Hong Kong Residents Find Living in a 5-Square Meter Cage Home "Suffocating"

[@ap9569]

it can be hard to motivate yourself when the world turns away from you... what she's doing isn't easy and she is a great mother for continuing to give it her all despite the pandemic and financial situation 💕

[@fergusfraser8641]

She’s not a great mother! She had a second child while living in that closet???

[@lilacscentedfushias1852]

@@fergusfraser8641 do you know how common it is for men to force their wives to have s**? Birth control is unlikely to be free, maybe they thought if they had 2 children then the government will do something? What about the dad doing something? He’s supposed to have injured hands, but he’s playing on a phone. I’m sure she has some level of depression, until someone has felt real depression they can’t understand it. Maybe the husband is violent too? Very common in China where women don’t have as many rights to protect themselves

[@yyg4632]

@@fergusfraser8641 and is she a great mother trying her best while living in that closet with that 2nd child? Yep

[@zero-vi2uz]

Don't critize her for the 'untidiness' of their home, thats one of the symptons of depression

[@SuperLn1991]

Yes, and having 2 kids, 2 adults in such a small place, no storage, it can get that messy in a few minutes... bless her heart and I hope those who made her pay 4000 dollar just for the rent itself are going to hell.

[@Rain-jx1po]

@@SuperLn1991 I was confused at first because the video doesn't specify the currency, but I'm pretty sure their rent is 4000 Hong Kong dollars, which would be around 500 USD. The price itself is not bad for a city as expensive as Hong Kong, but it's still an extremely cramped place for what would appear to be a family of four. Hopefully they'll be able to move out of that dump eventually. The little kids make this especially heartbreaking.

[@ricecake3544]

@@Rain-jx1po moving out is nearly impossible for them, even for a adult from mainland, let alone with children. A lot of Hong Kong people despise people from the mainland unless they are very well educated and judging by their living condition and wealth they probably aren't

[@Sue-vu1pk]

I would also say that it is this way because it so small and they need a lot of stuff. It just tends to look unorderly. That doesn’t necessarily have to do with depression.

[@donnafredericks2865]

Never crossed my mind

[@dthompson1313]

I felt suffocated watching this. I'm so hopeful that she will get some help. Babygirl's grades are suffering because of her home life but it doesn't mean it always will. She seems like a bright and intelligent little girl.

[@lunafringe10]

Stop mass breeding. Only increases poverty . The poor have no brains. Most is Asia and ME are like that.

[@lanny1076]

I thought my situation was rough 😔 please dont be hard on the little girl about her grades...if things arent good at home they wont be good at school...she is so beautiful and bright 😊❤😊❤😊

[@HollieBlack]

The state of her home shows she is extremely overwhelmed and depressed. I sincerely hope someone can come in and help her deep clean and organize. While the space is still ridiculously small, they'll all feel a little better with the clutter gone.

[@dshe8637]

No, her belongings bring her comfort and some sense of identity. The issue is the tiny space this family is crammed into. Their society doesn't respect basic human necessities, only money.

[@mde3370]

I believe you're absolutely correct. Because that's exactly how my living space look like when I was feeling those exact emotions from stress.

[@creneeramirez7878]

My heart goes out to this family and all the others just like them. It's so heartbreaking. Many prayers for the family and others struggling like this

[@vitocorleone8323]

That little girl's adorable. They're paying about 600 US a month. Not bad actually. Japanese live in tiny places too. Just organize better. Less is more.

[@petergilkes7082]

After all those years of being British and they live in a rabbit hutch! It boggles the mind.

[@JJmusicGaming]

Your heart has nothing to do with yhem. Better try to donate help to them.

[@drudenae]

For those curious, the rent she pays for that little box is roughly $813 USD/month. Living expenses are astronomically overpriced everywhere.

[@anthonythomas8812]

Hello I think I support in what you are actually saying even if I don't understand but their demonstration tells.

[@Khaleesi_Jack]

So, you’re telling me, this poor family pays 813/mo for basically 16.5 sq ft??

[@merwen33]

I used to pay 700$ for 25 square feet in France in a average town

[@byJessCh]

Holy... that's expensive. With 800 USD you get a 3 bedroom apartment in my hometown.

[@saniaumer1188]

For this price you get a house of 10 rooms, 10 washrooms, living area, drawing room, garage in a really posh and beautiful area near parks restaurant everything in my country Pakistan..

[@dartarro21]

This poor woman, you can just see the despair and exhaustion in her eyes 😢 this looks as stressful as living in a homeless tenement. Am so thankful for what I have.

[@anneliseromine1161]

I just want to give that mom a big hug. My heart breaks for her and her family. 💔

[@largol33t1]

This has been going on in HK for a LONG time. Even 10 years ago, I saw a few videos and online articles about "cage apartments" like these.

[@collingwoodr9290]

I think they need cupboards and better shelving. I am not an interior designer, but after watching that video, i feel like getting out my saw and start designing some custom shelving. Too bad their landlord didn't install any better space saving measures for them so that things can be stored away. The mother is a very nice person, I don't think she is depressed. I grew up poor, and I find parents tend to hoard more when you are poor, they don't want to throw anything out because everything has value or can be reused or recycled. My only concern for the mess is that it may attract cockroaches . I am of Chinese descent, and Chinese, in general, are not very neat and hygienic compared to the Japanese. Japanese people live in similar small quarters but they very neat and tidy because their culture appreciates hygiene and understand an uncluttered space equals to peaceful mind. Have you seen the toilets in China or even in North America...it's pretty gross. .it's a reflection of the culture. i don't think she sounds depressed. She just doesn't see any point in tidying up since she has no place to put things away. I don't think they even have a closet for their clothes. I do feel sorry for the family and it must be torture living there during the sweltering hot summers.

