Minimalist Couple Living in a Small 400 ft² Apartment with Clever Storage Ideas - FULL TOUR

Tina and Rob downsized to a 400-square-foot apartment so they could afford to get into the housing market. They've been living in this space for 3 years and have become masters at downsizing, organizing, and playing Tetris with their stuff to create a comfortable, functional home that has a minimalist and spacious feel without feeling cluttered.
They put a lot of thought and intention into every aspect of their home and came up with some beautiful interior design ideas as well as some clever storage and organization hacks in each space, from the kitchen and living room to the bathroom and bedroom. We've gotten so many great ideas after taking a peek inside their little condo for two!
You can follow and find out more about Tina & Rob's Small Space Big Life project here:
/ @smallspacebiglife
/ smallspacebiglifevanco...
/ smallspacebiglife
Living in a small space isn't easy, and it requires a lot of discipline to keep the space clean and uncluttered. One of the things Tina and Rob do to prevent things from piling up is a one-in, one-out rule. So if they're bringing something new into the apartment, they have to get rid of something to make space for it.
But some of the benefits of living small are undeniable, it's more affordable, it's simple, and it can reduce your environmental impact if it means you use less electricity, buy fewer things, have less space to heat and cool, etc.
We hope you enjoyed this video! We have a playlist with some other great small apartment tours if you want to check them out here:
• Small Apartment Tours
Thanks for watching!
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Website: www.exploringalternatives.ca
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COMMENTS
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We want our channel and comments section to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to watch and contribute. For this reason, inappropriate or hateful comments will be reported and/or deleted.
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CREDITS
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Music Credit: Exploring Alternatives
Editing Credit: Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credit: Tina and Rob from Small Space Big Life
/ @smallspacebiglife
/ smallspacebiglife
#smallspace #apartmenttour #condotour

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for watching! You can follow Small Space Big Life for lots of great small-space living ideas here: www.youtube.com/@smallspacebiglife instagram.com/smallspacebiglifevancouver www.tiktok.com/@smallspacebiglife

[@GregCurtin45]

A truly well laid out design of their condo. I know a person in an 800sqft corner condo unit that isn't half as functional. More importantly, it is nice to see a couple that seem to enjoy each other's company. Life is much easier when you partner is your best friend. I think Rob and Tina could live anywhere comfortably and happy. Lots of lessons here for the rest of us. Thanks Mat and #ExploringAlternatives for sharing this with us.

[@sue1703]

Tina & Rob have done a wonderful job making their living space so warm and comfortable! I love what they have done! :)

[@aureliatolentino9395]

I loved how you made the tiny space work. It is so homy.. cozy and beautiful.

[@efortunywhitton]

Love your place! ❤ Similar thing happened to us: moved from nearly 2k square ft to now 600 square ft, and have been in current space for over 10 yrs (in city for work). For my forever countryside home someday, the one thing I now know I don't want: large indoor space; outdoor: yes. Living small is a liberation. 😊

[@johnclaybaugh9536]

Living small being a liberation is subjective. I enjoy having room for my sports gear and games for the fam.

[@user-rd5hp7xf1c]

Just wonderful use of space. I'm older and when I think back of the money wasted and the stuff I just couldn't live without ( now I know that was not true ) I realize how it was all un-necessary. Bravo to you both and all the younger people who are getting less is more living correct.

[@KodeyWhiteWolf]

Loved this video. Really showed being a minimalist can work easy in a small space and still have all the comforts of home. Thanks for this

[@ExploringAlternatives]

It definitely takes some ongoing effort to live in a small space without it feeling cluttered! It's really all about maximizing every inch of storage and being more selective about the things we own. I think Tina and Rob did a great job making their small space functional and liveable. Thanks for checking out the video :)

[@binneybrush]

So good! They should change that bedroom closet door into a curtain of something of the like. That door blocking everything would drive me nuts

[@nata3467]

and a lift bed - sooo much storage

[@bimantaracommunity]

It's not about the size of the building big or small, but more about how we arrange things, and I agree with that👍👍👍😀😀

[@bethyoung3654]

Beautiful and so well organized! Very peaceful vibe.

[@HeatherCampbell-kc7fx]

I loved my 520 square foot cottage. Would never go bigger!!

[@palebeachbum]

It seems a very good use of the tiny 400sqft. A lot of great natural light too. I love their decorating aesthetic. It's stylish and classy, yet calm. I especially love all of the landscape and botanical artwork. I would probably have left the pony wall with a small round table attached to the end for dining. This would give more wall space in the living room, perhaps for a small L-shaped sectional. I'd also want 42" kitchen cabinets to maximize storage space (and eliminate the dust ledge). It brings me joy to see people living happily in small, beautiful spaces such as this.

