned zones. The folks brag about how the cities so great and so convenient. BUT it is ALL LIES....there is no convenience in pay quadruple for a place to lay your head...fighting for supplies to sustain your self and minors you care for.

[@MelywoodMedia]

Oklahoma is better because it's not run by democrats.

[@tanyawales5445]

@@annatullison1482 I have to agree with you. In general, most people need more space than a 90 sq. ft. box. NYC, LA and San Diego are in trouble now because there is such a lack of affordable housing for people which is adding significantly to the homeless population. My 2 bedroom apartment in Maryland cost $1,200/month. After I retired I moved to a more rural setting. My house payment and utilities is much less than $1,200 for a 50% larger 2 bedroom house on a large lot I can garden on that is quiet.

[@kensiblonde4203]

You don’t need a car? Are the parks big? Anywhere to swim? I live in Brooklyn and think about moving but don’t want a car. And I have prospect park and the ocean.

[@manoman0]

How do illegals get their apartments? Serious question.

[@Itried20takennames]

The irony is that the small space, convertible furniture tends to be really expensive, and a niche market (people who can afford expensive furniture, but not a regular apartment…so basically big cities, like NY or Boston.

[@cynthiaweathers6979]

I don't mind living in a small space but I refuse to live in places like NYC and Chicago and other huge cities. Nope. I need land and trees and privacy.

[@lanadavis6602]

yes and safety --- which doesn't exist in these cities.

[@ciaobella8963]

That video was so cool. I lived in Manhattan for over 40 years. Our original home in 1969 was a Lower East Side one room, very small studio apartment with a small galley kitchen but a decent narrow bathroom with a full tub. We paid $35 a month for it. I watched the World Trade Centers being built from the 2 windows we had that faced downtown. Then we got a one bedroom apartment one floor up a couple of years later. The ceilings were high and the rooms were large. The living room was on the corner of the building and had 3 large windows. We paid $85 a month for that apartment haha. Those were the days. I miss living in The City, even though I live in Italy now haha.

[@sashanealand8315]

why??

[@zoraidita2022]

Italy? It must be nice.

[@euamoflash]

I bet Italy is super nice

[@almurry8943]

I’d never miss the city if I lived in Italy. Staying at a villa is on my bucket list. I want to visit the Italian countryside and some of the vineyards.

[@ciaobella8963]

@@almurry8943 Haha, you are so right. But each place in this world has its own virtues. Perhaps it's because I'm old now and have many wonderful memories that I say that I miss Manhattan. I do however think that NYC is past its best days. Sad for sure. May you find the opportunity and resources to visit Italy. It's a wonderful place to be. My favorite season here is in September. 😉👍

[@EastSide-qc5oy]

As someone who has lived in NYC for 15 years, I can tell you these kinds of micro apartments can work out really well for some people, great for a young person willing to be flexible, but they get REALLY REALLY OLD after a while. I’ll be leaving NYC as soon as I figure out the next step. I’ll miss some things about the city but I won’t miss this nonsense.

[@its-all-good]

Cannot believe how small these are. My first solo apartment was in 1989 and was around 700 square feet in Oakland, California (it was considered average size). I paid $525.00 including parking and had views of Lake Merritt and downtown. When another unit became vacant, it would take months to fill. Today this same apartment goes for $3,500.00 and could be rented within a few weeks.

[@dec2721]

Did you tie an onion to your belt? Legend has it it was the style at the time.

[@its-all-good]

@@dec2721 Never heard of this.

[@CheezMonsterCrazy]

@@its-all-good Its a reference to the grandpa from the Simpsons. He's just calling you old lol

[@its-all-good]

@@CheezMonsterCrazy Ahhh got it. I've been called much worse.

[@as-1982]

@@dec2721 Someday you become old too, if you live long.

[@madisonlee6752]

Such a stroll down memory lane. I didn't realize how long I have been following your videos. You sparked my interest in convertible furniture . Well done ..thank you

[@AmandaWRU]

I've lived in big houses, so much work to upkeep! Now I live in a tiny house, the secret is minimal possessions, such a relief to get rid of all that stuff

[@RajinderYadav]

So you're saying more space means more clutter because you keep buying junk to fill it? How about more space equal more empty space and very little upkeep?

[@jnai-gr3tr]

Yes and low monthly costs I agree

[@NilDreams]

Must have been a nightmare living in such a small space during the pandemic lockdown.