[@valerieannrumpf4151]

I lived in a small apartment in the NY metro area and I kept my place neat not only for health and saftey reasons, it also was a time saver because I knew where everything was and it's a real time , money and sanity saver too, and I follow this philosophy in my current space now.

[@cee_el]

But that’ll probably cost money. Considering their situation, I don’t think they are willing to spend on things outside of necessities Not to mention, maybe a couple can be tidy. But having kids in such a small space.. I can see how difficult it is to even clean

[@yasminbarry7941]

Perhaps these people have more pressing issues than shelving?

[@sebastiandeanholtz7222]

@@yasminbarry7941 agree.

[@sebastiandeanholtz7222]

Depression has different faces, and sounds. In cities like HK where people are overworked but can't afford basic necessities of life depression is very common. If she does not hv depression maybe she really can't find time tidying her place.

[@kiandradunne168]

This is so sad to watch. If the father cannot work then he needs to be able to cook, clean, and take care of his kids by himself. It makes no sense he can lay there on the phone for 2 months but not lift a finger to help so his wife and kids can be taken care of. I'm praying for better conditions for all of them and the wife a better partner to actually help her raise the family.

[@ASprinkleofAnime]

Right and she she moved to hk for marriage but she needs a richer man or one who can provide

[@josepartida1711]

yeah exactly what i thought...dude was just lying in bed chilling

[@audreayarose3755]

she moved to HK for him and had his kids, she doesnt deserve him

[@RonLarhz]

Lmfao the thoughts and prayers crew 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@april6620]

@@RonLarhz gigglesnort. Sad but true.

[@peggyanagi5180]

I could feel her sadness & hopelessness by looking at her messy house. Hope they find solutions for a better living conditions..

[@rosaquon1091]

$4000 Hongkong dollars for their rent is just over $510.00/month (USA) not including the electricity and water.

[@AnaGarcia-wu9om]

Thank you for the clarification cos I was like you BUGGIN with 4k USD rent lol . Damn so sad though :(

[@elteescat]

$510 is incredibly high for such a small place!

[@elchasai]

@@elteescat right, this could maybe work for one person not a family of four. too many people squeezed into HK. If I were them I'd get the hell out of Hong Kong.

[@taic3366]

TY !

[@peachesdixon7567]

@@elchasai The children look healthy and seem bright, so kudos to momma for keeping it real. That man can rig up a futon type bottom bed. Mom can throw away the garbage, remove the excess trinkets and scrub everything with soap and water. We have families living in tents right here in the US.

[@Maya-sv1pz]

i don't usually feel pity but the joy in the little girl really breaks my heart. better times will come!

[@michellefotouhi4556]

This is just heartbreaking! I wish I had a way to help this family ☹️ I clicked on a random video and now I will never unsee this☹️ makes me so grateful for what I have.

[@pamelaboyd7833]

Amen Amen Amen! I am So Grateful For Every Bad Day, No More Complaints Never Saying, I Don't Have Enough Room For My Stuff! Never Ever Again. Counting Every Blessing, And Praying To God For A Miracalous Blessing For This Family.

[@Bess9779]

Even in the USA, we have people living in tents, cars, and in the streets. I don't know why we don't seem to be able to address poverty properly. I don't even know what proper would look like. All I know is, that it is disturbing we can't seem to do anything about it.

[@presidentemaiq8652]

We can, but we have legalized corruption in the US.

[@PaschanTOPs]

People hate what I'm gonna say but there's only one solution: Don't have kids if you can't afford to give them a proper life. Poverty is caused by resource scarcity, which is caused by overpopulation in a certain living area.

[@stacistaci6657]

Capitalism depends on people living in poverty. There's no way around that.

[@presidentemaiq8652]

@@PaschanTOPs I still can't get over how Rtrded your comment is lmao. Poverty is cuased by overpopulation???? What reality are you?? So there is no poverty in towns??? People outside the cities are rich??? What's next? Poverty is a state of mind??? Lmfao

[@heaventen166]

Klaus Schwab of World Economic Forum has this in plan for ALL of us if we don't realize it before it is too late. 🥺 'You will own nothing and be happy.'

[@Michael20]

That little girl is so optimistic and cute. I hope the family moves out of this rut

[@Tejah]

I'm not sure what her husband's condition is but he seems to be holding the cell phone and using his thumbs just fine. Holding a spoon to help and watch the pot, etc doesn't seem a stretch.

[@leewest6241]

Makes me sad that their government treats them like animals. She sounds like a sweet person.

[@tltinatl]

If the husband's hands work well enough to play with his phone, don't they work well enough to pick things up off the floor, consolidate some of the items in those food packages and throw empty boxes out, use a rice cooker, put clothes in the washer and take them out? He could even be folding some of that laundry while he's lying there.

[@amandant]

Mm I believe that man lying and playing phone is the son. He looks young. Nonetheless i hope it's not patriarchy speaking like man can just lay around waiting to be served.

[@adf2099]

I really hope their situation gets better. I grew up in a small home with a big family & lived a very simple life. Now I have a huge house but my past keeps me humble. God is good!

[@JA-zs7fw]

God? 😂

[@JustJah123]

Yes, God!!!!!!!! And He is good, as stated! You don't believe, well move on! But you're missing out!

