Well, some of you know that Nic and I now have a place to live! :) Last week we went to view a unit, and as of February 15th, we will be living in a small 215 sq. ft. one-room apartment. It’s on the top floor of a 5-floor building, located in a beautiful neighbourhood about a 20-25 minute walk from downtown. In fact, I wrote an article on Moneyville earlier this week about it - but boy did I get slammed for that idea! I even did a radio interview on NewsTalk1010, but instead of it actually being a story on why I decided to live in a tiny apartment (and the benefits of small space living), the two announcers pretty much just made fun of me for 5 straight minutes. Awesome.
To be honest, I’m a little bit shocked at all of the criticism. There were some harsh comments – some of them racist (!) – but those ones got deleted rather quickly. Here are a few that I’d like to share and respond to.
My response: We chose to live in a small space, and yes, I’m proud of our decision to cut back in this area. I’m not here preaching small space living and minimalism - I’m talking about understanding your needs vs. wants, and how you want to live your life. Of all people, I realize that it’s beneficial to earn more money to make my life better – which is how I’m able to afford to come to Europe in the first place! I have worked my butt off earning multiple streams of income over the last 5 years. And sure, I’d love to “make a few extra hundred dollars a month” – we all would – and I’m trying as hard as I can to grow my business. But if and when I do make that extra money, I’d rather spend it on travel and exploring Germany and the rest of Europe, than on a bigger apartment.
My response: Seriously? There is “absolutely no reason to cheapen one’s living accommodations to save a few bucks”? What about when you’re in debt, or you want to save money? We chose a small apartment in one of the most desirable areas in town. There are no cockroaches, the apartment is clean, and the neighbourhood is beautiful. What we value right now is pretty much everything other than our apartment. I have a mortgage, and BF isn’t getting paid that much – so we had to make a choice. You can’t have everything that you want in life.
My response: I’m not bragging, I’m just trying to make a point that we don’t NEED as much space as we have here in our homes in North America. My choice is based on my lifestyle, just as your choice to have a massive deck is based on your lifestyle. I fully believe that 215 sq. ft. is functional for us, and I don’t see why we would pay to have more space than what we need.
My response: Comments like yours used to really get to me, but they don’t anymore. You don’t have to read my writing, but you do. You also don’t have to take the time to comment, but you did. Maybe you don’t agree with everything that I write about, but I’m doing my job by generating discussion.
If a big apartment or a huge deck is what makes you happy, then go for it. If you want your $5 latte from Starbucks every day, fine by me. No judgement here! We’re all different, and we all have our priorities, and I am extremely grateful that I know who I am, and what makes me feel fulfilled in life.
A big home won’t make me happy – which is why I’m living in a small 1-bedroom townhouse in Vancouver (even though I could have afforded a bigger home). My “dream job” won’t make me happy, so I’m doing the next best thing to ensure that I satisfy what I love to do most.
These are the choices that I’ve made. I’ve chosen to live in a small, cheap apartment because 1) I have a mortgage to pay at home, 2) we barely have any stuff with us, 3) we won’t be spending much time in the apartment anyway – other than to sleep and eat, and 4) we want to save as much as possible in order to go exploring on the weekends. We are also trying to accomplish one 3-4 day trip each month, as well as travel for most of August. It just wouldn’t be possible if we were paying more rent. And I don’t know about you, but I’d rather spend my time hanging out in Zurich, Amsterdam, Prague, Stockholm, and Venice, than in a bigger apartment. :)
90 Responses to “Why I chose to live in a 215 sq. ft. apartment”
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You don’t have to justify yourself to anyone. It’s your and your bf’s decision on where to live, and you shouldn’t be judged for that.
I love your blog, and read it all the time! I don’t always agree with what you have to say or what decisions you’ve made that you write about, but I find your articles interesting. While I could never live in a space that’s only 215 sq. ft., it’s awesome that you are able to.
I feel the same way. We (2 ppl) live in a 179 sq. ft. flat in Germany, and while we are looking for something a *little* bigger, I would totally rather tour europe than spend 900 euro/month on apartment space I don’t need. The longer i’m here, the more I realize that we North Americans have a twisted understanding of how much we “need”
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[...] while this hostel is still cheaper than a hotel, if you break down the cost of our new apartment, we will spend $28 (€20) each night for the two of us combined. Which works out to $790/month [...]
wow – i had no idea that people could be so vicious about your decision. YOU are the best judge of how much space you need. If that’s 1000 sq feet, and you can afford/want it, great. If it’s 100 sq feet, and you can afford/want it, that’s great too! Like so many other commenters before me, Krystal – you definitely do NOT need to justify a rational, well thought out, works for you and your lifestyle decision!