[@Aprilforevergreen]

This history or one room living has added much needed context. Although this small living can look oppressive now - its actually a massive improvement on how people used to have to live in them even up until the 90's.

[@Undecided0]

I currently live in a 100 year old apartment building in Chelsea. It was originally my grandparents apartment from the 60s. It’s a 2 bed/2 bath 1300 Sq ft apartment. It falls under rent control laws. So I only pay $500 a month.

[@kensiblonde4203]

You can never ever leave. Ever.

[@goudagirl6095]

That is INSANE. For NYC??? Keep an eye on any rezoning/rent control laws (because you KNOW they can change things), and leave that place to someone in your WILL. You've really got it made. Chelsea. 1,300 SF. $500/mo. Like Kenisblonde said, you can NEVER leave that place! Do you have photos of your place posted on line anywhere? Would love to see it!

[@manoman0]

Such privileges should be ruled out and/or transferred to the Newcomers.

[@Alobger]

These early videos are mainly why I still follow you. You make fascinating, engageing and interesting work.

[@lindaterrell5535]

Once upon a time, a Murphy’s bed in an apartment (room ) was aa sign of flea bag . In fact, any transmutable furniture was considered cheap. Now it’s smart and efficient

[@ms.pugsley]

I live in a 30ft travel trailer in Arizona with a husband and two dogs. We're happy

[@tomasviane3844]

I just watched a video of people living in poverty (in the UK)... The enhousiasm and optimism here is off the chart. Their mindset is completely different than the ones living in poverty. They're nimble, move around and see difficulties as a challenge.

[@sharonadlam3195]

Gosh, didn't realise I had been watching your videos for more than a decade!!!! I remember all the early ones included here. Well done Kirsten, your work never gets old. 😊😊

[@SoulfulVeg]

Thought the same.

[@aaaapple803]

Nice video, a mini documentary. Those small rooms here in Hong Kong, similar or higher rent, accomodate a family of four, really bad condition.

[@Kimberley_Black_White_TV]

I was disappointed at the end when the rest of the gentleman's apartment wasn't shown. Also, that it was not asked of the renters (except one) how much they paid for rent.

[@yvettejones4249]

78 square feet is illegal. Technically illegal in New York City. What you have is a closet

[@manoman0]

but these people are leaving space for the big families of illegals.

[@hwendyhwhip8452]

LOVE this format that includes historical context & footage, both yours & archival. Your channel is enduringly fascinating. Thank you!! ❤❤❤

[@abonaax]

Thank you for coming by! I just moved out of that tiny apartment :)

[@toddylu6869]

I enjoyed this video. My husband and I own our home finally in Mississippi. I always enjoy seeing the apartments in NYC. After decluttering much of our stuff 2 years ago, our 1800 sq foot house seems too big. It is more work to clean the older I get. But it is home.

[@sazennonumber]

All of these people are such lovely people and very creative. But, I almost cried because of the nasty conditions and prices that are getting worse.

[@blueyomogi]

The biggest challenge to our society is setting up our younger generations for housing instability during a time when we should be supporting them to build economic and social stability in communities they can invest in as being their homes. The real estate market uses housing as commodities to build wealth. Cities are complicit in this way of thinking because they collect property taxes - the higher the property value, the higher the taxes. The emotional strain of moving around from space to space take a health toil on people.

[@annatullison1482]

AMEN!!!!!

[@weird-guy]

People overpaying are also a problem but when foreigners have more money than locals this tends to happen

[@LHLK-q2v]

oh please get informed in large cities where there is never enough housing people take what they can get to live in, it goes beyond those big bad people that took a risk, put in some sweat equity and made something out of nothing and now are rich and we aren't boohoohoo

[@lanaschnekenburger2736]

This is scary and sad. The second woman bed loft. The ceiling looks like it’s going to cave in 😢

[@LowsonIntl]

Thank you for producing this really interesting and well-documented film. It shows the resiliency of the human spirit in adapting a way of life to one's own limited resources, especially now in this extremely challenging real estate market. Well done.👍

[@maryw9841]

No matter people live in a large or small lodgement, finally they have to face the common destiny of physical death. Jesus came and died for the sin of all the creatures and so each one having a faith in Him will get His salvation and so their souls can enter the paradise after the death of the bodies. Once a person realizes he or she is just a passenger on earth and his or her real home is in Heaven, they will have a brand new life on earth.