[@thekingschild2116]

Amen, He's good.

[@UrbanHomesteadMomma]

I can’t imagine raising children in such a space. I feel for these parents, and others like them who are doing the best they can with what they have :(

[@fergusfraser8641]

They have lived there seven years. Their daughter is five. She did NOT need to come into this situation.

[@ahhwe-any7434]

I didn't see much about the bro but her daughters a cutie. Save her wiwhoa smiley light those eyeballs 😊. & through all that mess, im sure there's still "pointless" things they find endearing that doesn't even cost anything. Like all those colorful stickers their kids put up everywhere. I still remember when I found my kid playing w/ my book of stamps... her little self barely being able to pronounce anything correctly: 🤩 stickahws! Stickers: placed on any random thing. Me: 😑😤😒 ok but they're expensive stickers tho. 🤦🏻‍♀️😂😅 I can't, this kid.

[@Asdfgqwertyi]

​@@fergusfraser8641to be honest I feel I want to write the same. The daughter was born AFTER she'd come to these conditions.

[@Hellibra]

I am so sorry to watch this. Hope lives in HK for lower income group improve soon. My bedroom in Shah Alam flat, Malaysia, is unused. I live alone, do my online work in the livingroom - eat, pray and sleep also there. My kitchen is bigger than their unit. Our salary may be lower but cost of living is manageable too, Alhamdulillah. Always count your blessings.

[@carkawalakhatulistiwa]

Welcome to capitalisme

[@lexinia6563]

Everything is getting expensive however and it’s really scary for us here as well

[@Hellibra]

@@lexinia6563 here where?

[@tg.amirtg.ruzaimi1795]

@@carkawalakhatulistiwa no to socialism

[@lexinia6563]

@@Hellibra Malaysia

[@yyg4632]

The child is confident, well spoken, and smiling. I know this mom is trying her best just by seeing that child. Hope this video got the attention to the proper housing authorities.

[@ahhwe-any7434]

That boy...: pew pew

[@donnasnorthernlights2089]

Organization is the key. Baskets hung high would help for storage. Magnets to side of fridge, remove unnecessary wall hangings, etc

[@v.j.3029]

And stop buying so much crap. There's so much useless stuff in that tiny space, why do people accumulate so much? Especially when they're so poor.

[@MDali-el4zm]

The poor woman is completely overwhelmed by her situation. She's exhausted and feels hopeless. Not a recipe for for re-doing her teeny tiny "home" (closet really!)

[@donnasnorthernlights2089]

The clutter is causing situational depression. Something has to change. Removing stickers from the frig, scrubbing floors and cabinets and doors, organizing with baskets and higher shelves is not expensive. Her daughter could help and would teach her how to live clean and organized.

[@tiramisuAsylum]

I lived in HK public housing before. I understand her condition is very bad but you must understand kids cannot study well in this kind of environment with a lot clutter and distractions. I know full hand because I also have dropped out of high school being troubled in my teens with not enough directions both my parents worked. My brothers had it worst they grew up in Kowloon Walled City, they have literally saw a man chasing another with a butcher knife in broad daylight when they were coming home from primary school, these are usually triad groups (if you know the story of KWC you know how bad it was back then) I am very very lucky to have gotten out of my situation and now work in an office job and living in a private housing regardless my past background. You can have many ways to improve your house with cheap home improvement gadgets or boxes. You have to do it for your kids because they will really be affected by it.

[@kokwahtan8577]

Hk $4000 is Myr 2000( RM 2k) , in Malaysia you get a landed property double storey house out of city or a Apartment in City , easily 1200 sf. 2r + 1 small room.

[@Hellibra]

Yaa true, with that kind of salary most Malaysians manage to live in a more comfortable flat or landed terrace house, sharing with 2-3 other housemates or a working spouse. My flat is an old studio apartment built in the early 1980s, got a bedroom, unused except for keeping closet, book racks, a bed, vanity table. A livingroom with minimal furniture where I sleep, pray and eat. And a spacious kitchen, and a bath. I live alone. We should be thankful. Shah Alam, Selangor.

[@thinkpadx60]

this is heartbreaking. hk needs to sort out its housing mess

[@patriciagriffith7402]

All over the world

[@iritesh]

It's just rich people getting rich, not a mess 🥲 sad world

[@AreteZoe]

Husband's hands seem to work fine for his phone

[@brendabailey4319]

Lol I was thinking the same thing myself

[@nanakomsi3610]

Its a universal phenomenon. Husbands always sick and they dont work. In this case wife doesnt work too. She is busy raising the kids and cleaning the house.

[@jonquilgemstone]

It had been two months. He's probably almost better but requires more thorough healing before going back to work. If he injured his hands on the job, chances are it requires strong hands.

[@high_sky8581]

For someone who had injured his hand, can't work or help cooking or doing chores, his hand seems perfectly fine holding and playing with his smartphone.

[@midnightteapot5633]

I thought that too .

[@sasha2401]

Dad's hands seem to work just fine on the cellphone though. He needs to stop making excuses and help his wife.

[@ballinboxer3676]

Didn't you hear her say the husband is sick? You don't to be healthy to use a phone for a couple minutes.

[@KoKoTheSagittarius]

@@ballinboxer3676 she stated something happened to his hands. I think original comment is saying his hands work enough to be on phone but not to work and I agree.

[@ballinboxer3676]

@@KoKoTheSagittarius A bad back doesn't make you unable to use a phone. A fucked up knee doesn't make you unable to use a phone. A head concussion doesn't make you unable to use a phone.

