What I've Learned: Living in a 100 sq ft studio in NYC

When you can use a five foot tape to measure to check the dimensions of your apartment, you know it's small.

My NYC studio apartment is about 6.5 ft x 15.5 ft, or 100.75 square feet. The kitchenette has a two burner stovetop, a college dorm room style refrigerator, and a  12 in x 12 in sink. There is a table on wheels that also functions as my desk and meal prep area. A full sized bed sits in front of a closet. The bathroom is surprisingly roomy with a full shower and tub.



I’ve been referring to it as my shoebox. A friend recently described it as "submarine style quarters," and I kind of like that even better.

So, why did I choose to live in this little submarine I've come to adore?

Money: At $1,900/month including utilities, rent comes in under the budget I set out and is at least $500 cheaper than anything I was finding on Airbnb. Bonus: I can pay my rent with a credit card which = points and miles, because I'm all about that #travelhacking life.

Location: it’s in a safe neighborhood and close to all forms of public transportation. It was a seven minute walking commute door-to-door to my first assignment. Best. Commute. Ever.

Sanctuary: I don't have roommates! I may live in a micro space, but it's alllll mine.

Flexibility: it’s a month-to-month lease. This is ideal for the nature of contract/temporary work.

"Furnished:" I put this in quotes because, in this case, it simply means it came with the bed and small table/desk/meal prep station because that's all there is room for!

What I learned:

1. A girl needs more natural light in her life. The one window in the living space (aka, not the bathroom) looks into an alley. This means the apartment is quiet but also gets little direct sunlight. 
2. I like big sinks and I cannot lie. Washing dishes in square 24 inches of sink and limited counter space is irritating. 
3. I’ve logged many splendid hours reading outside in city parks, something I wouldn’t do nearly as much if I had a bigger indoor space. 

By the time I leave I will have lived in this apartment for 8 months. I think back to the 600 square foot, one bedroom apartment I had in 2016. I thought on a daily basis about how much of a waste of space about half of it was. I don't have that feeling here because I utilize every foot I possibly can.

I’ve learned wouldn’t live in 100 square feet indefinitely, but I’m overall enjoying this tiny living experience. I think 200-400 square feet will be ideal for my future tiny abode.

As long as there’s a big, deep sink.