[@57waterlily]

You have a lot of great ideas for living small. You make very good use of your small space.

[@Kate-ie8ew]

Fabulous!! It's amazing how clever your small space solutions are, very impressive.

[@Houseds]

Living in a minimalist style with streamlined and sophisticated interiors full of amenities for life.

[@kindnessmatters5215]

Nice job. As a child in Germany I remember a taller table in front of couch that would double for meals was a normal thing. No extra table needed.

[@MisGomu]

Love the connection between the kitchen and living room , it's mixing of dark and light , one side full of natural light and a little dark other side , love it

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Agreed!! They did a great job playing with the light and dark! Thanks for watching :) :)

[@smallspacebiglife]

This turned out so great! Thank you guys so much for showcasing our small space!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thank you for sharing it with us! You gave us so many great ideas and we've been on a fresh downsizing and organizing kick since we started editing your video haha :)

[@eingelvf]

nice job!!

[@vagabarnes6088]

@smallspacebiglife Your apartment and storage solutions are amazing. That couch looks super comfortable too. What brand is it?

[@smallspacebiglife]

@@vagabarnes6088thank you! The couch is called the Carmo loveseat by BoConcept, and it’s super comfy!

[@ninjanana102]

I love your cozy, beautiful home. ❤

[@berlynify]

.. great call taking out the pony wall. Seriously considering a 400 square foot apartment (condo) too - thanks for posting, very helpful :)

[@alisongalloway1455]

It's gorgeous. Well planned. In the entry way which is a bit of a waste of space, you could make another massive floor to ceiling storage cupboard. Even angling it from the bathroom door frame to the far wall of the entry. I would happily live in the unit.

[@wendyhanberg8733]

You two are my heroes!!!! Just amazing what you have done with a small space!!!

[@Belluser-we1uc5cb2l]

This is an ideal video for me. We all have been spending too much money. Accumulating a lot of stuff at 57, I had a call a charity truck. Pick up a lot of things after my husband died. This makes so much sense.

[@elena_a-2023]

Love the creativity and the beauty of this apartment.

[@126missday]

It dosent seem too minimal you seem to have all the things you need and you’ve made good use of the spaces in the apartment which is well done by the way I love the windows and view very modern, I really like your home very nice.😌

[@bibhasdmusic]

Once you become a home-owner, no matter how small it is in sq ft area, it would still feel bigger due to the comfort that ownership brings in. Edit : Had to edit out house with home. Since people seem to put more literal sense in the kind of dwelling, rather than the idea of dwelling ownership in first place.

[@SaLiDeLune]

Well, maybe.. if you have no mortgage, or any other form of debt..

[@bibhasdmusic]

@@SaLiDeLune a mortgage is still better than paying rent for an apartment. In my opinion, though.

[@magesalmanac6424]

Well said. It’s sad for many young people the comfort of owning seems out of reach. I’m early thirties, been saving for years and it’s still tough to get out of renting.

[@SaLiDeLune]

​@@bibhasdmusicEveryone has a different opinion on that, of course, and I think it also depends a lot on where (which country) you live. I used to rent, then I owned, now I am renting again, and I would not go back to owning a house. At least not with a mortgage (and maybe not even then) because with a mortgage you are basically paying rent to your bank, but with a lot more (financial) risk, and worries (storms, floods, plumbing bursting, etc) But again, this, of course, is very dependent on location, regulations and financial situations. And in the end we're all just temporarily caring for the homes we live in.

[@bibhasdmusic]

@@SaLiDeLune in many countries, people leave the house to their kids, so that the kids don't have to go through same struggle as their parents did in their lifetime. Also, an owned house again is a cushion. In tougher times, you can still sell it and start afresh, stay afloat.

[@melindad.217]

I am in transition from a large house to a 2 bedroom condo. These videos really give me organisation insight and ideas. We all make sacrifices for whatever reason. Becoming more minimalist and mindful is a journey for me. These people have embodied that concept very well!

[@Shakerman270]

Love the little apt. Glad it works for you! Congrats! 🇨🇦

[@kmwrites7456]

resonated with your 2-1/2' closet. Older woman here moving from 2br home with 2 nice closets to 340sf ADU and working on just having the clothes I wear and not the ones that are "maybe I will need that". Same with all the stuff I have. Mindfulness, yes. Very nice video.

[@darthbike189]

What an inspiration, cozy apartment. I love the sofa!

[@AquariumDays]

I love your place, it’s more important that you love and feel comfortable than the size. Now I’m motivated to clean up my place!