[@KoKoTheSagittarius]

@@ballinboxer3676 🥴 none of the body parts you've listed are needed to use your phone. Even if he was on the phone for 5 mins, that's 5 minutes he could be generating income for his family!

[@ballinboxer3676]

@@KoKoTheSagittarius He could have been a carpenter all his life and didn't graduate even highschool. Maybe being in manual labor is all he knows due to the lack of opportunities he had growing up. You don't fucking know. Maybe in this clip he was just taking a short break from finding a job. How fucking dumb must you be to judge a whole person's dedication to his family based off of a short video clip lmao

[@aiyeenuguidflores9871]

my heart goes out to this family.. We travelled in Hongkong few yrs ago and I know that life is not easy so I give help/alms to those living in the street.. Continue being a good mom. God bless your family

[@sriramcan]

It is really pity to see this kind of living. I own houses back homes which are 1500 sq ft with no occupants and here we have thousands of families squeezed into small spaces.

[@Keepskatin]

@Sriram Greed of Global Capitalism, it will only get worse..... Revelations ☝🏾

[@Mr.GimmeLD]

Can you give me a free space or even a little Lot. Or would you like to have a caretaker of your Houses and properties you can Hire me. I'm from Phillipines I'm Homeless.

[@danielamishkovska2833]

Where is "back home"?

[@velicyclomoteur]

@@Keepskatin @

[@charlottekey8856]

@@Keepskatin Are you insane? Do you know anything about the economics and living conditions in Communist countries for the past 100 years? The millions dead because of purges and "cultural revolutions", including vast numbers in China. It's the cognitive dissonance of Marxists. They never seem to advance beyond the age of 12 and have no memory. The current globalists trying to run "capitalist" countries are actually Communist. They want to strip money and power from the people, "for the peoples' own good," and put it in their own hands. Communism in a nutshell.

[@catherine4077]

I can feel that. Used to living in a townhouse with a nice backyard and all of a sudden, we had moved to SG as my parents want to move back to Asia, things aren't going great to me, however SG is very nice and peaceful, it might also be the only good thing to talk about.

[@thekingschild2116]

Cry out to Jesus Christ if you need a Living Hope, dear. God bless you 🌼

[@---qu9uf]

If I were living in that condition, decluttering is a must.

[@driven_by_insanity]

Messiness is one sign of depression.

[@bitmasala]

Beautiful baby. God provide them a bigger home

[@bitmasala]

You’re here

[@mircozettel8726]

He wont

[@bitmasala]

@@mircozettel8726 He will

[@mircozettel8726]

@@bitmasala Hahahaha

[@franz3810]

HAHHAHAHA

[@rachellebrown9830]

Too many possessions is making her life miserable!! A little help from hubby could really help the situation.

[@RosslynR]

While this very apartment costs over HK$7 million in real estate value, which is almost US$1 million. This is the sad reality of Hong Kong, everyone is a poor millionaire. Apartments are not built for human beings. New property development estates are worst, you get a balcony, 1.2 meter kitchen, small shower and toilet, and a room area enough to place a small double bed - yet these properties offer a pool, and gym in the facility in the pretence it's bling. The greed of real estate investments is Hong Kong's FOREVER reality, from the time of the British rule till this very day, with the HK$ tied to the economic hitman currency US$ charging Hong Kong people to breath in the city. All real estate investment are hedge fund money laundering schemes. Hong Kong is in desperate need of reforms.

[@dubosesjoy]

Poor thing, I just want to help her declutter and organize her space. 💕

[@anthonythomas8812]

Hello,do you actually understand what there are saying?

[@jonquilgemstone]

@@anthonythomas8812 Yes, and I was just talking with my mother who grew up dirt poor about this exact type of situation: sometimes financially poor people sink into a depressed state in which they stop thinking about decluttering and keeping their little homes clean. That ends up being psychologically worse for them than simply being cramped and in financial poverty. A good decluttering would do WONDERS for the stressfulness of the situation. They have clothes, food, utilities, education for the kids, and even a television. The financial strain and lack of space are bad, but I am sure the clutter makes it feel much worse, which then affects the children and their grades.

[@johnhindes9020]

Poor woman her situation is an inhuman disgrace bless her it's obvious she's a great mother as despite her horrible living space the children are bright tidy and obviously happy.

[@ya._.baobei]

At the start of the video i wondered why she stayed in hk even though she's from the mainland. Turns out she married there. I hope their living conditions improve soon. If i were here i would take a big risk and move back to my hometown. (If she's from the countryside atleast) even if u dont have work i think you'll be able to survive by growing your own food just have to work hard physically plus there's plenty of living space for all. Just find your ancestral home or cut up bamboo trees and make a simple hut. I feel especially bad for the kids though. And when they hit puberty it will be so awkward for them if they still live like this.

[@k4tommes827]

It’s very expensive to move from one country to the other

[@bernadettef1942]

True. Maybe they are scared of changes too. :(

[@abandonrz]

@@bernadettef1942 could also be the politic issues with it too, since HK and China are not on good terms

[@Mj_pro777]

litte john saved up 5 years to buy an apartment but it was only 5 square meters. he used galvanized square steel and ecofreindly wood veneer and borrowed expantion some screws from his aunt.

[@RocLobo358]

"he's injured his hands and is incapable of cooking or doing anything with his hands" *immediate clip of him on his phone clearly able to use his hands*

[@geminikuan]

If you've ever cooked with a wok all day, you would know how tough it is and the strengths needed to hold and toss a wok full of ingredients. Touching a phone with his fingers is no comparison. It's easy to sit and judge when you're not in his position or have no idea what his work involves.

