Sharing a Super Small Space: How Two People Live Well in Just 300 Square Feet
Joe and Keith’s Oakland apartment is impressive; it’s comfortable, stylish and full of cool art. But you know what is even more impressive? They make it work, day in and day out, living together in just 300 square feet. The guys generously gave us some of their tips on sharing such a small space…
“Respect each other’s space. Get noise cancelling headphones. Put things away after you use them and keep the place tidy!”
Is this the smallest home you guys have ever lived in?
Yes
Is this the smallest home you guys have shared with someone?
Yes, not counting college dorms.
How and when did you first consider sharing a space this small with someone — and whose idea was it?
Our good friends were living here before us and we had been over a few times for dinner. When they decided to move down to Southern California, they asked if we would be interested in taking their place and we jumped right on it! The apartment was small but very charming, with nice tall ceilings and in a great neighborhood so there was no way we would turn it down. Prior to moving here we were living with housemates or family so we were excited to have a place that was totally ours, no matter how small.
What’s the secret to harmoniously sharing a small space with someone? What advice do you have to anyone considering moving into a small space with someone else?
Respect each other’s space. Get noise cancelling headphones. Put things away after you use them and keep the place tidy!
Before moving into a small space with someone — make sure you really like each other. Also, don’t try to bring all your things because they are not going to fit. You are going to be making a lot of compromises with what stays and what goes.
What’s the best thing about sharing a tiny space with someone else?
Seeing all of our favorite things together in one place! We both really like “stuff” so it has been fun trying to find a way to make our things work together and create a cohesive home that represents both of us well.
The worst thing?
Joe: Trying to keep the place consistently tidy. When you walk through the front door you basically see the entire apartment so when something is out of place you really notice! At least I do. Keith doesn’t mind mess as much 🙂
Keith: Having to get rid of half your stuff.
“Before moving into a small space with someone – make sure you really like each other. Also, don’t try to bring all your things because they are not going to fit. You are going to be making a lot of compromises with what stays and what goes.”
Is there anything that surprised you about living in a small space with someone else?
When we first moved in, we told our friends who passed the apartment to us that we wanted to have a housewarming and maybe invite 25-30 people. They laughed out loud. We didn’t realize quite how small our home was until we had 12 people over and our guests were literally bumping into each other all night. Since then, we like to keep get-togethers at our place a little more intimate!
Would you ever move to another small space again? Or are you ready to move and stretch out?
Joe: We love our apartment and plan to stay for awhile, but when we eventually leave we will want a larger place. It doesn’t need to be much bigger, but Keith wants a larger art studio space and I want a backyard! And maybe even a pool someday (one can dream).