small living has often been so romanticized so i love how this video revealed its challenges and the way that you've addressed them!! also loved nisha's screentime haha!
Yeah, being a minimalist he had to cut down... on things --- doesn't matter who's ... loll Anyway, fun aside, I do love the well thought out insights in his videos :)
After living in a micro apartment for 8 years, my husband and I are finally moving next week to a 3 bedroom apartment. I can’t wait to finally sleep in a queen size bed 😭💕
pinkywinky222 What were you sleeping in before? Queen size bed is small enough for two people anyway. So were you both sleeping in twin bed that’s not enough for one person?
@@runningfromabear8354 We have technology enabling us to work from home. I get it's nice getting social interaction with colleagues but London just can't hold many more.
"We have to wash all of our dishes by hand" Laughing in Indonesian wkwkwk Seriously, is it that inconvenient to wash dishes by hand? I love it (and also love washing clothes by hand) because it's like playing with water lol. Reminds me of childhood ^^
Curious in malaysian too. With that size of kitchen, I think the dishwashing part should be easy as not many utensils being used. Plus, it is stress reliever and enjoyable too. So why need dishwasher?
I don't get why people with a small household want a dish washer. Have been washing my dishes by hand and I think it's much faster than accumulating a pile of dishes and then wash. I just moved to a small apartment and the kitchen has a dishwasher. I think it's really a waste of space as I rather have more storage room.
I'm Filipino, and dishwashers are almost unhead of to us. I remember seeing one in an American movie and felt amazed as well as completely cheated by the unavailability of it in our household. But I do agree that washing dishes and clothes by hand is enjoyable because for me I get to think quite deeply about things whilst doing said chores.
@@acey850 same. As indonesian dishwasher isn't a priority since it's only 4 people's living in my house so while other prepping food the other clean the utensil that no longer needed and the other two set up the table. My parent prefer more kitchen storage rather than dishwasher
Something that I've taken from the musical world is that restrictions stimulate creativity. If there are no boundaries, you can do everything, but you're also less sure of what to do. Having less room for maneuverability means you'll get more creative in putting that room to good use.
The title to the video, i.e., "5 Reasons Not to Live in a Micro Apartment" is misleading. It should be, "5 Things to Consider to Make Living in a Micro Apartment Enjoyable". It has very practical advice.
Efficient design is something I think is underutilized today and I think this video is extremely helpful , especially as someone who lives in a small apartment in the city. Big fan of your content man, keep it coming!
You've literally highlighted the struggle I am experiencing living in a tiny studio during this time. I am tired living in such a small space. My job will most likely be remote for the rest of the year so I'm looking to move to a bigger place.
Being able to close the door to the kitchen and open a window is a must, regardless of the size of the place. I really don't understand open-plan kitchens. They're for people who don't actually cook imo.
I have an open plan and to be honest the smell of food doesn’t bother me. I quite like it actually. I suppose it also depend what you cook and how much you fry. :-)
@@christellearth It's not just the smell, it's also the humidity level after you've boiled anything, and the residues that accumulate on the rest of the room over time. Books, upholstery... Even when using extractor fans.
@@DanielTitchener Not that bad. Also I don't get the dryer problem. Like just buy a washing machine that can dry clothes. (Also living in a small apartment, this was obvious for us since we don't like clothes hanging around in the house, regardless of the size of the house.)
As Quentin Crisp said “There is no need to do any housework at all. After the first four years the dirt doesn't get any worse.” Just think of all the time you’d save. When it comes to it, look at replacing your washing machine with a washer/dryer. I had one in a previous flat and while slow, it did a good job and saved space. Or, if you’re not going to reconfigure your kitchen to include a small dishwasher, replace the washing machine with one and use a laundry or a laundry service. I did reconfigure my small kitchen to fit in both a washer and a small dishwasher. I use the tumble dryers in the building’s laundry.
I think sweeping off ur spaces is a thumb up in healthy life. I remember reading a science alert article in how studies show spraying ethanol only doesn't make a good enough method because debris is perfect habitus for microbes and maybe the toxin would remain. Cleaning also provides a time for decluttering one's mind, quite relaxing actually. Cmiiw - from your pharmaceutical science student
Lovely video - great to see Nisha's star turn 😅! We used a small table top dishwasher in our first flat - worked like a dream. We also use an electric airer - uses same power as a lightbulb - dries clothes overnight and folds flat. Look forward to the next installment!
Thank you!!!! We've been using a regular dryer for a year and the clothes take aaaaages to dry during the winter - we didn't know there was such a thing as an electric air dryer!! 🙌 Thank you for your advice!
It's shocking to me to see how needs and forms of living change from country to country. I'm from Argentina and it's very common to live in 21 square meter apts. Also, for instance, it's very weird to have a dish washing machine or different house appliances. Now I live in Spain and I'm looking for small apts and there are none! And for what I have talked, people here find 80 square meter apts small haha.
Too relatable about the smell! When you live in a small space where living and kitchen area are shared, air-drying laundry is a pain because they tend to take on food smells. I still enjoy living in a smaller space, but it definitely forces you to be strategic with certain chores.
I'm a mother of two. I've found that all those gadgets in the kitchen are just in the way. The only gadgets I have are an electric kettle, microwave (gift) and a kitchen aid stand mixer. Rather than having a coffee maker, I use a French press that I clean and put away after each use. The only two appliances that stay on my counter are the kettle and microwave. While we don't live in a tiny home, we do live in 1200sq ft, which is considered small by modern American standards. After going through my house and decluttering, I'm really happy living like this. It's easy to keep clean and I no longer dread having people over. My kids have become really good at cleaning up after themselves, as have I. We do not have empty wrappers around the house, it goes right in the garbage. Once the kids are moved out, I want to get a tiny home of some sort. I hate cleaning. 😂
If you ever need a blender type appliance, I'd suggest a blender wand/stick instead of a blender, bullet blender, or food processor. Easy to tuck away, multipurpose, and a fair amount can even split into two parts for storage in smaller spaces
@@PumpkinPieandSunshine In Toronto with a family of five and 1000 sqft and friends say how tiny our side-split is for a family our size. As far as they're concerned, we should further out of Toronto and make the commute. I don't want to spend hours in traffic every day. With the way furniture is designed and sold in Canada, it's bulky and space wasting. At least when I compare to what I grew up with in Europe. You have to be very intentional to find furniture that takes up less space in this country.