Mean people are lame
I am surprised and disappointed by the responses to your Moneyville article; I think the decisions you’re making are well thought out and totally appropriate to your life. Just ignore the BS and have a wicked time touring Europe and enjoying yourself. When you look back at this time in your life you won’t regret the square footage; you’ll be grateful that you experienced as much as you did.
Totally respect your decision. BF and I are apartment hunting for our first home in Toronto, and due to budget constraints I’ve gone from “need a two bedroom” to “how small is TOO small?” Currently, I’m wrestling with the “is a JR 1BR too small for our lifestyle?” – and while I think it just might be for us, especially when he is self-employed and home a lot, I have to give you serious props for making it work. And hey, if I was overseas and wanting to travel in all my free time, when possible… I’d be making a tiny place work, too. It’s all about what’s most important to you – clearly some of the Moneyville readers have different “must haves” than you, but they shouldn’t be slamming you for it!
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[...] Give me Back my Five Bucks Krystal wrote an article titled “Why I chose to live in a 215 sq. ft. apartment“. Krystal wrote about her living arrangements and got a ton of negative comments, but she [...]
You know, there is a reason why the majority of people are in debt. It’s because they whip out their claws and start attacking anyone who talks about cutting back and only buying/renting what you need vs. what you want. Obviously, you hit a nerve with many people.
Your article wasn’t promoting tiny square footage, it was a very thoughtful argument as to why you personally made that decision. You no where stated, “everyone should live in 215sqft!” So I would hazard a guess that people who are obviously so angry at you are the very ones living in 900sqft apartments with new furniture, swimming in debt, pissed off that you’re living it up in Germany, have a thriving career, and a loving relationship, without being weighted down with possessions and more room than you need.
Remember, girl, haters gonna hate! It’d definitely get to me too, but one of my favourite quotes of all time is: “You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.” – Winston Churchill.
Keep standing up for frugality. Keep standing up for making huge, intelligent life decisions. Keep standing up for female entrepreneurs and trailblazers.
In the case of Moneyville, I’d rather have a group of haters than blend in with the crowd. Keep living your life on your terms, lady, and keep rocking the free world.
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Thanks Rabbit. I heart you. :)
[...] Give me Back my Five Bucks Krystal wrote an article titled “Why I chose to live in a 215 sq. ft. apartment“. Krystal wrote about her living arrangements and got a ton of negative comments, but she [...]
Everything you and your supportive commenters have said so far is true, but here’s what else I don’t get about this: why don’t people also understand that it’s your TEMPORARY living situation? Could you handle living in 215 sq. ft. for the rest of your life? Probably not. But for your current situation, it is covering all of your needs!
I can’t believe people made racist remarks about this… that makes me sad for society.
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When we were first married my husband and I lived in a 256 sq. ft. apartment for several years while saving for a down payment on a house. There was no hardship about it. We enjoyed living there. Good for you and Nic for getting out there and doing things.
I can’t believe how cruel people are being over something that has nothing to do with them. This is your space to write about whatever you want! I don’t understand why people feel the need to criticize you… its not like your living space has any effect on their lives.
Keep doing your thing!! Love your blog :)
Just wanted to voice my support! It’s super cool that you are taking this leap to Europe and honestly, I just think some of these ‘haters’ are just jealous. You go girl!!
[...] GMBMFB – Krystal strikes back, or should I say “The Empire Strikes Back” After writing her post on Moneyville, in which she explained her living arrangements in Germany, a few not so friendly comments ensued. In response to some harsh comments, Krystal strikes back with her post called; Why I chose to live in a 215 sq. foot apartment. [...]
[...] ton of money, but we also want to see so many different places. So sacrifices will have to be made. Like staying in a 215 sq. ft. apartment. :) We also know we’re going to have to cut back on some aspect of traveling. And we’re [...]