[@Europa1749]

It's a great use of space. I have an over the door shoe rack with 24 large mesh pockets for 12 pairs of shoes. So nice to have them up and out of the way.

[@noemisolano4748]

Thank you for sharing your ideas for living in a small space! I'm in the process of moving from a 3 bedroom home to a 1 bedroom home. My one bedroom home is very small with only three small closets. My child is also going to be living with me so we have been shredding papers and donating clothes and anything else that's not being used or needed. This way we can fit into our tiny house and will make moving much quicker.

[@whateverjoni]

Years ago I lived in a small space apartment. I loved it. I now live in a 1500 sqft home with my four grandchildren and there is so much clutter at times I want to scream. I miss the smaller space. You've done a lovely job with your plalce.

[@shawnahansen8597]

We lived in Yaletown and the community center had a drop in space for woodworking where you could use tools and construct. There might be something similar in Olympic village area since I find the Vancouver community centers are expanding their offerings to adopt more community centers to do hobbies in addition to recreation. But lovely place and you've done a great job adapting to Vancouver's limited space. I wish more people your age would see the value of investing in what they can afford at the time (which my husband and I did by buying a 600 sq ft condo in the West End in our early 20's). That way there would be less anxiety right now with people saying they will never purchase so they don't bother looking or worst spend their savings since it looks impossible. I am very impressed that you have proven it can be done and in fact you have done it so well it would be difficult to move into a larger space. Congrats!

[@yegscaper6444]

I’ve lived in 600 sq ft in Edmonton for almost 25 years. I could move but why do I need more space than this? Thanks for profiling your home, lots of great inspiration. (Also I love that modular sofa - what is it?)

[@garotadagavea]

It is all about flow. The living space has to allow the natural flow of one's life style. This apartment, even though tight, flows well. The kitchen is great. There is even a dishwasher and plenty of prep space!

[@yanzi8543]

Dishwasher 😢😢😢

[@kimsamram]

Yes! Really enjoyed this. Beautiful couple

[@kathypeterman2886]

What a nice space you have created! Thanks so much for sharing. I'm inspired. 💗

[@Dogsnark]

You two are so fortunate to have found the right space for your choice of lifestyle and values. I am soon to move from my quite large condo into a space with only half the square footage and I am always looking for inspiration and ideas for how to make the best use of this smaller space. I just subscribed to SmallspaceBigLife and look forward to getting more ideas from you.

[@FatherLego1986]

It feels like 400 square feet is the new normal these days. Me and my partner have lived in 450 square feet for a couple of years and apart from not having a dedicated dining room, I really don’t feel like we’re sacrificing anything or having to do anything special to make it work. Full size furniture, work from home set up, etc.

[@anitavirginillo]

I love how intentional you both are.

[@metime4325]

I love the art piece on the bedroom wall!❤

[@jillktsm]

This is amazing. I have a similar sized apartment, but 2 bedrooms instead of just 1. Completely agree with the cleaning and repair time. I've had opportunities to buy bigger space but haven't pulled the trigger yet exactly for these reasons.

[@doerthemanahan9912]

I really like this home. It is so well organized and beautifully decorated. I would feel very comfortable in such a well laid out apartment.

[@NYouTubeFan4ever123]

Its a Beautiful space. Thanks 4 Sharing!

[@micajahsmom]

Very well done. I love smaller apartment living. Mine is just under 500 sq ft and perfect for me. This is so open and cozy.

[@gonzalvc9332]

I love this! I used to live in an efficiency apartment and it was one of my favorite places to live. You all did a great job with the space!!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thank you so much!

[@churay3147]

Neat and cozy, lovely home❤

[@itsjustmel1217]

Wow the home is so so beautiful, I love the neutral colors with the black details. 😍

[@IcallEmAsIcEm]

Hi, take the bedroom bi-folding door off. You won't miss it at all. If you can't stand looking into the closet try a curtain. Nice video. Thanks

[@NSS1022]

Agreed. A pocket door for the bedroom would help a lot as well

[@georgina4874]

I love it!!!💕💕

[@lucifernebulae]

They are so BRAVE! Maaaan, people live in 35m2 apts and it's not difficult.

[@tonimendez247]

Love it! I recently downsized and I'm always looking for ideas.

[@philippalincoln2262]

Love your apartment, it really looks so fresh and stylish. Very inspiring!

[@camillesofina3461]

It looks so nice and cozy ....lovely space ❤❤❤

[@carolyncarlon9870]

Instead of bi-fold or sliding closet doors, I’ve found a curtain or shower curtain works better. Just slide curtain to one side….doesn’t take any room and allows full access to closet. 👍

[@kallasusort2986]

and the clothes can breath ....

