@its-all-good

Cannot believe how small these are. My first solo apartment was in 1989 and was around 700 square feet in Oakland, California (it was considered average size). I paid $525.00 including parking and had views of Lake Merritt and downtown. When another unit became vacant, it would take months to fill. Today this same apartment goes for $3,500.00 and could be rented within a few weeks.

@ciaobella8963

That video was so cool. I lived in Manhattan for over 40 years. Our original home in 1969 was a Lower East Side one room, very small studio apartment with a small galley kitchen but a decent narrow bathroom with a full tub. We paid $35 a month for it. I watched the World Trade Centers being built from the 2 windows we had that faced downtown. Then we got a one bedroom apartment one floor up a couple of years later. The ceilings were high and the rooms were large. The living room was on the corner of the building and had 3 large windows. We paid $85 a month for that apartment haha. Those were the days. I miss living in The City, even though I live in Italy now haha.

@RareEarthSeries

If the woman who'd moved to Hawaii reads these comments: she might thing about installing a 'sink twice' on her toilet. They're common in small Japanese apartments, and use the water that refills the toilet as a faucet above the tank, allowing for hand-washing in bathrooms without a full sink. I have one in my bathroom and it works great.

@jekalambert9412

As an introvert, I totally understand how privileged it feels to live alone in your own space after coping with the stress of living with housemates.  I get it why 90sf could be an enticing option.  Great video!  Thanks for giving us a peek into how people are adapting to an inflated housing market that limits how much space an average person can afford.

@BlackMagickMike

NYC is more than Manhattan. Manhattan is ridiculous. I lived on Long Island for 3.5 years until Sept 2021 and worked in the city. I was living with family while working on getting established there. The costs for apartments was exorbitant overall. What is missing in your conversations is the up front fees AND proof of income in multiples of the rent you have to have to even be considered for an apartment in greater NYC. It's a BAMBOOZLE and overrated. It's all for the sake of caché. I don't even feel bad for folk who want to endure it. I moved to Tulsa for an overall lower cost of living with a ballet, a symphony, abotanical garden, a zoo, an aquarium, 2 planetaria, an international airport, a Saks, AND a half-height copy of the original WTC tower by the SAME architect. I live in a walkable neighborhood adjacent to a university and have multiple parks near by. My commute is 15 minutes. My duplex has SPACE and a yard for $1100/mo. I don't miss NYC.

@laikanbarth

I love how you included the history of New York apartments in your reporting. Very well done and very interesting.

@madisonlee6752

Such a stroll down memory lane. I didn't  realize how long I have been following  your videos.   You sparked my interest in convertible  furniture .  Well done ..thank you

@SoulfulVeg

I remember many of these videos from when they 1st aired. I was living in a 3200 sf house and working like a slave. Since then, I've drastically downsized, even living out of a backpack for a year and then moving overseas. I'm back in the US since 2017  and still living much smaller. I'm much happier now that I dont let stuff rule me.

@Alobger

These early videos are mainly why I still follow you. You make fascinating, engageing and interesting work.

@desktopkitty

My first apartment used to be housing building of dorm rooms.  They had been part of the campus housing for a nearby university back in the 1950s and 60s.  Some time in the late 70s or early 80s they were renovated into very small single occupancy apartments. Everything was all in one room; even the toilet and shower were not in a separate room, so it really was meant for 1 person.  They were half the size and half the price of most 1 bedroom apartments in the area.  It was a good way to have your own place rather than sharing an apartment.  Some of my friends didn't know how I could stand it, thought I'd be claustrophobic in such a small area.  But I grew up in a chaotic, violent home.  It was my personal private space, and I didn't have to worry about anyone breaking out into fights.  It was so peaceful and quiet.  My tiny place felt more like home than any 2,000 sq ft house I lived in before.

@darlenebattle2713

What a great video!! Very historic, you cover interesting parts of the city and I love how they're modernizing these tiny flats. Makes perfect sense to me. I'm fascinated with SRO's and saw my first one three years ago. I was in a shelter at the time and was looking for a place; now I have a one bedroom in the Bronx. 😅

@sharonadlam3195

Gosh, didn't realise I had been watching your videos for more than a decade!!!!  I remember all the early ones included here.  Well done Kirsten, your work never gets old.  😊😊

@Itried20takennames

The irony is that the small space, convertible furniture tends to be really expensive, and a niche market (people who can afford expensive furniture, but not a regular apartment…so basically big cities, like NY or Boston.

@philvale5724

Hi 👋, Kirsten, It is great that you are showing us very different living styles and culture, from people, just starting out a new life new beginning, two people that have achieved great heights, with amazing properties, I am living in a converted Moulin/Mill , each floor is 11m x 7m , my ex and I purchased a property back in 2013, and because we are now X, I still have not finished the property. It’s still needs a lot of work doing to it, it does have three bedrooms, one ensuite, one shared bathroom and a utility, and a very large kitchen diner five divided off the lounge area so I can keep it warm easier in the winter time, 
Look forward to the next territorial seen amazing properties , thank you for sharing, Phil from the moulin France.

@pearlhartney9

Showing clips from over 10 years ago and I remember watching them. Been watching your channel for over 10 years! And as if to clarify that your very grown up looking oldest daughter saying Mom at the end.

@EastSide-qc5oy

As someone who has lived in NYC for 15 years, I can tell you these kinds of micro apartments can work out really well for some people, great for a young person willing to be flexible, but they get REALLY REALLY OLD after a while. I’ll be leaving NYC as soon as I figure out the next step. I’ll miss some things about the city but I won’t miss this nonsense.

@hwendyhwhip8452

LOVE this format that includes historical context & footage, both yours & archival. Your channel is enduringly fascinating.  Thank you!! ❤❤❤

@RossHall-UK

The final apartment struck a chord. The dream of living in a 4 bed detached house is great, right up until the stairs are too much and it's too far to get the shopping. I recall a video of a successful elderly couple in Australia who had done something similar - sold their big house and bought a small apartment they customized in readiness for declining health. I'd like to think I have the wits to do something similar before my knees finally go.

@supasal9321

I recently sailed on a 52ft yacht for a week with strangers. I expected it to be somewhat uncomfortable but I never expected that I’d walk away w claustrophobia. I’m 65 w many life experiences including trekking to high altitudes. As I watch this video I’m overcome by the feelings I got when heading to bed and sharing that super tight space w a stranger. Eek

@lanaschnekenburger2736

The guy w glasses ( hair cutter and editor) is going places.  He’s humble and motivated and is very organized with his space.   I don’t think the small space bothers him enough to not focus on where he wants to go in life.  I wish him great things!