Woman left her one-bedroom apartment in New York City to live ‘minimal lifestyle’ in a 143-square-foot home in California – which costs her $1,600 a month but has no heating, indoor stove or TOILET DOOR
Think you were cramped for living space?
Well, this woman’s tiny apartment in Santa Monica, California might make you reconsider your problems, since she only has 140 square feet to play with.
In a recent YouTube videodesigner Sung Yoo opens the door to her $1,600-a-month micro home, and it quickly becomes clear that being organized is the key to living in such a cramped space.
During the walk-through, she reveals that the bathroom has no door – as a space-saving tactic – and says that sleeping in the bed is “a bit like being on a boat,” given the cabin-like feel.
Sung Yoo opens the door to her micro home in Santa Monica, California, for which she pays $1,600 per month. Above you can see the apartment, sandwiched between two other buildings
It quickly becomes clear that being well organized is the key to living in such a tight space
Sung says sleeping in bed is “a bit like being on a boat,” given the cabin-like feel. However, she describes the sleeping nook as ‘actually very warm and cozy’ and ‘not claustrophobic’.
Under the bed there is a drawer that serves as a wardrobe space. Sung says she rolls her clothes to save space and prevent wrinkles
However, Sung describes the sleeping nook as “actually very warm and cozy” and “not claustrophobic.”
It also features a ‘full-size bed’ and an LED light system with seven different settings, so Sung can change the mood whenever she wants.
Under the bed there is a drawer that serves as a wardrobe space.
Sung says she rolls up her clothes to save space, which makes them “wrinkle less,” and puts some items — like swimwear and socks — in bags so they’re easier to find.
As she heads to the living room, Sung says her most used item is a Bluetooth speaker that hangs by the door because “sound is so important, especially for the different types of energy I want to have depending on the day or the time.’
Showing viewers her kitchenette, Sung says she likes to keep the counter clean with “nothing on it” except for her kettle and candles which she “likes to have on during the day” to set the mood.
In addition to a sink, other features of the kitchen include a mini-fridge, an upper cabinet (which Sung calls her “pantry”) and a drawer to store kitchen utensils.
There is no indoor stove and Sung uses a gas stove in her front yard instead.
Sung shows viewers her kitchenette and says she likes to keep the countertop clean with “nothing on it” except her kettle and candles
In addition to a sink, other features of the kitchen include a mini-fridge, an upper cabinet (which Sung calls her “pantry”) and a drawer to store kitchen utensils.
Her office-dining room consists of a desk and swivel chair, while a rail next to it showcases the rest of her wardrobe
The final feature of her apartment is the bathroom, which has no door to save space
During her tour, the designer always repeats the message ‘quality over quantity’.
Her office-dining room consists of a desk and swivel chair, while a rail next to it displays the rest of her wardrobe.
About her clothing collection, Sung says, “I have limited so much of what I own.
“It takes a lot more thought in refining it so that it still fits your lifestyle and so that you have everything you need.”
Under her clothes rail, Sung reveals a small stash of shoes.
The final feature of her apartment is the bathroom, which has no door to save space.
Sung explains that there are two shower heads and that she always keeps the toilet seat down to maintain the ‘feng shui’.
To date, Sung’s video tour has been viewed more than 4,000 times.
Many viewers have applauded her approach to streamlined living.
One viewer wrote: ‘Beautiful style, the wooden walls look almost golden with the lights on. I’m too clumsy for the small life, but your tips are good.’
Another fan said: ‘What a cool little house and lifestyle. Great video Sung!’
In an interview with CNBCSung revealed that before living in her small California home, she lived in New York City for 18 years, paying $4,500 a month for her last apartment.
To date, Sung’s video tour has been viewed more than 4,000 times. Many viewers have applauded her approach to streamlined living
Sung revealed that before living in her small house in California, she lived in New York City for 18 years, where she paid $4,500 a month.
Since she doesn’t have much space to work with, Sung pays $236 a month for additional storage space
She moved to California with a partner, but when they separated, she started looking for her own place.
She said that when she found the tiny house on housing site HotPads, she at first thought it was a scam because she had “never seen anything like it” and the interview process was “incredibly intense.”
However, when she finally viewed the house, it convinced her immediately.
The structure was designed by Monica-based design firm Minarc, which focuses on “creative minimalism,” and is designed to be environmentally friendly.
For example, instead of air conditioning, the apartment’s temperature is controlled by concrete panels that Sung says are “water-resistant, weather-resistant and extremely durable.”
Since she doesn’t have much space to work with, Sung pays $236 a month for additional storage space.
Despite these extra expenses, she still estimates she saves about $2,000 a month by living in a small house above a traditional apartment.
She muses in the CNBC segment: “You come to realize that you don’t actually need that many things.
“I think the main misconception about living in a small space is that it’s not possible, but I think it’s one of the most amazing gifts and experiences I’ve had.”