[@mistydanford4566]

I think everyone is being judgemental towards the man, because he is just laying there, no "Hello, welcome to my humble home." or anything. idk. I think I would move though. She said she can barely turn around!! Prisoners have more room!! How is the outskirts of town?? so, you can still get things in walking distance, but, where the kids can run and breathe fresh air. What about back at her hometown?? Are things just as bleak there, too?? Maybe her family has some land they can live on... So frustrating to learn of these people's situation...and the WHOLE building is like that??? All crammed in there. My situation isn't all that grand either, but I can stretch out. OMG, what about when someone has diarrhea!! 🥺

[@HolaHolaWorld]

@@geminikuan Oh please… he could do at least do some simple dish.. that’s just stupid excuses 🙄🙄🤤

[@Moving_Forward247]

I would like to help her. She really needs organization cubes and also just a hug. I will pray for her tonight. She could even build organization things out of cardboard (I’ve done that. I’ll have to make a video of it). Let me go pray for her. I can tell she is overwhelmed and discouraged.

[@anh9609]

That is heart breaking.. the money of house to paid a landlord are higher.. but the space.... Now i am grateful to what i have.

[@Spiritsong1111]

I wish I could be there to help her. Pull everything out and re-organize. I completely understand being overwhelmed by that small space

[@charmainemiles4089]

How cruel is this type of living no one should have to live like this

[@cosmicllama6910]

The billionaire and owner classes of humanity think this is how everyone except them should be living.

[@charmainemiles4089]

@@cosmicllama6910 you are right this is what the billionaires want all of us to live like

[@peachesdixon7567]

@@charmainemiles4089 No, this is how the communists want everyone to live.

[@cosmicllama6910]

@Missing when the "job providers" don't pay living wages, nobody can afford to have kids.

[@yyg4632]

It's great to bring awareness to this type of life

[@weekendnomad5038]

If she wants to work the husband needs to watch the kids

[@hindutva0713]

she is brave , it’s really hard to be in this situation 🫶🏾🫀❤️

[@perseuswong6864]

4:50 There's no rule that says that just because you're poor, you must turn whatever little space you have into a garbage dump. My brother and I grew up with a single, immigrant mother who worked two jobs. All three of us slept in a tiny room in a boarding house. We had to share the kitchen and bathroom with other occupants. It was small but it was at least clean. That's because my mother didn't collect stuff. We couldn't afford it. What little we had, was put away or stacked neatly...to show we value those things. I hope that little girl and her brother escape their circumstance. They deserve better. But I'm sorry to say from the filthy conditions that their parents have other issues that can't be fixed by government programs...or a bigger apartment.

[@jessietan544]

Agreed with what you say. As a mum we should always make sure the environment we live in is clean and tidy for your kids and husband at least when they come back from school and husband from work can come home to a comfortable home despite the space

[@1Thunderfire]

@@jessietan544 Husbands can also partake in cleaning. It's not just a woman's job.

[@cutiepie-nf6kb]

So true.....but i feel it's a join effort not juz husband and wife but the children should also help out.

[@rosenia5409]

I agree and parents also not organizing and cleaning their place, says a lot about who they are. Whether it’s laziness at work/home/kids or not good at saving money, and much more. I know they’re depressed, but that’s no reason to make it even a little better starting with small steps at a time.

[@password6506]

I wanna hug her and her family🥺❤

[@leealex24]

The girl sound so happy and optimistic

[@ocean6462]

Yeah it's really not a problem for her to live in a small apartment, its just normal for her. Americans see this as really bad but in Hong kong it is more normal, although it's still perceived as bad

[@theresedavis2526]

@@ocean6462 It IS bad! The mother is expressing that! What an ignorant comment!

[@ocean6462]

@@theresedavis2526 no I don't mean to be ignorant. I take it back, yes it is a problem for her to live in such a small apartment. I was just stating the fact that people to some extent get used to their situations. The girl is actually happy, and living there is normal for her, it's where she grew up. She doesn't think its a problem but it would definitely be better to live in a bigger space. My point isn't even moral relativism, the illogical idea that something is ok just because there are worse moral problems. It's just that it's normal for them, which doesn't make it right

[@MadammaL2022]

First thing to do is decluttering your entire room. 2nd is add vertical shelves to organize all your kitchen accesories & equipments. 3rd, throw away food boxes that are empty & transfer them in a food containers. 4th, make your bed with cabinets underneath so, that you can store your clothes & other stuff.

[@Yuvika_111]

It takes money ...they don't have it ...can't u just see and judge accordingly!!??

[@MadammaL2022]

@@Yuvika_111 hello dear. You don't need money to declutter your things, all you have to throw away empty boxes. That will give a little space. 2nd. No need to buy new containers, you can use old bottles of anything you have in the kitchen. Wash them and clean and transfer the food in the bottle instead of scattered around the kitchen. You don't have to buy new cabinets. Just have a do it yourself shelves to put vertically your things. It can give you a little space.. We just need to be resourceful sometimes OK.