Daniel: Good to see your honest insights - Some solutions to your problems 1. get a washer/condenser dryer combo, it will reduce your dust and drain water away as opposed to evaporate it 2. Get a xiaomi roborock s5 vacuum/mop. By having these two things, you solve the dust, moisture and hair problem at the same time. Otherwise your solutions are simple and cost effective! P.s. smile more, you look really serious in your vids :)
You need a hepa air filter, a robot vacuum, and a countertop dishwasher. I'm sure you can find a place to store blenders and food processors, you did such an amazing job with the layout and storage as it is! Why didn't you get one of those washer dryer combos?
@@ShadeMiller Yes they do take longer. One is combining the washing and drying times into one cycle, but it is still less time than washing and hanging to dry 6 towels and 4 pairs of pants in the bath, even with a dehumidifier in the place. What I don't understand is why manufacturers don't make a vented washer dryer, they were available in the 60's. My grandparents had a secondhand one in the dairy barn for doing work clothes.
You are so right, while everyone else keeps amplifying how great living in small space, you bring us back to the reality.. noise, odour, humidity... These are the things that I am concerned of the most, if I wanna start living in a small apartment.. but thanks to your suggestion on how you can counter those problems, it gives me back some "lights on the end of the tunnel"! 😁 Thanks again for sharing! Stay Safe! 😁👍
Thanks for the amazing tips in this video. I live in a larger sized apartment but with an open concept kitchen, and I too find it useful to have an air purifier turned on in the living/dining area when cooking so that the smells of food don't "cling" to the fabrics there. I no longer have a dryer either but I find air drying aided by a dehumidifier is not only speedy enough but also more economical due to lower electricity usage and clothes lasting longer. In my country, dishwashers are uncommon and what most homes have instead is a dish drying rack above the sink, which also often functions as storage for often-used dinnerware, cutlery and even smaller sized pots and pans. This frees up countertop space and storage space elsewhere, and also means less electricity is used.
Syamsul A what kind of air purifier do you use? Does it help with getting rid of food odors and oil? Because I noticed with open kitchens when you cook the furniture and floor gets greasy after a while too. They tend to be sticky because all of the oil of frying gets on to the surface.
It's like you lived in my apartment for a month and described what it's like living in it long-term. From the hair on the floor, to using noise cancelling headphones so my partner and I can isolate our activities, to smells and noises, again another thoughtful video. I feel less alone now haha
Its nice to have a closed off kitchen. I have an open plan kitchen and smells get everywhere, so I have to have a range in full blast, have back door open, close all other doors in the house and have all scented plug ins working to keep the stink out. I resorted to using my oven and instant pot for all the smelly cooking. Helped me to keep the aromas down 😁
Let me give you the best life hack I've ever been given in my life. Buy a box fan if you don't have one. Buy a 20x20x1 HEPA air filter intended for HVAC systems. Slap that bad boy on the back of the fan and you have an incredibly effective and price efficient air purifier. Just duct tape it or whatever you want to do. Get a good rated filter and you can even get an activated carbon air filter and it makes a huge difference with allergies and odors. Cheers!
This is extremely spot on!! I've just moved from a tiny house where I lived for almost 9 years, luckily I had a garden but it was communal so wasn't ideal! Life is a million times better now I am in a bigger home, my own garden too! So nice, space to get away and have peace for myself and be on my own .... That to me is so important!!
I grew up not knowing what a dishwasher was until I watched a RUclips video of an American’s household. There’s a RUclipsr called Joshua Becker who said that washing your own dishes is a practical step in living intentionally. “It’s about mindfulness, about completing what we started, about being present in all we do instead of rushing to the next activity.”
Our apartment is mostly open concept, with the kitchen being fully exposed in the main living area. We try to control smells as much as possible by using all the ventilation we have-- extractor fans, windows, etc. I loved your foldaway desk so much that we did it too... and reclaimed so much space that was previously occupied by a large desk. I would like to see a review of your Vallentuna sofa as well! Thank you for all your great content!
Totally agree with this as someone living in a very small NYC apartment. I'm lucky enough to kinda have 2 levels (kinda like a studio stacked on top of a studio). 2 years later - headphones, air purifier, dehumidifier, plants that improve air quality, and constantly moving around the furniture has been my sanity.
Just looking back on previous videos on your apartment with these new information about the cons of such apartment size is really helpful and makes the choice to move in a micro-apartment much easier, love your videos 👌🏼💛
Again, another fantastic video. Much appreciated. My wife and are moving to a 33sq meter flat in July. We've always had apartments in Europe that size, but our use of the space has not been very good. I have so much inspiration from your videos for my new flat. I am going to implement your multifunctional approach to our furniture. Thank you for this inspiration!
Great advice and insights. I just moved to HK, and it’s all about small spaces. Plus I’ve realized that I’ve lived with way too much stuff that I really haven’t used! Time to embrace the minimalist lifestyle..
I live in a 500sqft apartment in the NE US. While I understand the efficiency of small homes and apartments, I guess efficiency is not what it’s all about for me. As a creative, I need room for my stuff. Yes, as a Gen Xer, I also still have a lot of stuff. I hadn’t anticipated staying here as long as I have but, May be stuck here for even longer. Perhaps, until I die. But, I don’t think I would like to go any smaller, even if I purged most of my items. I have 2 cats and they need to breathe, too.
I guess perspectives are everything. Watching from a third world country. That looks like a normal sized apartment. 🤔 I'm gonna watch the rest of your videos
I'm from a third world country but my house is bigger than this by far. I stay alone in a 2 bedroom house and It even has its own big yard which my dog loves. I've always been perplexed by how tiny American apartments are! PS I pay $150 for rent.
@@maimee2angel Oh wow where do you live? Here in Poland it used to be so decades ago, but now in big cities considering you're renting with a partner you usually start out renting something more or less 40m2. For buying to live in there yourself it may be above 50m2 however not that many people can afford to buy when young without aid from their parents.
Epic ending ! I watch a few of his video from time to times 😂. Living with all of these external pressions force you to excel, sir. Keep going that way.