[@malcolmschenot6352]

How wonderfully comprehensive this video is. I moved out of Manhattan in 1989 and never looked back, but I certainly wondered how people were making it work. Thank you for this documentation. No one else is doing it as well as you are.

[@LilyGazou]

I left the same year. 👍

[@idee7896]

14:34 LOVE her apartment! It has EVERYTHING and yet she made it spacious, clean and comfortable!

[@carolanderson2648]

What is nice about these places is a person can afford to live alone. Having roommates can be iffy. Also depends on where you spend your time. Some are only there to sleep basically. Also what you want to spend your money on. Night life, clothes, car, eating out, traveling or housing. Something has to give. It's all a personal choice.

[@CariMachet]

Roommates can be super horrible

[@MarikoYatsu-k8i]

I get it. I lived in shared housing w/a guy who kept butter in a cabinet & people were reluctant to empty the trash so we had rodents. I never want to live with another person that is not a spouse.

[@MinistryofOtaku]

>something has to give. And its not going to happen. The only solution is to get a better job or to leave. Because nothing will be done to address constantly rising rent.

[@OnsceneDC]

I live in a city that is almost as expensive as NYC. I bought a big old house 20 years ago and share it with friends and other professionals. At first, people thought it was strange to share my house with others in their 20-60s. We sacrifice some privacy, but very little. It's much less expensive. My tenabts pay ip to $1400 for a huge room (the size of a studio apartment) and includes every utility possible. We have a garden, yard, parking, laundry. A studio apartment costs about $2,000 and upwards (plus there are additional costs such as utities, parking, and laundry). I've noticed more and more households popping up like mine, and many adults choosing a shared situation. We have a gorgeous, huge, historical home around the corner occupied by very active senior citizens in their 70s+. They often host parties and dinners. I have as well. It's nearly impossible to do so wirh the alternative. I believe people need to belong to communities- even micro ones :)

[@philvale5724]

Hi 👋, Kirsten, It is great that you are showing us very different living styles and culture, from people, just starting out a new life new beginning, two people that have achieved great heights, with amazing properties, I am living in a converted Moulin/Mill , each floor is 11m x 7m , my ex and I purchased a property back in 2013, and because we are now X, I still have not finished the property. It’s still needs a lot of work doing to it, it does have three bedrooms, one ensuite, one shared bathroom and a utility, and a very large kitchen diner five divided off the lounge area so I can keep it warm easier in the winter time, Look forward to the next territorial seen amazing properties , thank you for sharing, Phil from the moulin France.

[@mariansmith7694]

WOW, these ppl pay 1,000. + for a few ft of space with NO PRIVATE BATHROOM. UNBELIEVABLE! I am so blessed !!!

[@manoman0]

They think it's cool.

[@jamesetal7088]

A 25 yr old friend rented a couch to sleep on with kitchen/bath privileges. $750/month This was eight yrs ago. Our system is broken

[@user-ii3vn8tn3q]

I just retired, soc sec is half of my income. Its either find a room cheap or move into my car. My absolutly lowest rent in the state, is too high. We are broken.

[@LHLK-q2v]

it isn't broken that is how it was 40 years ago in large cities

[@darlenebattle2713]

What a great video!! Very historic, you cover interesting parts of the city and I love how they're modernizing these tiny flats. Makes perfect sense to me. I'm fascinated with SRO's and saw my first one three years ago. I was in a shelter at the time and was looking for a place; now I have a one bedroom in the Bronx. 😅

[@serenasams2772]

You young ppl are very creative with the spaces. So I think if your happy it's ok✌️

[@ruthrutherford4317]

While my first domicile was a one bedroom apartment, I’ve lived for about twenty years without running water in rural Alaska. In 2019 my husband and I were able to move into a cabin, small, but it does have running water. These apartments are small, but honesty, having running water is more of a luxury than most of us on the west realize.

[@susanaaragorn8606]

Where did you get the water then? Especially in winter

[@kathysyphrit5713]

When I am older, like I am, I won't pull my furniture out and mess around with that routine before bedtime. What do you do when you are sick, or you hurt your arm or leg ? You worked hard your lifetime to not be living worse than the comforts of a RV camping. NO WAY.

[@NLR759]

No one is forcing him to live in New York city. He could have stayed in his large house in the suburbs.