When my husband and I were 25, we went to New York for two weeks and stayed in a hotel that was about 100 square feet (about half of our current 220-square foot bedroom). All it had was a bed, small desk and dresser, and washroom. We didn’t even notice. We were out for 16+ hours a day. Considering all you have to do and see during your time in Europe, 200 square feet really is all you need. Why would you go to Europe to spend all you time inside? Also, when we went to France/Italy we picked our hotels based on walkability as well. They were also pretty small. Again, we were there for nearly a month and didn’t mind at all. A few times I even washed clothes in the sink and left them up to dry while we were out. We know one couple who saw all of Europe driving/living in a camper. You only live once :)
OMG those negative comments are NUTS. Who are those people? Money Rabbit had it so right above when (s)he said
“Keep standing up for frugality. Keep standing up for making huge, intelligent life decisions. Keep standing up for female entrepreneurs and trailblazers.”
I think anything people do that goes against the mainstream, right or wrong, is unfortunately going to be questioned. I just had no idea people could be so adamantly opposed to living simply and within your means.
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Wow! where did those trolls come from? I think you did a great job of responding and I don’t really understand why other people are getting defensive about YOUR decision. Maybe people are uncomfortable with ideas of being different :). Who cares?! Sounds like you are having a great adventure in Germany!
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Go you! Forget what the lame people are saying. You are the one who is paying for the apartment, not them. I think small living is a very fantastic way to save money. Small living is even a way of life for people who live in places like New York. I think you are fantastic, and your blog rocks, too.
P.S. I would love to see pics of your new place!
Yes I definitely plan on posting photos once we get settled in. Maybe in a few weeks! :)
Wow, cannot even believe some of those comments. Yikes, but you handled it well. They must not be happy with their lives which is why they feel the need to attack you.
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Krystal, you are a total badass and I commend you on your small (and inevitably wonderful) living space. Let these haters be your motivators! What jerks.
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I have read your blog for a long time and I think that your budgeting and aggressive pay down of debt are very admirable. Just one piece of feedback. Your no-spend days are fine in Canada but you are traveling. It would be interesting to know what you see and can do on a no spend day in Germany. My husband and I walked across France for two months on a very limited budget and saw some seriously amazing stuff for nothing. That is living. I am sure that you do it. I would love to read about that side of your adventure. Happy travels.
Krystal,
I’ve been lurking this blog for a few months now, but I’m breaking my silence today!
I relate to you on many levels (Asian-born Canuck transplant, racked up some debt in school and post-graduation on frivolities, trying to get things under control) – and I have to say that I agree 100% with you here.
You’ve done a lot of ballsy things to get to where you are, and I’ve learned a great deal about how I should approach my debt (If I’m lucky, I’ll have paid it off all by September of this year).
I don’t see how you living in a small apartment in Europe when you have a mortgage in Vancouver (one of the most expensive cities in Canada) and when you won’t be needing the space, is a problem at all. If you can be comfortable, frugal, and prudent, I don’t see how it’s NOT a good decision at all (are these people smoking something? If you’re trying to be as frugal as possible, why should you pay for two full-sized apartments on both sides of the pond?).
Don’t listen to him and enjoy Europe – there’s a lot of amazing stuff outside your small apartment you’ll want to see – you won’t be spending your time inside anyway :P
[...] Posted on February 17, 2012 in housing As promised, here are a couple of photos of our teeny tiny apartment. :) There’s nothing special or fancy about it, but it’s clean and functional. And with [...]
Although there are man comments, there is so much truth to what they are saying.
Look, it’s clear Krystal doesn’t make much money at only $750/week, and has a mortgage she’s got to feed in a property market that is in a bubble and going to explode.
I’d be scared too, and live like a poor student as well. The sad thing is, you just know Krystal and her boyfriend are going to break up given the unsustainability of their living arrangement. A year later, she’ll be left with nothing.
At least she’s entertaining us! :)
You’re basing my income on one weekly spending recap? Come on. If you’re going to be a troll on somebody’s blog, at least be informed.
“Make do with less” is a far better mantra.
Look at all the people driving to work (alone!) everyday in their SUVs just because of the possibility that they might buy a (mini)-fridge or some other ridiculous rare event.
Wow! They are harsh. I think living in a small apartment knowing you’ll only be in it for less than a year is a wise decision. I don’t think the entire purpose for leaving Canada was to root yourselves in Germany. You have repeatedly wrote about traveling and having a big space to live would not support that plan. We are a small family of 3 and I can see ourselves living in that place for a few months when we travel long-term. Your life right now is one that I would love to have (and I will!)–such freedom in all aspects! You go, Krystal! :)
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