I live in a 37 m2 apartment, and concur. It’s a nice apartment and I live alone, so noise isn’t really a problem, but the worst is the dust and problems with smells. I hate having the entire place smell of dinner after cooking. I’m moving to a larger one soon, and can’t wait to be able to cook without stinking up the whole place. 😊 I also chose to have a tabletop dishwasher, because I can’t stand doing the dishes by hand.
Graham fan here, smashed the like button coz I laughed out loud when you referenced him lololol (but I also reeeeally love your channel & watch every video you put out)
We live in a small spaced house and a hoarder mother. It's the worse combination. 😭😭😭 I do the cleaning and it's so HARD. I can't wait to have wider space of my own.
A ten-foot high ceiling is the saving grace of my micro loft in downtown L.A. Thanks to rent control, just $704 USD monthly with all utilities!! Keeping clear lots of open floor space makes it appear roomy. A tall shelving unit, twin bed and an armchair instead of a sofa. Headphones and a portable AC for noise control. My fave new toy is a $75 washing machine that does not hook up to the plumbing, which fits nicely in the bathroom.
Penny Nickels Had pretty short hair since November of last year, in December I decided to buzz it off since I was sick of having to style what little hair on me and I really like it. Especially when I’m shaved really close so that I never have to slick my cowlick down. I am anticipating getting another job this year so I’m growing it back out to a small pixie cut with faded sides and once I secure the bag it’s getting shaved off again. I was really hesitant to shave my head because someone who I was aquatinted with did it and told me that she regretted it; but I realized that it has to do a lot with your own personal style. I dress really minimalist on the masculine side so the baldness really took my look onto the next level. If you’re someone who dresses conventionally feminine I would advise you to consider what you’ll look like with your outfits because I know I would have hated having a bald cut if I was into dressing frilly. I’m rambling at this point, but TLDR: Best haircut i’ve ever had.
Penny Nickels Forgot to mention that immature people in your life will be obnoxiously honest about how they think your hair looks and if that’s something you can’t wave off then it may be too early. So many people would say that I looked better with long hair and at first I was in shock that people had the nerve to say something like that so bluntly but when I looked in the mirror I liked myself more so I waved all the comments off haha.
Thanks, this is great. I really enjoy minimalist architecture, but find most “tiny house” video on RUclips more of a fantasy replayed in slightly different format repeatedly. All you mentioned in this video I resonate with when living in a studio apartment. It’s great not that I have a bit more space and things as lifestyle changes!
With the washing, maybe get a washer dryer combo? I heard a lot of good things ^_^ Kitchen? Maybe a half drawer dish washer! If not then a tool to help with the kitchen is an over the sink drying rack :) Super nice video. Thank you :)
I’m really grateful that in my city, new studios are built with washer/dryer in unit and dishwashers and full fridges. As well as rooftop and common area spaces to get out of the house and not actually spend money being out. I would not live in one without these things
Love the thoughtful videos on very practical 'life-subjects' we all try to master in our lives in all distinctive ways. Not that -- one is better than the other -- but more like having many different perspectives can make life more colorful without much effort on one's own!! @Daniel 's viewpoints are more minimalistic in nature that is pretty inspiring and adaptive -- at least I feel that way :P
I'm a huge fan of custom made ear plugs which eliminate almost all noise except alarms. Fridge and washer noises are barely discernible. I've had mine for more than a decade and have provided huge value for the $100 I paid for them (on sale regularly $150 at the time). I rely on them for sleeping, they're brilliant when travelling, and I recommend them without hesitation.
Thankyou so much for this vid, I have just moved from a 2 bedroom home into a much smaller 1 bedroom unit, I now feel a lot better for not having a full handle on moving.......for me its a work in progress :)
I live in a small apartment, but there's a huge difference from a small and a micro/studio. I have doors to close, space to change my views and colors. I also have a laundry separated from the kitchen and living spaces. There are options between the studio apartment and the mac mansion.
Really enjoy watching your (optimistic) content. I'm actually in the process of getting the things I need to make the bed frame like you did, but modified for how I need to use the space. Thanks for the ideas!
8:08 I suggest you use a circuit fused extension cord and do not overload it. Use another wall outlet with an another extension cord for the other appliances to prevent hazards. More power to your channel and stay safe :)
YES. I live in a small bachelor apartment and I feel this pain.... the difficulty keeping things looking tidy because it's so concentrated, the smell of my dinner creeping into my closet, all of it.
I am not a fan of small spaces. It does not mean I love clunky chunky mansions. A big modern sleek clean home is what a aspire for. A space to unwind, rejuvenate and relax by yourself and when friends or family visit.
Great video. I’ve occupied small spaces all my life. When you live alone is perfect but sharing space with someone else could be unpleasant at certain times. COVID 19 makes it worse.
I live in a high density city in a high rise. We have a countertop dishwasher. You can load half a normal dishwasher's worth of dishes and it doesn't really take up that much counter space it's such a lifesafer,. Also, we have a washing machine that is also a dryer, 2 machines in 1...plus we have a dehumidifier that has a clothes drying function, this is key, a normal dehumidifier doesn't gets clothes dry the same way a dehumidifier with this function built in. ❤️
Smells were a big deal when we were a family of 5 in an 860 sf apartment. We disguised the diaper pail as a planter on the stoop; it was all good until I accidentally locked my toddler outside (only for 5 minutes). There was a strict rule NOT to close the bathroom door after #2. No hotboxing the next person allowed. I would never live in an apartment where I could not open the windows at every opportunity. Frische luft!
I'm currently living in a portable cabin in my sisters backyard while I save for a studio apartment and fortunately I'm a clean freak so I immediately clean up everything as I go which I highly reccomend. I also reccomend a diffuser with essential oils and cracking the window while you're out to help with smell
Am I the only person who likes keeping my small place very neat and tidy? I share a small space about 80m2 with two other people, and I find that although keeping it clean is a hassle (so. much. hair. And it seems that the kitchen floor has to be cleaned every day), keeping it neat is quite easy. Just don't have so much stuff (we keep a kettle+thermos, microwave and small toaster oven, those two came with the house) and be organized. I put everything away at the end of the day. When we moved to this place, we got rid of a sandwich maker, toaster and other things since the toaster oven is enough for that. I just wish the kitchen had a decent backsplash. Air quality? Yes, that is a problem, and that is why the windows are kept constantly open and why I keep a bouquet of lavander in the kitchen.