[@trer04]

It's not just a matter of being able to afford a certain size, but also how much money one wants to throw away in rent. I admire the resourcefulness of people who choose to minimize this expenditure for whatever personal reasons they choose!

[@roundtwo3321]

Yes, to stay out of debt, to declutter your life, to get your affairs in order and leave nothing to argue over after you pass on to the next life, to live in the location of your choosing within your budget, to have a pied-à-terre in the city, etc.

[@melodymacken9788]

Nicely said.

[@JuanGuerrero-ml8ie]

It is an enjoyable documentary. So smooth and natural that says a lot about tiny living conditions in massive cities. Thanks a lot to share your art.

[@ckzf1842]

Small, but safe, clean , and great use of a small space ! ❤

[@jeffbrooke4892]

Living space, to an extant, is a state of mind. Some people find peace in a space as small as 90 square-feet as singles and others can't find it in a McMansion married with one child. I've always considered outside to be a critical component of my space, thus removing some of the stress for having to have it under a roof. We Americans are in a dire need of re-evaluating our needs for living space. And maybe a sobering factor in grounding that decision would be remaining thankful in having a roof over our heads for those of lucky enough to live under one. Thanks for another interesting and thought provoking program!

[@thepragmatist]

I lived in NYC for 14 years from '01 to '15. This is an amazing video. Thank you!

[@desktopkitty]

My first apartment used to be housing building of dorm rooms. They had been part of the campus housing for a nearby university back in the 1950s and 60s. Some time in the late 70s or early 80s they were renovated into very small single occupancy apartments. Everything was all in one room; even the toilet and shower were not in a separate room, so it really was meant for 1 person. They were half the size and half the price of most 1 bedroom apartments in the area. It was a good way to have your own place rather than sharing an apartment. Some of my friends didn't know how I could stand it, thought I'd be claustrophobic in such a small area. But I grew up in a chaotic, violent home. It was my personal private space, and I didn't have to worry about anyone breaking out into fights. It was so peaceful and quiet. My tiny place felt more like home than any 2,000 sq ft house I lived in before.

[@deekang6244]

In Korea, they have goshiwons, very small one room housing. But separate bathroom and kitchen.

[@gee_emm]

Toilet and shower in the same room as the living space is extreme capitalistic greed. Doubt the landlord would even contemplate living like that themselves.

[@NLR759]

I would rather live in a very small space on my own, than a larger space with a roommate I have nothing in common with.

[@tennesseeterri]

@@gee_emm they were dorm room for college students. Very near campus probably. Safe and cozy. How is that greed?

[@gee_emm]

@@tennesseeterri No, they are not all ‘dorm rooms’. Some were beautifully designed small spaces. Some were cramped closet spaces with shared bathrooms and no plumbing. Nobody wants to sleep with their head near a toilet, student or not. 18:42. Nobody wants to have to brush their teeth in the kitchen sink. Nobody wants to live in a space so small it can barely fit more than a bed. People take these spaces because that is all they can afford. Greed is squeezing people into tiny spaces you would never want to live in yourself, to maximise profit. If you don’t understand that, I’m afraid I cannot help you.

[@pearlhartney9]

Showing clips from over 10 years ago and I remember watching them. Been watching your channel for over 10 years! And as if to clarify that your very grown up looking oldest daughter saying Mom at the end.

[@pigoff123]

I bought my first and only house in 2003. I am on 3 acres. I could never live in town again. Drinking coffee on my deck is amazing.

[@Xeno_of_Luyten]

It is strange to have constant reminders of how fast a decade has gone by in this video. I remember watching the transformer apartment video and thought it was modern. A decade later and I still think it is modern.

[@byronco4917]

I remembered when this channel had only 200k subs, I'm happy that you kept on keeping on :)

[@RossHall-UK]

The final apartment struck a chord. The dream of living in a 4 bed detached house is great, right up until the stairs are too much and it's too far to get the shopping. I recall a video of a successful elderly couple in Australia who had done something similar - sold their big house and bought a small apartment they customized in readiness for declining health. I'd like to think I have the wits to do something similar before my knees finally go.

[@MoonSpinners]

I live in the U.K in a 4 bed house alone. It was the family home and I’m the last one. It was left to me by my parents, and I realise how lucky I am every single day. I’m hoping to stay here until the end of my days, hopefully I can get a stairlift when my knees fail me.