[@sadie513]

Yes! I just said out loud that I would've used a curtain instead.

[@slownsteady100]

I was going to suggest a barn door. You suggestion is much easier to implement.

[@tessbrown9885]

A sliding barn door is a perfect next project for the Handyman hubby. :)

[@oceanwonders]

Damn, that's small for 2 people. But typical for Vancouver! I agree with the idea of spending the money to customize the space. If it's gonna be small, then any money spent on customization to improve storage / display efficiency is a quality-of-life investment.

[@patriciapalmer4873]

Dont know how these people would survive in a campervan that flat is hugh

[@margreetanceaux3906]

Beautifully done, and excellent choice of furniture.

[@zoobakitchlew2018]

Wow 😮 It's a Beautiful home for both of you..❤🎉

[@rowenakump1321]

The place was so neat 😍

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Happy you enjoyed checking out Tina and Rob's small apartment! Thanks for watching :)

[@indiramichaelahealey5156]

I really love your appartment. Yes, it's small but designed beautifully and efficiantly. Very nice.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Happy you enjoyed the apartment tour, thanks for watching :)

[@rosbergmalin]

Love your apartment! 😍

[@VerleanHurd]

Great job, yall.❤

[@deadpoet50]

Love what you have created. A beautiful, welcoming space with great taste, smart use of space, lovely. Congratulations on your creative powers! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much! 😊 Happy you enjoyed checking out Tina and Rob's small space!

[@thehikingcouple_]

This is such a beautiful and calming space 🥰

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks, happy you enjoyed the tour!

[@Nadinec10]

Great video. Thanks!! Fellow Vancouverite who’s about to downsize.

[@angelicajacobs584]

Love your place. It seems to work well for both of you. Im in a roughly similar sized place but its an older building so bedroom fits a king bed. I do wish we had a second bedroom or den to partion off as i work from home and our schedules are sometimes off so having our living room, kitchen, and office in one small space is hard. I would love to just throw work in a room and be able to enjoy my place without work staring at me from the corner 😂. It was different before covid when we were in office but i doubt im going back full time to office. Also we have a folding kitchen table with storage from ikea. Its a godsend!!

[@andemess3095]

Wonderful home.

[@TheSushmaHomeSellingTeam]

Thank you for featuring this beautiful home. 🥰

[@ExploringAlternatives]

You're very welcome, thanks for watching :)

[@alanbirkner1958]

Three (3) of us are in a 2BR apartment near Chicago. I like that they have full size kitchen appliances. I'd take that door off the BR closet first. I do lots of crafts, and I use the space under my bed. We are near a big public library and great public transportation. I like that we have a full size washer and dryer. Tina, Al's wife

[@romanyimesgen6136]

I wish I could do this. I have a condominium is 1500 ft.² two bedroom two bath I live by myself sometimes I wish I live in a small place. That way I get rid of all my junk be free. I truly admire you guys.

[@dianedavis8161]

Beautiful home😊

[@SoCalFreelance]

It's crazy how much of a booming market external storage has become. People have so much stuff!

[@aprendeingles2day]

⭐What a great place⭐

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Happy you enjoyed the apartment tour, thanks for watching :)

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

I sized down to 400 sf, it is plenty. I have another 120 sf space, but couldn't find space for 1) my garden preserves, and 2) my sewing stuff. I finally figured out food storage and I'm working that in. Then, I realized I can lay out quilts and yardage outside on a table. I also want to try van travel, and found a fold up table that would travel too. I also started a hexagon hand stitch quilt and love the process. Turned my fabric stash into a lifetime supply. Oops. I already grow a year's worth of food to dehydrate. 6 pounds of carrots dehydrate down to one cup! Lightweight and less space. As I age I just don't want so much stuff, but sizing down is an art. I cook more on my bitty hibachi and wok. Quick breads instead of baking bread. Beans and soups in my solar cooker on sunny days. It saves a lot of energy and I still keep my 5 acre food forest. If I manage this shift, a van is easy.