No. I like to keep things tidy. When I get up from my chair I refold and drape the throw so that when I come back to it (doesn't matter that I walk only 3 meters) it looks artful and inviting. It's like that nice feeling you get when in a nice restaurant. If you leave the table the waiter has refolded your napkin by the time you return. It's easy enough to do.
I live alone in 250 square feet and none of these have been a problem for me. My kitchen gadgets include a microwave, blender, air popper, and slow cooker. My bed is a roll-up mattress that goes in the closet during the day.
I love this video. Fluid editing and content with a great conclusion.. I was about to comment how you should have a masterclass or something then you brought up skillshare. Maybe a skill share class?🤷🏾♀️
I love roomed-off interior layouts as opposed to open plan, which frankly I never got. Particularly with kitchens, open plan allows smells to permeate throughout other spaces. This might be all well and fine if you're baking, but not so much if it's the day after a dinner party you hosted and all the dirty pots, pans, and wares are piled in the sink waiting to be washed. Even the biggest of open plan spaces aren't immune from this. To me, the best design may be to have distinct rooms, some of which can be opened into one space with the use of folding or pocket doors. This also addresses the need for quiet and personal space when it's more than one person living there
Noise : Cheap walls and reflective hard surfaces will amplify that. I put absorbers in my room and it's much nicer to my ears. No extraneous reflections, except for the sound transmission through the concrete slab
Thanks for the video. Very well structured and enjoyable to watch at the same time. I wish it would have been more tips about technologies such as an air purifier, noise-canceling headphones. Although, I understand it is not minimalistic to have more devices that are not very necessary.
Sounds: our living room is very big and we have very few items in there. So the sound is reflected over and over. We solved this problems by hanging a white, fluffy curtain at the white wall. It absorbs the sounds very good. At x-mas we hang a curtain with a printed tree at this curtain rod. So we can decorate for x-mas without much clutter.
This was a great video. In my tiny 29sm living space, the kitchen is by far my simplest area. I have nothing more than a microwave, a toaster oven and a kettle for appliances (and fridge I guess). Not only does it keep space down it’s forced me to become more particular with what I eat and I opt for healthier options. Functional storage is so hard to find on a budget though so would love to see your take :)
Thank you for making this really important video. Healthy spaces and housing with dignity should be a human right. Even though I love how innovative people can be with tiny spaces we must not allow our economic systems to force us into smaller and smaller spaces. #DignityInHousingForEveryone
I feel the same even if I'm living in a rather large home with my family. Bec of quarantine, I basically just live in my room. It really frustrating to not have your own space. I'm so used to the univ residence hall that had all the tables, chairs, spaces, etc.
You can easily fix the dryer issue by replacing your machine with a Washer Dryer, they are not expensive, I just bought an Italian-made Whirlpool 2-in-1 for HKD4000 (GBP400)!
i can suggest a game changer for fellow studio dwellers , regarding not havin dryer ....u can get this thing called a ' jml dry buddy'..and there is cheaper unbranded ones on amazon etc( the non branded ones wrk just as well) its electric dries ur stuff in quick time and the best part is it folds up to be stored away easily..very easy to get up and down ( i litrally do it every other day)
You are right, i built mini house and now i have a 3 kids, i have to clean after them every hour, plis more cloth need to find a place, of course the toys.
"Micro" and "Small" are relative. How big is your apartment? We live in Hong Kong and the smallest new micro apartments are around 150 sq ft. If you have one at 300-350, that's considered a bliss! A new micro apartment of around 220-250 sq ft would cost you about GBP700K to 950K, so even to own one is not as easy as it seems for most of us! Now I hope you see how lucky you are to live in your "big" apartment!
small living has often been so romanticized so i love how this video revealed its challenges and the way that you've addressed them!! also loved nisha's screentime haha!
Finally you introduce us to your beautiful wife and it's to complain that she makes noise :D
🤣
Yeah, being a minimalist he had to cut down... on things --- doesn't matter who's ... loll
Anyway, fun aside, I do love the well thought out insights in his videos :)
After living in a micro apartment for 8 years, my husband and I are finally moving next week to a 3 bedroom apartment. I can’t wait to finally sleep in a queen size bed 😭💕
pinkywinky222 What were you sleeping in before? Queen size bed is small enough for two people anyway. So were you both sleeping in twin bed that’s not enough for one person?
Why? Just leave the city altogether.
You're gonna sleep like a Queen
@@Miquelalalaa Because family, friends and the jobs we're qualified are in the city and I don't want to lose hours each day sitting in traffic.
@@runningfromabear8354 We have technology enabling us to work from home. I get it's nice getting social interaction with colleagues but London just can't hold many more.
2:02 "Many people suffer from the thought of being stuck indoors all day."
Welcome to 2020...
"We have to wash all of our dishes by hand"
Laughing in Indonesian wkwkwk
Seriously, is it that inconvenient to wash dishes by hand? I love it (and also love washing clothes by hand) because it's like playing with water lol. Reminds me of childhood ^^
Curious in malaysian too. With that size of kitchen, I think the dishwashing part should be easy as not many utensils being used. Plus, it is stress reliever and enjoyable too. So why need dishwasher?
I don't get why people with a small household want a dish washer. Have been washing my dishes by hand and I think it's much faster than accumulating a pile of dishes and then wash. I just moved to a small apartment and the kitchen has a dishwasher. I think it's really a waste of space as I rather have more storage room.
I'm Filipino, and dishwashers are almost unhead of to us. I remember seeing one in an American movie and felt amazed as well as completely cheated by the unavailability of it in our household. But I do agree that washing dishes and clothes by hand is enjoyable because for me I get to think quite deeply about things whilst doing said chores.
@@acey850 same. As indonesian dishwasher isn't a priority since it's only 4 people's living in my house so while other prepping food the other clean the utensil that no longer needed and the other two set up the table. My parent prefer more kitchen storage rather than dishwasher
Same with Latin american, my mom was so excited to get a dish washer, and we end up just washing the dishes by hand... so much faster
Something that I've taken from the musical world is that restrictions stimulate creativity. If there are no boundaries, you can do everything, but you're also less sure of what to do. Having less room for maneuverability means you'll get more creative in putting that room to good use.