[@lynarystic]

@@MadammaL2022 She did say they were just finished with lunch when the media crew came over. So stuff was all over the place. She also said, she's need to move things around to have space to cook. I'd think it also takes a lot of time to ask government for assistance. So she's probably time starved, not just cash starved. Probably a good idea to enlist her children with more responsibility, that's age appropriate. It's extra pairs of hands and she'll be also teaching them life skills. Instill a sense of responsibility, not a sense of entitlement.. Much of the cause of Asian men, not really helping domestically is because they've been brought up being waited upon by their female relatives. And not taught how to cook, clean. Just because he's does food industry job, doesn't mean he knows how to cook or clean effectively & efficiently. Especially when you're time and resources starved, you don't really have patience or can afford to start teaching someone from level 0. Collectively caring for their space, makes cleaning up easier and they'll have more time to do other things. My husband spent 3 years being coached to cook basics and clean. He still can't produce decent quality. Due to high ineffectiveness in his approach, housework and dirt pile up quicker than he can tackle it. Our compromise is, he's to hire a maid with his own pay, to do his work for him. I'm out of the house 12-14 hours a day while he's basically available all day to be at home and still get paid. So it's only reasonable that's he finds an alternative way to complete tasks that's still his responsibility.

[@mahjonglivestreaming4535]

Please please let the mum know that ive been thinkign about her everyday after watching this video, I am inspirred by her resilience, she could of taken the easy path of leave this world, but shes still here fighting for her children for a better fuiture

[@kristinab1078]

This family is living in a closet-size apartment (54 feet according to the title). It's extremely inadequate - even for a single person. According to the Japanese Ministry of Land and Infrastructure, the very minimum space to live safely and somewhat comfortably for a single person in a city is 269 sq. They recommend no less than 538 sq. feet for four people.

[@martinboudville8830]

I think you are a wonderful woman with beautiful children making the best of your situation.We all hope the best for you.Stay strong.

[@patdonnelly9392]

I will pray for this family'

[@navaro1060]

She said wifi cost 200 usd ? Jesus christ our wifi in indonesia only cost 20 usd. Although its only 20 mbps. Its enough for 6 user.

[@yzyz7779]

Amen yaRabb,🤲

[@melodytam1348]

@@navaro1060 no it doesn’t cost 200 usd at most it is in hk dollars

[@hamfistsman6267]

This style of living is already coming to San Francisco.

[@dimitri_zhang]

Going back to her mainland and living with family can’t be worse than this. Otherwise, they’ll need to tidy up, husband needs to help in some capacity, and she may need to work.

[@mellmag3723]

I have a hard time sympathizing with her when she could have chose to live in Mainland China where living cost is more affordable.

[@jonquilgemstone]

@@mellmag3723 Not to mention, a part time job like she mentioned considering would allow her time to cook, so her husband would only need to make sure the kids don't die. Also, much of that clutter was stuff they could do without, and getting rid of it would improve the livability, helping her mood so the daughter's grades can improve too. Much about a situation for children depends on how the adults handle it. I sympathize with the less fortunate, but it's not like her situation is hopeless. They have a fridge, tv, wifi, and a husband who will probably be fully recovered soon so he could work again (it had been two months, and his hands are good enough to hold a phone for a few minutes).

[@franz3810]

the old "they are better than before" lol

[@denisepickering2119]

Wow a tidy home is a happy home. Even this can be cleaned and made more space.

[@yvettejones4249]

Ok I am already clausterphobic as it is so I could NOT live in this narrow hallway. I know she is doing her best, but I hope she can find a bigger place for her and her family. Kids are so cute.

[@miriamanderson6146]

Bless you! I’m already feeling like my breathing is affected.

[@valentynav9683]

And there are hundreds and hundreds of families in Hong Kong living in the same conditions! 😱 Hopefully, very soon she will get housing for herself and her kids. So, the kids will live happily and healthy environment

[@adadisini2898]

I think its not hundreds but might be hundred thousands families

[@grimreaper4362]

I want to hold and hug those 2 beautiful children... I am heart broken for their living conditions

[@renaes2008]

She keeps saying how her daughter can do some household chores now while her son is older..

[@gogogolyra1340]

Asian privilege.

[@anthonythomas8812]

Yeah really

[@rainbow72878]

Its inhumane to build these buildings, in intention to have people actually live in these places. Our world needs to stop focusing on money as being the most important thing.

[@ezioauditore5616]

british build it before china got hk back, and now current people are suffering because of it

[@jewelhaines8842]

WoW. I was just complaining about how our 1 bedroom house is so small and we pay $860.00 a month. Now..I feel silly. These poor people. You can see they are truly wanting better. ❤

[@LolixBelle]

I live in a 80 feet room with my daughter, waiting for gov housing too, luckily is just me and her, I can’t work because my daughter still just 6, but I get gov assistance, luckily my room has a bathroom and a kitchen area and is nicely painted and remodeled, I did my best to keep it organized and teach my daughter too so I don’t feel stressed in a unkept room, my room is roughly the same price but I think with just the 2 of us, space is not much of a problem, gets a bit crowded when I get visitors tho and is a bit stuffy without the air con on too, can’t open windows because no air comes in in this summer, I don’t have it this bad, but hoping I can work once my daughter is a bit older, for now I am just getting by.

[@dalayneygirl8059]

Is that $4,000 U.S. dollars? Four thousand???? Or 4,000 yen?

[@melodytam1348]

@@dalayneygirl8059 hk dollars

[@LolixBelle]

@@dalayneygirl8059 HK dollars around 500 US dollars

[@dalayneygirl8059]

@@LolixBelle thank you 😊

[@jonquilgemstone]

I think perhaps they're too depressed to keep it clean, but when you live in a tiny space and don't have money you need to throw stuff away and limit your belonging. If things are in good condition, they can do what my parents did and sell things (but approach it as a good thing so the children aren't sad about getting rid of old toys or books they no longer use). If you look at the type of stuff they're keeping, it is quite clear they've fallen into the trap of being messy in a situation they really can't afford to be messy in. People who are poor find a better quality of life when they muster up the energy to keep their little space clean. Edit: Also, the children are adorable! They also seem happy despite their poverty, which is always a plus. I am sure they'll grow up appreciating what they have and hopefully finding better opportunities than their parents could.