[@nmbr6kid]

Get a round table that changes heights and you could eliminate the second round table, making room for an island that has storage. Just a thought.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Neat idea! We've seen those adjustable height tables but haven't used one yet. Thanks for watching :)

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

I was living in a 348sq foot studio with my ex. He broke up with me this year after we moved into a 148sq foot room. I guess you never know how big a space is until you downsize😅. Only issue with renting is the fear of having to move if the landlord sells out or the rent increase too high. I would love to own a tiny space🙏

[@user-uv1is5cu6l]

You've done a great job to not only maximise your small space, but also make it look stylish. They're is one thing I'd change to make the bedroom work better. I'd replace the bifold doors with curtains. In my MBR I replaced 3 large sliding doors (uggh) with curtains that I made from hemp bedsheets. Hemp us a very dense fabric with good thermal properties, so beneficial in protecting hanging clothes from temperature variables (eg mould). I hung the curtains on a curtain rod

[@user-uv1is5cu6l]

Curtain rod suspended from above the top of the wardrobe so that the curtains are much longer than the height of the wardrobe - gives a larger visual, and the higher-hanging curtains gives a more generous aesthetic.

[@lizharley5723]

In a few years i will move from a 2100 sq ft house to a 1100 sq ft seniors apartment. Good to see your video on how to organize the small rooms.

[@kateandco3589]

Replacing closet door w barn door may help w space constraints.

[@steveroywojciechowsk]

Rob, have you looked into the Vancouver Hackspace? Great woodshop among other things like welding, electronics, 3d printing, laser cutter, cnc, paint room etc

[@stitchann]

Lovely little home.

[@victoriapedder6694]

Lovely apartment xx

[@jamesengland7461]

That's a gigantic fridge for a tiny apartment.

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Well this is a small space but they've got it decorated really cute and it is efficient.👍👍 Thank you Matt and Danielle ❤

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thank you for watching :) :)

[@carolynek1875]

This place doesn't seem so small to me.. I love it!!

[@janinafisher101]

It looked at one point as if they have a balcony too, but that was not shown. But very good use of a small space. Living simply can be amazing, as well as good for the planet.

[@dianev6180]

Love their use of space. They could put the bed on a loft to gain the added space beneath it since it is only needed 8 hrs a day. I had a loft bed just 3 ft beneath the ceiling and it worked fine for my boyfriend & I, it was cozy. The room it added to my tiny efficiency was put to good use!

[@tessbrown9885]

I'm thinking Murphy bed. Transforms the bedroom into an office during the day.

[@yankies0002]

37 years ago my hubby and I lived in a 400sqft basement apartment for 5 years. During that time period we had 2 children. We were able to make it work great. The money we were able to save during that time allowed us to save up and put down a large down payment on a great house.

[@User31084]

Welcome to living in a mobile home. 12feet by 40ft equals @500sq feet. Millions of senior citizens do this all year, every year, all across the U.S.

[@Chris_at_Home]

My wife and I lived in a 384 square foot house for 7 years starting 10 years ago. It has a laundry room, bathroom and L shaped room with kitchen, living room and bedroom. We added a 10 x 12 bedroom and a 5x12 entry 3 years ago. It sits on a full foundation so we have storage and utility room there. It sits on 4.5 acres. We are just finishing a 784 square foot unit attached to this and will rent the smaller unit and live in the bigger half.

[@OHANA-Beach-Suites-CDO]

LOVE IT! Smaller is better! We live in a similar small apartment in Seattle, to save and building our Beach Hotel in the Philippines! 1 more year and we open! Even when are very successful, we will continue to live small! HAPPY HOLIDAYS 🎄🤙

[@ninas4968]

Awww it’s really pretty! 😊 love it.

[@dia.ko08]

I use some of my kitchen cupboards for storing office and hobby supplies aswell as hats, gloves and scarfs. Might my a solution if your closet space is tight.

[@craigo2142]

Wonderful space. My only change (just my opinion) would be to put a murphy bed in the bedroom that would get up and out of the way to have open floor for yoga, pilates, crafts. Love you furnishings. And, being in a condo, you probably have access to a common room to entertain in for larger groups. Why ever move???

[@Is43109]

As an older person I have heaps of books and photos which take up loads of space. I didn't see any in your apartment so I gather that you use a kindle and keep photos on your phones :).

[@stephenwinter8892]

Greetings from oakville Ontario thanks for the presentation I moved to a stacked townhouse and it took time for me to adapt with 800 square feet I'm on the top which involves adjusting to 18 steps from my entry up to my living quarters, not meant with any1 with mobility issues I'm only home sitting it's a temporary solution until I can find something off grid

[@reejan8109]

The bedroom in my 5th wheel is bigger than your bedroom. I think designers of small spaces should take a few lessons from 5th wheel layouts - amazing storage!

[@lruss5050]

I live in an efficiency apartment as a senior. This will be my permanent home. I am working on limiting possessions which is always complicated!

[@-greentoad]

I love your apartment and what you have done. The only thing for me that i couldn't do is the bedroom. Just to cramped and someone having to sleep that close to the window. Making the bed would be a pain, at least for me. Im glad it works for you. We are all different and thats a good thing.