The title to the video, i.e., "5 Reasons Not to Live in a Micro Apartment" is misleading. It should be, "5 Things to Consider to Make Living in a Micro Apartment Enjoyable". It has very practical advice.
Efficient design is something I think is underutilized today and I think this video is extremely helpful , especially as someone who lives in a small apartment in the city. Big fan of your content man, keep it coming!
It is so underutilized its criminal.
I tidy and clean my apartment every morning.. can’t live with clutter, and it has become a part of my routine. It helps to make it a habit.
You've literally highlighted the struggle I am experiencing living in a tiny studio during this time. I am tired living in such a small space. My job will most likely be remote for the rest of the year so I'm looking to move to a bigger place.
Being able to close the door to the kitchen and open a window is a must, regardless of the size of the place. I really don't understand open-plan kitchens. They're for people who don't actually cook imo.
I have an open plan and to be honest the smell of food doesn’t bother me. I quite like it actually. I suppose it also depend what you cook and how much you fry. :-)
@@christellearth It's not just the smell, it's also the humidity level after you've boiled anything, and the residues that accumulate on the rest of the room over time. Books, upholstery... Even when using extractor fans.
Yeah, I think there are pros and cons to each. Everyone's different, so at the end of the day it's what works best for you.
lsamoa keep the windows open for at least 20 mins
StudentOf Life123 not in winter when it -40 Celsius
I love the sound of the washing machine. I enjoy having a nap on a saturday with the machine going. (Studio apartment for reference)
Me too
Until you get to the spin cycle... 😆
@@DanielTitchener like alarm clock 😁
@@DanielTitchener Yeah you can take a power nap without worrying of setting an alarm haha
@@DanielTitchener Not that bad. Also I don't get the dryer problem. Like just buy a washing machine that can dry clothes. (Also living in a small apartment, this was obvious for us since we don't like clothes hanging around in the house, regardless of the size of the house.)
As Quentin Crisp said “There is no need to do any housework at all. After the first four years the dirt doesn't get any worse.” Just think of all the time you’d save.
When it comes to it, look at replacing your washing machine with a washer/dryer. I had one in a previous flat and while slow, it did a good job and saved space. Or, if you’re not going to reconfigure your kitchen to include a small dishwasher, replace the washing machine with one and use a laundry or a laundry service. I did reconfigure my small kitchen to fit in both a washer and a small dishwasher. I use the tumble dryers in the building’s laundry.
You can also add a countertop dishwasher, that you can either fill with water or connect to a faucet.
I think sweeping off ur spaces is a thumb up in healthy life. I remember reading a science alert article in how studies show spraying ethanol only doesn't make a good enough method because debris is perfect habitus for microbes and maybe the toxin would remain. Cleaning also provides a time for decluttering one's mind, quite relaxing actually. Cmiiw - from your pharmaceutical science student
Lovely video - great to see Nisha's star turn 😅! We used a small table top dishwasher in our first flat - worked like a dream. We also use an electric airer - uses same power as a lightbulb - dries clothes overnight and folds flat. Look forward to the next installment!
Thank you!!!! We've been using a regular dryer for a year and the clothes take aaaaages to dry during the winter - we didn't know there was such a thing as an electric air dryer!! 🙌 Thank you for your advice!
So funny...these problems can also apply to larger spaces....only tidying up a huge space is exhausting! Love your content! ❤️
It's shocking to me to see how needs and forms of living change from country to country. I'm from Argentina and it's very common to live in 21 square meter apts. Also, for instance, it's very weird to have a dish washing machine or different house appliances.
Now I live in Spain and I'm looking for small apts and there are none! And for what I have talked, people here find 80 square meter apts small haha.
Too relatable about the smell! When you live in a small space where living and kitchen area are shared, air-drying laundry is a pain because they tend to take on food smells. I still enjoy living in a smaller space, but it definitely forces you to be strategic with certain chores.
I love how you mentioned the downside of small space (which not many people do) and also included the best possible solution 😄✌🏻
I'm a mother of two. I've found that all those gadgets in the kitchen are just in the way. The only gadgets I have are an electric kettle, microwave (gift) and a kitchen aid stand mixer. Rather than having a coffee maker, I use a French press that I clean and put away after each use. The only two appliances that stay on my counter are the kettle and microwave.
While we don't live in a tiny home, we do live in 1200sq ft, which is considered small by modern American standards. After going through my house and decluttering, I'm really happy living like this. It's easy to keep clean and I no longer dread having people over. My kids have become really good at cleaning up after themselves, as have I. We do not have empty wrappers around the house, it goes right in the garbage.
Once the kids are moved out, I want to get a tiny home of some sort. I hate cleaning. 😂
Wow....1200sqfeet for three or four considered as small?!?
We’re a family of five living in a 700 square feet apartment and all my friends say we have a huge apparent.
If you ever need a blender type appliance, I'd suggest a blender wand/stick instead of a blender, bullet blender, or food processor. Easy to tuck away, multipurpose, and a fair amount can even split into two parts for storage in smaller spaces
@@PumpkinPieandSunshine In Toronto with a family of five and 1000 sqft and friends say how tiny our side-split is for a family our size. As far as they're concerned, we should further out of Toronto and make the commute. I don't want to spend hours in traffic every day. With the way furniture is designed and sold in Canada, it's bulky and space wasting. At least when I compare to what I grew up with in Europe. You have to be very intentional to find furniture that takes up less space in this country.
Daniel: Good to see your honest insights - Some solutions to your problems 1. get a washer/condenser dryer combo, it will reduce your dust and drain water away as opposed to evaporate it 2. Get a xiaomi roborock s5 vacuum/mop. By having these two things, you solve the dust, moisture and hair problem at the same time. Otherwise your solutions are simple and cost effective! P.s. smile more, you look really serious in your vids :)
Hi danny ofc im here for your voice haha! I also love how u pilot us from being minimalist to addressing & solving your microapartment issues
You need a hepa air filter, a robot vacuum, and a countertop dishwasher. I'm sure you can find a place to store blenders and food processors, you did such an amazing job with the layout and storage as it is! Why didn't you get one of those washer dryer combos?