[@2G_igurl]

I agree. If you fall into this trap of hoarding things in your little space, it will be difficult to get unstuck. Maybe I will offend others with my opinion and I'm sorry for it, but the parents should start getting rid of things they don't need. You got a tiny apt, why are you still accumulating more stuffs? Clean it all out and retain only what your family really needs - clothes, table, chairs, bed, school supplies, items for cooking and eating. The rest, get rid of them. If they wait on the govt to save them, that's gonna take a freaking long time bec of bureaucracy and corruption. Meanwhile, their family would just endure living in squalor for years and years adding more stuffs until they drown in them and become too depressed to help themselves? I think aside from providing humane housing, their govt should also provide social services that help them deal with their depression, that will motivate them to clean up, help themselves, to be dignified despite the poverty. But really the govt could only do so much, they need to help themselves.

[@manglam9999]

In poverty there are paying 850usd Dollars fo rent.😢 feeling sad for that cute little girl

[@tinuvi4lign131]

I'm from Malaysia and a parent. I feel very worried seeing her and her kids! Hong Kong govt needs to do something. This is not good for your mental health. Hope someone will help her.

[@AlexCab_49]

San Franciscans and New Yorkers: our rent is too damn high! Hong Kong residents: lol that's cheap

[@Ali_b1009]

This is so sad. It’s also a fire hazard…that’s way too many belongings for such a small space. The HK government need to do better because it’s becoming too much

[@nancylim8372]

Heartbreaking. Dear Father, show us ways we can help those who have nothing! Help this family to move into better living conditions and protect them from evil. Bless their health and give them strength to take care of themselves and find a way out of poverty.

[@cmAwesome207]

Thank you for this prayer I agree

[@MamaKhan_MarvelAvengers]

AMEN ❤

[@vanillepuddingsonnenschein4727]

Amen

[@--ag]

In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

[@nancylim8210]

@@Kitty-no3de Sadly it is the state of our world until the Lord Jesus returns. We are His arms and hands in this world and because of corrupt governments, various reasons, we aren’t able to share what we have. The poor we will always have with us, doesn’t mean we do not try to help.

[@CammyHell]

She said her rent is $5,000 a month! And that her husband works but he doesn’t make that much money. And that he’s been sick for two months and that he injured his hands so he can’t do anything. I’m a little confused. Is the $5,000 rent not equal to United States $5,000?

[@myoldvhstapes]

Someone else said in the comments that in Hong Kong dollars, it's more like $700 USD.

[@marimarkfrugaltips]

Looking at this house wants me to clean their house it's so messy. This lady doesn't know how to clean and organize everything to make it spacious and look clean you just need to be organized lady I'm living also in a tiny house but still we can move around and it's clean

[@bunni7666]

girl they’re not even living in a tiny “house”. they are living in an apartment less than 1000 sq feet. it’s also 4 of them. they’ve been waiting to move for 7 yrs that’s why they’re stuff is everywhere. also poorer ppl tend to be hoarders bc they find value in things. not to mention she could be depressed about her situation and that could affect her not to clean let’s not act like you better than her bc you clean and organize literally this whole comments let’s me know you actually a shit person

[@peterabraham3407]

exactly my thought too..

[@junemiller9718]

I think when you live in a small space you definitely have to be a minimalist.

[@heartstrings7814]

Wall shelving and wall hooks would help this family so much. So would inexpensive contact paper to decorate the walls in some areas. I've seen a lot of tiny house/apartment tours on you tube and this place has potential. Its not the smallest space I've seen online.

[@lynarystic]

It's not their property. Maybe the landlord is not supportive of these things.

[@elviscobb5922]

She is most likely to depressed to care.

[@heartstrings7814]

@@elviscobb5922 Very plausible and good point.

[@DH-gq7bm]

Yeah I saw one of an old guy living in a literal coffin sized room, but I still dont think a person especially a family of four should have to live in a room this small.

[@Letsgo44444]

This makes me feel so much more blessed.

[@roachtoasties]

When she was opening the metal door to her apartment at 0:20 it looked like she was about to enter a prison cell. Things are this way in the U.S. The difference is instead of families living in five square meter apartments, there are people living in tents or in beat-up trailers parked on the streets.

[@diablow1411]

A lot of apartment units in Asian countries have a metal gate for security reasons.

[@jangyoori]

its all over asia tho💀💀 its a normal thing

[@fergusfraser8641]

They have been living there seven years- that little girl is five. They INTENTIONALLY brought another child into that hovel. Beyond thoughtless and selfish. Why do people show NO critical thinking when it comes to family planning!?

[@craigh8832]

I was born in Hong Kong and my parents were fortunate to move us to Canada when we were young. My parents mention that we once lived in these coffin caged rooms and watching fellow Hong Konger's suffer in these conditions is heart breaking. I was literally in tears. I pray to my Lord Jesus Christ for a better future, not only for this family but for all my fellow HK people in this situation to get out of HK, a now CCP run city. There is no longer freedom, only tyranny from the Govt. I pray that other countries like Taiwan, USA, Canada and UK would allow HK immigrants to enter. HK people are not mainland Chinese, they are generous, friendly and humble people! God bless them!!

