In 2006, my partner and I purchased a charming one-bedroom co-op in a lovely suburban area. At the time, it felt like a wise choice. It was a snug space for just the two of us, offered a straightforward commute to the city, and was located in a peaceful neighborhood where we envisioned starting a family. Our plan was simple: stay for a few years, sell at a profit, and then upgrade to a larger home suitable for raising kids.
However, just as we were about to finalize the purchase, I discovered I was expecting. Shortly after, our first child arrived. Then the real estate market took a nosedive, and selling our compact apartment would have meant losing nearly all our savings.
To make a long story short, we ended up living in that cozy little apartment for seven years, even welcoming a second child during that time. Although it wasn’t the ideal living situation, by the time we finally moved, we were more than ready for a change. Yet, the low mortgage allowed me to be a stay-at-home parent during those early years, which was incredibly important to me. This experience taught me some invaluable life lessons.
You Don’t Need Much to Raise Happy Kids
Having limited space meant we couldn’t accumulate a lot of toys, especially the large, flashy ones. Let’s face it—most toys end up forgotten after a brief period of excitement. Instead, we spent quality time outdoors, exploring the wonders of nature. At home, we engaged in reading, science experiments, and messy art projects. While I may not have been the perfect mom, living simply encouraged us to focus on more meaningful and creative activities together.
Children Value People More than Possessions
With reduced housing expenses, my partner and I found we didn’t have to work as much. He juggled a couple of part-time jobs while I stayed home with the kids, occasionally working evenings or weekends. My eldest son benefitted from spending ample time with both parents in his formative years. Despite our concerns about living in such a small space, those years are now cherished memories.
Less Space Means Less Cleaning
Cleaning our 600-square-foot apartment took me about an hour. That’s it!
Perspective on Housing Around the World
While our apartment may have felt cramped to us, we lived comfortably compared to many families globally. Most people around the world reside in much smaller spaces, often sharing with extended family. Many lack basic amenities like dishwashers or clean drinking water. For a striking visualization, check out this poignant photo series showcasing children’s sleeping arrangements worldwide.
Checking Your Privilege
Whenever I felt frustrated about our tiny apartment (which was often, especially as my second child began to crawl), I reminded myself of our privileges. Yes, it was tight, but we had everything we needed—a clean, comfortable home stocked with food. We lived quite well.
Clutter Can Be Overwhelming in Small Spaces
Despite my attempts to maintain perspective, I prefer an organized home. In a small space, just a few toys scattered around can make it feel chaotic. To manage this, I became quite adept at decluttering and organizing, a skill that has served me well, even after moving to a larger home.
Gratitude for What You Have
While living in that apartment, I often complained and worried about how we would eventually sell it. Yet, I learned to appreciate our living space. It catered perfectly to our needs as young parents. At times, it felt like a cozy nest for our little family. (And yes, we still found room for intimacy—ever heard of the living room?)
Two years ago, we upgraded to a three-bedroom duplex with a yard. While it’s still modest, it feels like a mansion compared to our previous home. It’s wonderful to have room to breathe and a space to retreat when necessary. Still, I’ll always remember our quaint 600-square-foot apartment fondly and have no regrets about our time there. In fact, I sometimes find myself missing it.
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In summary, my experience living in a small apartment with my family taught me numerous lessons about gratitude, the importance of relationships, and the benefits of a simplified lifestyle. While we have since moved on to a larger home, the memories and insights from those years remain invaluable.