Don't those combos take longer? If the washer is included they might not be able to move it.
@@ShadeMiller Yes they do take longer. One is combining the washing and drying times into one cycle, but it is still less time than washing and hanging to dry 6 towels and 4 pairs of pants in the bath, even with a dehumidifier in the place.
What I don't understand is why manufacturers don't make a vented washer dryer, they were available in the 60's. My grandparents had a secondhand one in the dairy barn for doing work clothes.
You are so right, while everyone else keeps amplifying how great living in small space, you bring us back to the reality.. noise, odour, humidity... These are the things that I am concerned of the most, if I wanna start living in a small apartment.. but thanks to your suggestion on how you can counter those problems, it gives me back some "lights on the end of the tunnel"! 😁 Thanks again for sharing! Stay Safe! 😁👍
Thanks for the amazing tips in this video. I live in a larger sized apartment but with an open concept kitchen, and I too find it useful to have an air purifier turned on in the living/dining area when cooking so that the smells of food don't "cling" to the fabrics there. I no longer have a dryer either but I find air drying aided by a dehumidifier is not only speedy enough but also more economical due to lower electricity usage and clothes lasting longer. In my country, dishwashers are uncommon and what most homes have instead is a dish drying rack above the sink, which also often functions as storage for often-used dinnerware, cutlery and even smaller sized pots and pans. This frees up countertop space and storage space elsewhere, and also means less electricity is used.
Syamsul A what kind of air purifier do you use? Does it help with getting rid of food odors and oil? Because I noticed with open kitchens when you cook the furniture and floor gets greasy after a while too. They tend to be sticky because all of the oil of frying gets on to the surface.
Two of us here in a 45sq metre flat with no dishwasher, and both stuck WFH in this crisis, so totally feeling your woes. 😆
It's like you lived in my apartment for a month and described what it's like living in it long-term. From the hair on the floor, to using noise cancelling headphones so my partner and I can isolate our activities, to smells and noises, again another thoughtful video. I feel less alone now haha
Excellent videos, thanks for creating and sharing your tips!
Its nice to have a closed off kitchen. I have an open plan kitchen and smells get everywhere, so I have to have a range in full blast, have back door open, close all other doors in the house and have all scented plug ins working to keep the stink out. I resorted to using my oven and instant pot for all the smelly cooking. Helped me to keep the aromas down 😁
Such a good video. I’m moving to a studio and the only thing I didn’t think about was the smells. Definitely gonna look into a humidifier
Let me give you the best life hack I've ever been given in my life.
Buy a box fan if you don't have one. Buy a 20x20x1 HEPA air filter intended for HVAC systems. Slap that bad boy on the back of the fan and you have an incredibly effective and price efficient air purifier. Just duct tape it or whatever you want to do. Get a good rated filter and you can even get an activated carbon air filter and it makes a huge difference with allergies and odors. Cheers!
This is extremely spot on!! I've just moved from a tiny house where I lived for almost 9 years, luckily I had a garden but it was communal so wasn't ideal! Life is a million times better now I am in a bigger home, my own garden too! So nice, space to get away and have peace for myself and be on my own .... That to me is so important!!
I grew up not knowing what a dishwasher was until I watched a RUclips video of an American’s household. There’s a RUclipsr called Joshua Becker who said that washing your own dishes is a practical step in living intentionally. “It’s about mindfulness, about completing what we started, about being present in all we do instead of rushing to the next activity.”
I've been a professional dishwasher for the past 13 years now.
Currently designing a micro apartment. I've been able to learn quite a bit from this video series. Fabulous!
Our apartment is mostly open concept, with the kitchen being fully exposed in the main living area. We try to control smells as much as possible by using all the ventilation we have-- extractor fans, windows, etc. I loved your foldaway desk so much that we did it too... and reclaimed so much space that was previously occupied by a large desk. I would like to see a review of your Vallentuna sofa as well! Thank you for all your great content!
Totally agree with this as someone living in a very small NYC apartment. I'm lucky enough to kinda have 2 levels (kinda like a studio stacked on top of a studio). 2 years later - headphones, air purifier, dehumidifier, plants that improve air quality, and constantly moving around the furniture has been my sanity.
Just looking back on previous videos on your apartment with these new information about the cons of such apartment size is really helpful and makes the choice to move in a micro-apartment much easier, love your videos 👌🏼💛
Again, another fantastic video. Much appreciated. My wife and are moving to a 33sq meter flat in July. We've always had apartments in Europe that size, but our use of the space has not been very good. I have so much inspiration from your videos for my new flat. I am going to implement your multifunctional approach to our furniture. Thank you for this inspiration!
I love how proactive this video is 💕
Really great video. You showed the pros and the cons on your channel. No one has a perfect life and glad you pointed this out!
YOUR VIDEOS ARE GREAT, SIMPLE, INFORMATIVE, AND VERY CREATIVE. YOUR VOICE MANIFIES THE LEVEL OF INTEREST. THANK YOU!
this pretty much summarize the regular life in mexico at home for most of the people. Liked your video a lot. Greetings
Great advice and insights. I just moved to HK, and it’s all about small spaces. Plus I’ve realized that I’ve lived with way too much stuff that I really haven’t used! Time to embrace the minimalist lifestyle..
I live in a 500sqft apartment in the NE US. While I understand the efficiency of small homes and apartments, I guess efficiency is not what it’s all about for me. As a creative,
I need room for my stuff. Yes, as a Gen Xer, I also still have a lot of stuff. I hadn’t anticipated staying here as long as I have but, May be stuck here for even longer. Perhaps, until I die. But, I don’t think I would like to go any smaller, even if I purged most of my items. I have 2 cats and they need to breathe, too.
I guess perspectives are everything. Watching from a third world country. That looks like a normal sized apartment. 🤔
I'm gonna watch the rest of your videos
60m2 is the smallest (common) starter home in my country with 2 bedrooms, living room, kitchen + dining room, bathroom.
Same girl. I know families of 4 that live in this space.
I'm from a third world country but my house is bigger than this by far. I stay alone in a 2 bedroom house and It even has its own big yard which my dog loves. I've always been perplexed by how tiny American apartments are! PS I pay $150 for rent.