[@LHLK-q2v]

@@MoonSpinners what a waste I hung on to 3 generations of things until I realized what am I holding on to this for? who is going to benefit from this?

[@PacifierMusic]

It’s so concerning that people are being conditioned to accept smaller and more expensive living spaces. It’s getting so extreme.

[@StillYHWHs]

People need to fight back together. Get laws passed to prevent what they are doing.

[@beth8775]

It's the price gouging that is the problem. Some people *want* a minimalist space.

[@melodymacken9788]

People make a choice. They are not being conditioned.

[@telstar32]

I live as a minimalist in a very small flat in the UK, that’s my choice of how I wish to live, it certainly has not been pushed onto me.

[@weird-guy]

We are just going back to our grandparents times, time of the bananas is gone , also developed countries have low birth rates, no friends,are lonely, don’t have committed relationships, like to dine out or order takeout ect so a lot of people don’t need a lot of space although nyc “apartments” are on another level of small 😂

[@nycdweller]

I was so fortunate to buy my apartment in 1999. I feel very blessed

[@LHLK-q2v]

and what are the taxes, monthly fees, insurance?

[@itsmejetzza]

I adore old buildings in NYC , tiny cozy studios , they just need to be adapted and space used properly, this is also not for long term living solution but it has a spark

[@thinkplanetearth2946]

For me, Graham Hill's apartment is still my favorite. Being able to get a 2BR out of a studio, as well as have a dinner party for twelve was a very ingenious design.

[@woodchip2782]

I’m still amazed at how resilient people can be when they need!😮

[@LHLK-q2v]

so you have needed to be, seems to come to everyone sometime in their lives.

[@amrice62]

Tiny Homes- not normal. Significant sign of where we are and frightening glimpse into the future

[@manoman0]

15-15-15. 15-minute cities, 15sqm personal space, 15 people sharing one electric car. That's in for you guys. And your newcomer overlords with their big families will be living their best lives on your dime.

[@susanaaragorn8606]

Then the politicians ask why young people are not having kids!

[@mliittsc63]

Why would you have an 18" thick mattress in a loft? I've lived in Manhattan for 38 years. You may think that when I got here everything was really cheap, but it wasn't. By the time I got here the really cheap times were done. However there were still SRO hotels, which aren't around anymore. During the first 6 months, I lived in 2 SROs, both of which are now normal (unaffordable) apartments. Like everywhere else in the industrial world, wages have stagnated, but costs have not. As long as the wealthy have near total control of politics, the private sector is going to maximize revenue, and minimize costs, and this will continue until a critically large part of the population no longer has sufficient money to buy consumer goods, at which point corporate revenue will collapse, economic chaos will ensue, and the system will reset. Unfortunately, there will be far more pain caused than there needs to be.

[@Britbabe53]

I remember all of those old videos :) Reminds me of my micro apartment in Montreal. I had a mattress on the floor and I got a cat so that she would wake me up early so I could job hunt, after I missed out on so many jobs sleeping late.

[@pilarq7886]

Shiatsu Cat

[@AmosAmerica]

Impressive short doc on tiny dwellings. Some of which are a joke and landlords should be ashamed of themselves. Interesting to see how people cope with smaller spaces and what they are willing to do to make themselves happy here in the city.

[@supasal9321]

I recently sailed on a 52ft yacht for a week with strangers. I expected it to be somewhat uncomfortable but I never expected that I’d walk away w claustrophobia. I’m 65 w many life experiences including trekking to high altitudes. As I watch this video I’m overcome by the feelings I got when heading to bed and sharing that super tight space w a stranger. Eek

[@beth8775]

With a stranger, no thank you. Alone would be totally different.

[@ripvanwinkle3432]

When I was a kid I always wanted to live in nyc. But when I went there I changed my mind. Watching this reminds me why.

[@sherry866]

BRAVO 😁 Good for you Sir do your Writing, whatever you're deciding to Write !! I'm happy for you All !! God Bless 😁

[@beverlybalius9303]

Be happy you have a tiny dwelling,,, lots are homeless,,, You rent what you can afford,,,Less Room is Less to clean up. I lived on Ships and bunkrooms are smaller than that and they have 2/4 bunks in them.

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

I love seeing these old episodes! Your channel has been in my home for a long, long time! Thank you.

