In 2006, my partner and I purchased a compact one-bedroom co-op in a lovely suburban area. At the time, it seemed like a practical decision. The space was cozy for just the two of us, offered a manageable commute to the city, and was nestled in a peaceful neighborhood perfect for raising children. Our initial plan was to stay for a few years, sell, and then upgrade to a larger home for our growing family.
However, just before finalizing the purchase, I discovered I was expecting. Soon after, our first child arrived, and then the real estate market took a nosedive. Selling the apartment would mean losing our savings, which was a tough pill to swallow.
Fast forward seven years, we found ourselves still in that snug apartment, now with a second child in tow. While it wasn’t the perfect scenario, the lower mortgage allowed me to devote my time to my children during their formative years—something I cherished deeply. This experience imparted several valuable lessons:
Happiness Doesn’t Require Excess
Living in a small space meant less room for toys, particularly the large and flashy ones. Most toys are played with for a brief period before being forgotten anyway. We spent countless hours outdoors, exploring nature and engaging in simple pleasures. At home, we focused on activities like reading, conducting science experiments, and creating art projects. I may not have been the quintessential Supermom, but the constraints of our living situation encouraged more meaningful and homemade interactions with my kids.
Connection Trumps Materialism
Reduced housing expenses allowed my partner and me to work less. My partner held a couple of part-time jobs while I primarily stayed at home with our children, working occasionally during weekends. This arrangement gave our eldest son ample time to bond with both parents. Despite our concerns about living in such a small space, those years turned out to be some of the most cherished of our lives.
Less Space Means Less Cleaning
Cleaning our 600-square-foot apartment took about an hour—easy peasy!
Perspective on Global Living Conditions
While our apartment felt cramped, we were living quite comfortably compared to many families worldwide, who often reside in significantly smaller quarters, sometimes sharing living spaces with extended family. Many lack basic amenities like dishwashers and clean water. For instance, you can explore this compelling photo series showcasing the sleeping arrangements of children around the globe.
Recognizing Privilege
Whenever I found myself complaining about the limitations of our small apartment—especially when my youngest began to crawl and create chaos—I reminded myself of our fortunate circumstances. Our home was clean, cozy, and always stocked with food. In many ways, we were living like royalty.
Clutter Can Be Overwhelming
Despite my efforts to maintain perspective, I’m naturally inclined towards organization, and clutter would often drive me up the wall. In a limited space, a few scattered toys could make everything seem messy. This prompted me to become quite the decluttering enthusiast, a skill I still value even now that we’ve moved into a larger home.
Gratitude for What You Have
I won’t deny that I complained during our time in that apartment, often wondering how we could eventually move on. Yet, I also developed a genuine appreciation for our living situation. It was an ideal setup for a young family, and I sometimes felt like we were snugly nestled together, like a family of birds.
Two years ago, we upgraded to a three-bedroom duplex with a yard. While it still isn’t massive, it feels luxurious compared to our previous home. Having the ability to spread out and find solitude when needed has been a wonderful change. Still, I fondly remember our little apartment and have no regrets about our time there—sometimes I even miss it!
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In summary, our experience living in a small apartment taught us invaluable lessons about happiness, connection, and gratitude. While it posed challenges, it also nurtured our family bonds and provided a foundation for our lives that we cherish.