In 2006, my partner and I made the decision to purchase a one-bedroom co-op in a charming suburban area. At that moment, it seemed like a wise choice. The apartment was a cozy haven for just the two of us, close to the city, and located in a tranquil neighborhood where we envisioned raising a family. Our plan was straightforward: stay for a few years, sell for a profit, and then move to a larger home to accommodate our future kids.
However, just before we finalized the purchase, I discovered I was expecting. Shortly after, we welcomed our first child into the world. Then, the real estate market took a nosedive, making it impossible to sell without losing our investment — which was a significant portion of our savings at that time.
Ultimately, we ended up residing in that snug apartment for seven years, during which we welcomed a second child. It wasn’t the perfect scenario, and by the time we moved, we were more than ready for a change. Nonetheless, the low mortgage allowed me to be a stay-at-home parent during those early years, which was incredibly fulfilling. Those years taught me invaluable lessons about life and parenting.
You Don’t Need Much to Raise Happy Kids
Living in a small space meant we didn’t have room for a plethora of toys, especially the extravagant ones that quickly lose their appeal. Instead, we spent our time outdoors, observing nature and getting our hands dirty. At home, we engaged in reading, science experiments, and messy arts and crafts. I may not have been the perfect mom, but having limited space pushed me to come up with more creative, engaging activities for my children.
Kids Require People More Than Possessions
Lower housing expenses allowed my partner and me to work less. My partner held a couple of part-time jobs while I stayed home with the kids, occasionally working during weekends. My eldest got to spend an abundance of quality time with both parents during those formative years. Despite our concerns about living in a compact space, we fondly remember those years as some of the happiest in our lives.
Less Space Means Less Cleaning
Cleaning our 600-square-foot apartment took me about an hour. Simple and efficient!
Many Live with Much Less
While our apartment may seem small by American standards, we lived quite comfortably compared to families worldwide. Many families inhabit much tighter quarters, often sharing their homes with extended family members. They frequently lack basic amenities like dishwashers and air conditioning. For a powerful glimpse into this reality, check out this insightful photo series showcasing children’s sleeping arrangements globally.
Check Your Privilege Before Complaining
Whenever I felt overwhelmed by our small apartment—especially as my second child began crawling and causing chaos—I reminded myself of our privilege. Yes, the space was tight, but we had everything we needed. Our home was clean, cozy, and our fridge was always full. We lived quite well!
Clutter Can Drive You Crazy in a Small Space
Despite my efforts to maintain perspective, I thrive in organized environments, and clutter can be maddening. In a small apartment, even a few toys lying around can create a chaotic atmosphere. To combat this, I became quite diligent about decluttering, which turned out to be a beneficial skill as we eventually moved to a larger home.
Appreciate What You Have, No Matter How Small
I will admit that I voiced my share of complaints while living in that apartment, often worrying about how we would ever move on. Yet, I also learned to be thankful for our little nest. It proved to be an ideal setup for two young parents and their small children, almost like a cozy little bird’s nest. (And yes, we still found time 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 not a mansion, it feels like a palace compared to our previous home. Now we enjoy more space, allowing us to spread out and find solace when needed.
Still, I will always cherish that adorable little apartment, all 600 square feet of it, and I have no regrets about our time there. Sometimes, I even find myself missing it.
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Summary:
Living in a small one-bedroom apartment with a family of four provided many life lessons about happiness, gratitude, and the importance of people over possessions. Despite the challenges of limited space, we found joy in simple activities and forged lasting family bonds, all while learning to appreciate what we had.