@@maimee2angel Oh wow where do you live?
Here in Poland it used to be so decades ago, but now in big cities considering you're renting with a partner you usually start out renting something more or less 40m2. For buying to live in there yourself it may be above 50m2 however not that many people can afford to buy when young without aid from their parents.
I'm from a 3rd world country too and Ive always noticed that rents and real estate prices are quite low compared to big western cities
Epic ending ! I watch a few of his video from time to times 😂. Living with all of these external pressions force you to excel, sir. Keep going that way.
I live in a 37 m2 apartment, and concur. It’s a nice apartment and I live alone, so noise isn’t really a problem, but the worst is the dust and problems with smells. I hate having the entire place smell of dinner after cooking.
I’m moving to a larger one soon, and can’t wait to be able to cook without stinking up the whole place. 😊
I also chose to have a tabletop dishwasher, because I can’t stand doing the dishes by hand.
I love your videos! I'm excited to see your channel grow!
A video with Daniel, Matt D'Avella, Nathaniel Drew and Thomas frank would be a mother of all videos.
Graham fan here, smashed the like button coz I laughed out loud when you referenced him lololol
(but I also reeeeally love your channel & watch every video you put out)
Your content is really fresh! Looking forward for more videos from u! 😃
We live in a small spaced house and a hoarder mother. It's the worse combination. 😭😭😭 I do the cleaning and it's so HARD. I can't wait to have wider space of my own.
A ten-foot high ceiling is the saving grace of my micro loft in downtown L.A. Thanks to rent control, just $704 USD monthly with all utilities!! Keeping clear lots of open floor space makes it appear roomy. A tall shelving unit, twin bed and an armchair instead of a sofa. Headphones and a portable AC for noise control. My fave new toy is a $75 washing machine that does not hook up to the plumbing, which fits nicely in the bathroom.
I love that you included your solutions/alternatives, love your optimism! :)
thanks for your continuously high quality and soothing videos~
I really hated the hair thing so now I’m a bald chick.
Bald move
That sounds amazing!
How long? Do you love it? Id love to!
Penny Nickels Had pretty short hair since November of last year, in December I decided to buzz it off since I was sick of having to style what little hair on me and I really like it. Especially when I’m shaved really close so that I never have to slick my cowlick down. I am anticipating getting another job this year so I’m growing it back out to a small pixie cut with faded sides and once I secure the bag it’s getting shaved off again. I was really hesitant to shave my head because someone who I was aquatinted with did it and told me that she regretted it; but I realized that it has to do a lot with your own personal style. I dress really minimalist on the masculine side so the baldness really took my look onto the next level. If you’re someone who dresses conventionally feminine I would advise you to consider what you’ll look like with your outfits because I know I would have hated having a bald cut if I was into dressing frilly. I’m rambling at this point, but TLDR: Best haircut i’ve ever had.
Penny Nickels Forgot to mention that immature people in your life will be obnoxiously honest about how they think your hair looks and if that’s something you can’t wave off then it may be too early. So many people would say that I looked better with long hair and at first I was in shock that people had the nerve to say something like that so bluntly but when I looked in the mirror I liked myself more so I waved all the comments off haha.
Thanks, this is great. I really enjoy minimalist architecture, but find most “tiny house” video on RUclips more of a fantasy replayed in slightly different format repeatedly.
All you mentioned in this video I resonate with when living in a studio apartment. It’s great not that I have a bit more space and things as lifestyle changes!
Very well balanced video featuring cons and solutions to micro living. Well done.
With the washing, maybe get a washer dryer combo? I heard a lot of good things ^_^
Kitchen? Maybe a half drawer dish washer! If not then a tool to help with the kitchen is an over the sink drying rack :)
Super nice video. Thank you :)
I’m really grateful that in my city, new studios are built with washer/dryer in unit and dishwashers and full fridges. As well as rooftop and common area spaces to get out of the house and not actually spend money being out. I would not live in one without these things
Love the thoughtful videos on very practical 'life-subjects' we all try to master in our lives in all distinctive ways. Not that -- one is better than the other -- but more like having many different perspectives can make life more colorful without much effort on one's own!! @Daniel 's viewpoints are more minimalistic in nature that is pretty inspiring and adaptive -- at least I feel that way :P
Thanks for not ending the video "there."
I'm a huge fan of custom made ear plugs which eliminate almost all noise except alarms. Fridge and washer noises are barely discernible. I've had mine for more than a decade and have provided huge value for the $100 I paid for them (on sale regularly $150 at the time). I rely on them for sleeping, they're brilliant when travelling, and I recommend them without hesitation.
Thankyou so much for this vid, I have just moved from a 2 bedroom home into a much smaller 1 bedroom unit, I now feel a lot better for not having a full handle on moving.......for me its a work in progress :)
I live in a small apartment, but there's a huge difference from a small and a micro/studio. I have doors to close, space to change my views and colors. I also have a laundry separated from the kitchen and living spaces. There are options between the studio apartment and the mac mansion.
Really enjoy watching your (optimistic) content. I'm actually in the process of getting the things I need to make the bed frame like you did, but modified for how I need to use the space. Thanks for the ideas!
8:08 I suggest you use a circuit fused extension cord and do not overload it. Use another wall outlet with an another extension cord for the other appliances to prevent hazards. More power to your channel and stay safe :)
What a nice and smooth video! Loved the "teaching" touch, thnks!
YES. I live in a small bachelor apartment and I feel this pain.... the difficulty keeping things looking tidy because it's so concentrated, the smell of my dinner creeping into my closet, all of it.
I watched 2 of ur videoa and must admit - interesting content presented exactly brief as should be without getting boarded 👍
The noise thing is actually something I enjo just because I have tinnitus. I appreciate those sounds a lot and it actually helps me sleep.
I enjoy watching small living videos, but I need a lot of space. Thanks for sharing.
I am not a fan of small spaces. It does not mean I love clunky chunky mansions. A big modern sleek clean home is what a aspire for. A space to unwind, rejuvenate and relax by yourself and when friends or family visit.
I have a bigger space and it’s STILL hard to clean lmao
I have 3 dogs, two are large breeds. It is never ending!
Great video. I’ve occupied small spaces all my life. When you live alone is perfect but sharing space with someone else could be unpleasant at certain times. COVID 19 makes it worse.