[@hmmmm798]

I love the closing line from your last interviewee, after everything was said that bottom line is simply “We all need a place to live.” ❤

[@manoman0]

just not too big please. biden needs space. so, get used to small living spaces. if you need more space, go for a walk.

[@zoraidita2022]

I will never complain about my apartment which is 525 square feet. Across an elementary school and a park.

[@prissilou]

I have viewed a bunch of these micro-apartment videos (not sure why, I don't live in NYC, I guess the concept just fascinated me.) I have seen a lot of ingenious work-arounds and small-space fixes. Per your historical documentary, people have been making do in NYC for quite some time. Once again, I'm fascinated.

[@drillerdev4624]

It's sad to see how the city saw an historical problem with apartment sizes and made regulations to fix it, and when housing became too expensive, instead of trying to limit the prices decided to remove those regulations. We're moving backwards.

[@jamesetal7088]

A certain group wants to shrink/eliminate SS and Medicare and criminalize travel out of state for exercising female body autonomy. Can you name that group? VOTE!!!

[@Myraisins1]

Are you referring to removing regulations on small apartments? As far as I know they remain illegal. Almost any way people live in nyc is considered illegal.

[@pamcornelius9122]

@@jamesetal7088Trump 2024 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@pigoff123]

I lived in Europe off an on and never saw apartments this small. I could never do it. I own to many family treasures.

[@weird-guy]

They exist in Paris attics and probably others places but is more uncommon here although unfortunately they are starting to learn from Americans, Europe is more americanized by the days.

[@BodaciousWench]

I like the last apartment. Murphy bed, storage, fold out table. Now how to replicate it in my 288sq ft studio.

[@EmsLionheart]

Doin better than me at almost 50. I’m stuck in an dead end, loveless, lonely, health challenged, disheveled world where I sit in one room, all day long. I haven’t left my house since b4 COVID. I have no car and my partner keeps dangling promise carrots in front of me. Lifeberg after lifeberg has sunk all hope. Depend upon urself…do not trust anyone else to look out for you. They won’t. No matter what many say, no one knows what u need better than you. Listen to your gut, always.🕊️

[@manoman0]

your distrust might be the reason your gut doesn't work. I get ya but man, you need trust. Not in people.

[@purodesmadre1]

What a fantastic update! Loved revisiting some of these wonderful spaces.

[@TamaraJoy7]

Yes! I remember that old video of the transforming apartment! This whole episode was super interesting. Really Loved watching every second.

[@theresegbat309]

Thats a lot for an older person, as time goes on they're not going to be able to move things around, so this can be a hardship.

[@kensiblonde4203]

Harder than taking care of a huge house and acres of land? 🙄

[@MaryLove-d5w]

What a fascinating documentary. I’d love to see more places with people living in micro apartments, possibly in London because I know they exist. 👍

[@AnaViolinViola]

We all need a place to live! Tiny living is a great option, especially in a big city. It’s saving you many expenses for sure, especially if your budget is limited

[@damianwildfong7278]

I have a physical disability and am living with my mom again she is 77 and her rent went up 600 dollars in one year we are helping each other and in the next 2 years are going to buy a home and have a family place again......I am into owning a house again because, with rents the way they are, I want something someone can't take away from me I have lived tiny and communally before, and the one thing I think the tiny movement misses is TRUE ACCESIBILITY ex.....i am probably going to get a chair in the next 5 years where would I put this in a tiny home,,,,, also with modular furniture there is just fatigue in setting it up all the time......even van lifers get sick of this I tried having a mobility chair in a shared room situation and it just did not work......also the only reason the guy could live in the tiny space and climb all over his furniture to get things up top was because he is super young and agile......a lot of times the tiny movement just assumes you will always be able to move among these innovations.....like loft beds or setting up a table that pulls out and this is just not the case for the long term for folks.....the assumption that you will always be able to climb up a ladder and into bed every night and you will have a smile on your face when you get diarrhea in the middle of the night is one example of ABLEISM LOL i am just providing a different perspective

[@maranathayall]

I second this! The last gentleman (the retired doctor) could barely pull down the Murphy bed without assistance. What happens in a few more years when he’s unable to do it on his own? …never mind the fact that it takes one broken elevator and him and his aging wife will need to climb several flights of stairs. I wouldn’t live like this even if I were younger, and definitely wouldn’t even consider it an option being up in age.

[@zoraidita2022]

Your point is extremely valid.

