In 2020, Alex Verhaeg moved right into a 95 sq. ft. condominium in Manhattan’s East Village. He paid $1,000 a month.
“Folks would possibly name this place only a room or a closet, however to me, it’s residence,” Verhaeg informed CNBC Make It.
The 23-year-old barber, bike messenger, and content material creator discovered the condominium on Zillow and solely acquired to see the area in images earlier than he moved in.
“It was somewhat little bit of a shock once I noticed how small it was, however I actually wished to strive residing on this space,” he mentioned. “Any area may be made into a house, irrespective of how huge or how small that area is. You simply gotta put some love into it.”
Verhaeg’s mother co-signed his lease, and the upfront prices for his transfer had been $2,000: $1,000 for the primary month’s lease and $1,000 for the safety deposit.
His lease has since elevated to $1,100 a month.
Verhaeg’s 95 sq. ft. condominium is about 16 toes x 8 toes or concerning the dimension of a median parking spot.
Verhaeg’s tiny condominium would not include a toilet. As an alternative, the five-story constructing has residents share the three loos and two showers which can be situated on every ground.
“Residing right here can type of really feel such as you’re within the faculty dorms due to the shared facilities,” he mentioned. “Generally you may see your neighbors in a towel or a bathrobe. You type of simply get used to it.”
Along with not having a toilet, the condominium additionally lacks a conventional kitchen. Verhaeg has an electrical cooktop that sits on high of a dresser that he makes use of for meals storage.
The condominium has a sink within the nook with drugs cupboard, which Verhaeg refers to as his rest room space.
It additionally has one closet and a small loft area the place he shops his garments and barber software equipment.
“The principle good thing about residing in such a small area is that it makes you admire your issues and be a minimalist,” he mentioned. “You actually cannot simply exit and purchase random issues as a result of you do not have the area to retailer them.”
Verhaeg’s condominium would not have a conventional kitchen or rest room setup.
Verhaeg has been residing within the East Village condominium for 2 years now. He informed CNBC Make It that earlier this 12 months when his lease went up $100, he did not thoughts the rise as a result of he would not pay any utilities.
He added that though he plans on staying within the 95 sq. ft. condominium for a 3rd 12 months, it would in all probability be his final.
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