I live in a high density city in a high rise. We have a countertop dishwasher. You can load half a normal dishwasher's worth of dishes and it doesn't really take up that much counter space it's such a lifesafer,. Also, we have a washing machine that is also a dryer, 2 machines in 1...plus we have a dehumidifier that has a clothes drying function, this is key, a normal dehumidifier doesn't gets clothes dry the same way a dehumidifier with this function built in. ❤️
The clatter, the noise happens in enormous apartments too, even more so if you have kids at home.
Smells were a big deal when we were a family of 5 in an 860 sf apartment. We disguised the diaper pail as a planter on the stoop; it was all good until I accidentally locked my toddler outside (only for 5 minutes).
There was a strict rule NOT to close the bathroom door after #2. No hotboxing the next person allowed.
I would never live in an apartment where I could not open the windows at every opportunity. Frische luft!
I'm currently living in a portable cabin in my sisters backyard while I save for a studio apartment and fortunately I'm a clean freak so I immediately clean up everything as I go which I highly reccomend. I also reccomend a diffuser with essential oils and cracking the window while you're out to help with smell
Am I the only person who likes keeping my small place very neat and tidy? I share a small space about 80m2 with two other people, and I find that although keeping it clean is a hassle (so. much. hair. And it seems that the kitchen floor has to be cleaned every day), keeping it neat is quite easy. Just don't have so much stuff (we keep a kettle+thermos, microwave and small toaster oven, those two came with the house) and be organized. I put everything away at the end of the day. When we moved to this place, we got rid of a sandwich maker, toaster and other things since the toaster oven is enough for that. I just wish the kitchen had a decent backsplash. Air quality? Yes, that is a problem, and that is why the windows are kept constantly open and why I keep a bouquet of lavander in the kitchen.
No. I like to keep things tidy. When I get up from my chair I refold and drape the throw so that when I come back to it (doesn't matter that I walk only 3 meters) it looks artful and inviting. It's like that nice feeling you get when in a nice restaurant. If you leave the table the waiter has refolded your napkin by the time you return. It's easy enough to do.
I live alone in 250 square feet and none of these have been a problem for me. My kitchen gadgets include a microwave, blender, air popper, and slow cooker. My bed is a roll-up mattress that goes in the closet during the day.
lived in a studio apartment, for 2 years, and all you said its true. We also had ppl over all the time, and it was so awkard.
I love this video. Fluid editing and content with a great conclusion.. I was about to comment how you should have a masterclass or something then you brought up skillshare. Maybe a skill share class?🤷🏾♀️
for dust, Robot vacuum cleaner can help, Swiffer duster also, but not cheap, and generate lots of waste.
I love roomed-off interior layouts as opposed to open plan, which frankly I never got. Particularly with kitchens, open plan allows smells to permeate throughout other spaces. This might be all well and fine if you're baking, but not so much if it's the day after a dinner party you hosted and all the dirty pots, pans, and wares are piled in the sink waiting to be washed. Even the biggest of open plan spaces aren't immune from this. To me, the best design may be to have distinct rooms, some of which can be opened into one space with the use of folding or pocket doors. This also addresses the need for quiet and personal space when it's more than one person living there
Thank you for bringing up this topic. I asked you the question about unavoidable sounds in my house.
Because of the smell, I'm not a great fan of open kitchen (besides that my laziness leads to a messy kitchen)
If you hav an issue with smells get an air purifier near the kitchen doorway and itll really help with the smells and will also help with the dust
Noise : Cheap walls and reflective hard surfaces will amplify that. I put absorbers in my room and it's much nicer to my ears. No extraneous reflections, except for the sound transmission through the concrete slab
Thanks for the video. Very well structured and enjoyable to watch at the same time.
I wish it would have been more tips about technologies such as an air purifier, noise-canceling headphones. Although, I understand it is not minimalistic to have more devices that are not very necessary.
Sounds: our living room is very big and we have very few items in there. So the sound is reflected over and over. We solved this problems by hanging a white, fluffy curtain at the white wall. It absorbs the sounds very good. At x-mas we hang a curtain with a printed tree at this curtain rod. So we can decorate for x-mas without much clutter.
This was a great video. In my tiny 29sm living space, the kitchen is by far my simplest area. I have nothing more than a microwave, a toaster oven and a kettle for appliances (and fridge I guess). Not only does it keep space down it’s forced me to become more particular with what I eat and I opt for healthier options. Functional storage is so hard to find on a budget though so would love to see your take :)
Thank you for your honesty! 🥰
Thank you for making this really important video. Healthy spaces and housing with dignity should be a human right. Even though I love how innovative people can be with tiny spaces we must not allow our economic systems to force us into smaller and smaller spaces. #DignityInHousingForEveryone
I feel the same even if I'm living in a rather large home with my family. Bec of quarantine, I basically just live in my room. It really frustrating to not have your own space.
I'm so used to the univ residence hall that had all the tables, chairs, spaces, etc.
You can easily fix the dryer issue by replacing your machine with a Washer Dryer, they are not expensive, I just bought an Italian-made Whirlpool 2-in-1 for HKD4000 (GBP400)!
i can suggest a game changer for fellow studio dwellers , regarding not havin dryer ....u can get this thing called a ' jml dry buddy'..and there is cheaper unbranded ones on amazon etc( the non branded ones wrk just as well)
its electric dries ur stuff in quick time and the best part is it folds up to be stored away easily..very easy to get up and down ( i litrally do it every other day)
this awesome video.!! got some new ideas what to do in our small apartment.! 👍🏻
watching your videos is like watching a movie. i loved it! well done
Loved the classic karate move on the pillow...
You are right, i built mini house and now i have a 3 kids, i have to clean after them every hour, plis more cloth need to find a place, of course the toys.
That ending music... I HAVE A MIGHTY NEED... to know where it came from. Thank you.
"Micro" and "Small" are relative. How big is your apartment? We live in Hong Kong and the smallest new micro apartments are around 150 sq ft. If you have one at 300-350, that's considered a bliss! A new micro apartment of around 220-250 sq ft would cost you about GBP700K to 950K, so even to own one is not as easy as it seems for most of us! Now I hope you see how lucky you are to live in your "big" apartment!