[@steveshea7725]

The tiny house movement is one response to the economic system ( aka untaxed free capitalism for the rich, indentured, taxed, endless labor for the poor)...it is a workaround used by people who either are forced to, or choose, to exist "around the edges" of the conventional in order either to simply survive, or to get ahead financially .

[@karlabritfeld7104]

You will not be able to buy a house.

[@damianwildfong7278]

ok that's a declarative statement from someone who doesn't have all the information ness to make but you do you I do not feed trolls @@karlabritfeld7104

[@margaretames6522]

This might have been fun when I was in my twenties, but even then, I had a studio apartment and later a shareable one bedroom that were palatial compared to these.

[@br34kbunn1]

"Micro-living" and "tiny dwellings" are both just the PC terms for tenements.

[@lukeh3020]

Some people like it. Some are willing to pay the bare minimum for a smaller place. Some find a small unit creates less mental clutter and means you can’t accumulate too much physical clutter. I live with wife and child in 550sqft and it’s fine for now.

[@myoldvhstapes]

I like the microflat I live in because it's in an old hotel building that's never had its floorplan changed. It retains authenticity. I looked at other buildings where apartments were divided into two; they were unpleasant.

[@kimberlyn.2096]

Absolutely!

[@satoshischrockamoto]

This is an economic issue that all comes back to fiat money and inflation. Study Bitcoin so you can know as well why we need to separate the money from the state and say goodbye to inflation for forever.

[@weird-guy]

If they are cheap I don’t mind but unfortunately most of the times they aren’t even cheap at least from what I watch on KZbin about housing in New York especially

[@andrewfoster259]

Great video, More closets than apartments though. Love the space saving fold up beds etc ... And no Bathroom. They would totally be illegal here in the UK. Makes my apartment look massive for a fraction of the price that these boxes cost.

[@veramentegina]

hopefully with the airbnb restrictions, there will be more housing in NYC now.

[@gromit0299]

DANG! I remember when that video first came out. It’s been 12 YEARS??? Congrats on longevity. But also wanted to say, a lot of this tracks with anyone who has done ancestry work. I’ve seen a lot of people listed as “lodger” on early censuses. I wonder if we’ll see a rise in that again?

[@KaleidoscopeJunkie]

Holy DEATHTRAP Batman ! Sprinklers might put out a fire but smoke inhalation from lack of windows will do you in quickly. There's a reason building codes were changed.

[@shaunhall960]

My folks bought a house in California for 109k in 1979. That same house is now 3.1 million. Not very many young people living here now. Something has to change.

[@hedvaplotkin5330]

What is it about New York City that people just fall in love with it and have to go back. ❤

[@MrStv1163]

This was a great documentary and one of the best I've seen on this issue. While I think many NYC apartments are an extreme rip-off and are shamefully small and devoid of basic amenities common everywhere else at a fraction of the cost, I do think there's something to be said for more efficient use of space. I mean, do we really need 150 sq foot bedrooms? I think with creative design and technology, we can make much better use of small spaces, and it was good to see a lot of that highlighted here.

[@jenhasken]

I’ve lived in a van for six years so this doesn’t seem strange to me.

[@mikeluit3027]

Yikes! I can't feel them. I remember rooming with 2 guys in a 2 bedroom 700 sqft apartment which had almost 10x more space, 3x comparibly speaking. However, my rent was $250/month. I guess living in the Midwest tundra has some advantages.

[@mikeluit3027]

@@MQJ007 Living near millionaires and billionaires. Top this and world-class that. What's the point if you really can't afford any of it? You don't need a crowded city to have dreams or to chase them.

[@Nwladylaura369]

I live in a big home alone! I do have extra space, but there were no medium houses available at the time I was moving. And there is no way I wanted a cracker jack box! I like to collect vintage and decorate. So maybe down the road I will downsize, but now is not the time. Or I will just kick the bucket before I get that far. 🤷‍♀️ Builders need to make more starter homes for the new married couples and for retirees. But micro units at less than a couple hundred square feet is just ridiculous!

[@melissamorrison5535]

Lovvvveed watching this! I want to live in the runner’s apartment, she’s got it down to essentials only!

[@MaxItUpwithMarta]

It is very clear that the micro apartment convertible furniture (modular design) is not accessible to the elderly or physically challenged.

[@NN-cc6dd]

The personal trainer, her apartment, and her worldview are all absolutely wonderful

[@manoman0]

sad, really.