[@Keepskatin]

I rather live outdoors in the forest with plenty of room, than live crampy in tiny apartments, especially apartments.I have to pay for. If it's free, that's a different story. Eat The Rich

[@asdjkhasdhjasd]

you cant really blame the CCP for this though. These cage homes in HK have been the case long before mainland Chinese intervention.

[@lanny1076]

tyranny...you can say that again...😔😔😔

[@leealex24]

@Stacy M I think there will be very poor people everywhere but what I'm keen to know how many % of HK households live like this. If it is 1%, maybe still tolerable but if it is 10% 20% really bad.

[@uhu597]

Brainwashed

[@topurahman4521]

People like her constantly remind me how lucky I am ..... I really should not complain about my life rather appreciate it...

[@JC-hl9nu]

Without these guys , how can there be Li Ka Shing in HK. Making land and housing expensive each year build super rich developers like Li at the expenses of 8 million people. Everybody is struggling to secure roof over their head. That is why there is no R&D in HK. Who will risk for something they are not sure of. Li philosophy, know return of investment before doing business. That is where we ended up today. Economy build under real estate industry.

[@toastyfetus]

i’m not shaming anyone but in nyc, this is how people live as well but they know how to utilize the space. but with kids, idk.

[@TwinitiGirl]

But what do you want to do. Living in a huge city is expensive all around the world, it is not different anywhere. I live in the europe and here also nobody helps you with looking for affordable living, maybe if you are a social case and it is still about charity than help from the government. The woman does not go to the work, but do not even clean the tiny apartment and at the same time she cries about how she wants to raise the kids healthily and additionaly she complains about husband not able to help her (???). Living in such mess is not about supression or not having money. They claim to be poor and whatever but have so many things and cry about how they can not change their living standards. So what are we supposed to say now?

[@jonquilgemstone]

I think so, too. All it takes for people to white-knight is to be sad in front of a camera, but objectively her conditions aren't that bad. The mess makes the space look bad, but it's actually not a horrid size compared to the tents and one-room cabins of deep poverty. And the husband does have a job, but it seems it's harsh on the hands and it took a couple of months to heal. Looking at the video, maybe he seems apathetic because he thought she was being too dramatic? Idk, it seems like he'll be back to work soon, once his hands get to their old strength. In any case, it's a clear case of hoarding, which is worse in a small apartment. The cage doors don't help morale, though.

[@psoriasisandpsoriaticarthr5072]

They need double deck put everything in one side because it seems the mother is hoarder. They throw some item it will give them more space to move .

[@adrianajimenez4342]

That little princess is beautiful 👸

[@vister6757]

My small kitchen is bigger than their home. It's heartbreaking to see their family having to live in this condition. I hope the Hong Kong government will do more for their citizens and provide them with a decent public housing soonest. God bless them!

[@adiru6125]

$5500 for that!? wow.....

[@charmaineforrestdanrte1803]

Your a good mum that all that matters✨🎀

[@margaretghirardello5933]

Husband lazy he looks like he can work

[@SuperLn1991]

She said he is working.

[@Admiral_Jezza]

What's with the feminazis in the comments? He is working, she said as much.

[@tltinatl]

I was puzzled by that whole situation. First she said he worked in the food industy. Then she said he wasn't working because he'd been sick for two months, then she said he couldn't work because he'd injured his hands. Might be a combination of bad translation and bad editing.

[@CJGfarm]

Rent in Hong Kong does not cost $5000 US dollars.

[@andreasglaesel3811]

you could at least remove the mould on the ceiling, in a room where you prepare food for children. This has nothing to do with small space, come on...

[@VisulC]

If you live in such tiny space it’s easy for you to lose motivation to keep the place clean

[@choux7746]

@@VisulC no excuses. Clean up after yourself.. stop hoarding junk when you know your place is small…. I don’t care if shes depressed living in dirty environment with kids is not healthy for them…

[@VisulC]

@@choux7746 sorry that’s not an excuse, it’s just the fact. It’s totally normal to feel depressed and unmotivated living in such environment. Of course there are some people who are extra resilient, good for them. But houses this small shouldn’t exist at the first place.

[@choux7746]

@@VisulC you will feel more depressed living in an environment that is dirty. Doesn’t matter if they have a big house. If they can’t keep a small space clean then a big place will be harder to clean. No excuses…

[@DMK48906]

That's 53.82 square feet. The average prison cell in America is 48 square feet. Let that sink in. I wish her all the best.

[@karirai8277]

In hongkong there’s lot of financial help and also educational, mental help.it depend on us how long we keep crying for our situation.be strong,look after kids and house n stay happy in whichever condition u r in

[@tuvoca825]

I would split that livingroom into two floors, upper balcony all the way around and a short lower ceiling under the balcony. Windows at outter wall usually open, if it is an option. Courtyard in center so I can stand up. I would also try to make a full length window from sliding glass door with a Juliette balcony. Good LED lighting and solar outside as an awning. The bathroom would also be a wet room, and dishes would be done and stored in there if I had my own bathroom in that building. Just a dream, assuming the finances or scavenging can make it happen.

[@melsdesignerdiaries]

I mean she's got too much stuff in her apartment. What does do all day at home? She doesn't even work. Literally throw out all that shit and maybe you'll get some space ? I pity these children.

[@DavidinNYC]

Having to basically to care of 3 people she’s doing an amazing job!

[@bear4045]

I feel if they organized it would look completely different!