EXTREME Tiny Apartment Tour - Minimalist Couple Living in 88 ft² to Save Money & Time
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
- Dimitri and Jacinia are a couple of minimalists living in an extra small 88 ft²/8 m² micro studio apartment to keep their expenses low and eventually save money to buy their first home. Their rent is just $300 USD per month and includes loads of perks like laundry, access to a backyard, and internet. The main living space is one single room in a basement that measures 8' x 11'. They've organized it to have a home office space, a mini kitchenette, a Japanese futon mattress that can be rolled up and put away during the day, and a closet to store their bedding, extra food, and other hobby items. Their cat is an important part of the family and she has a cat tree and a ramp that gives her exercise and space to curl up and nap. In the public hallway of their multi-residential building, they have an armoire to keep their clothing, as well as access to two bathrooms - one with a toilet and sink, and the other with a shower.
You can follow the Minimalist Vegan Lifestyle here:
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/ minimalistveganlifestyle
And you can follow Dimitri Reyes Poet here:
/ dimitrireyespoet
/ dimitri__reyes
www.dimitrirey...
Puerto Rican Vegan Cookbook
www.amazon.com...
Every First & Fifteenth Poetry Book
www.dimitrirey...
Shadow Work for Poets Book:
www.amazon.com...
Jacinia and Dimitri have a budget and keep track all of their expenses and they share monthly budget reports over on the Minimalist Vegan Lifestyle CZcams channel. While this super small apartment has given them the ability to live simply, spend less, and sometimes even work less, there are challenges to living in such an extremely tiny home. They share walls and a ceiling with other tenants which can be noisy and lack privacy. They also don't have a sink in their kitchenette so they have to do dishes and get water from the bathroom sink. So there is definitely a trade-off and some sacrifice when choosing to live in such a small space.
This apartment is beautiful and functional in many ways and we're impressed with this couple's passion, creativity, and zest for life. It's not easy to find affordable housing to rent or own these days and it's great to see an example of how to find alternative solutions and make them work.
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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Website: www.exploringalternatives.ca
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COMMENTS
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We want our channel and our comments section to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to watch and contribute. For this reason, comments that are inappropriate or hateful will be reported and/or deleted.
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CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Jacinia of Minimalist Vegan Lifestyle
/ minimalistveganlifestyle
Dimitri of Dimitri Reyes Poet
/ dimitrireyespoet
Performance Footage at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center provided by Dimitri Reyes
#microstudio #tinyapartment #apartmenttour
Thanks for watching! You can follow the Minimalist Vegan Lifestyle here:
czcams.com/users/MinimalistVeganLifestyle
And you can follow Dimitri Reyes Poet here:
czcams.com/users/DimitriReyesPoet
You can also check them out on Instagram here:
instagram.com/minimalistveganlifestyle/
instagram.com/dimitri__reyes/
Jacinia's Puerto Rican Vegan Cookbook:
www.amazon.com/Puerto-Rican-Vegan-Cookbook-Traditional/dp/1075080681
Dimitri's Every First & Fifteenth Poetry Book:
www.dimitrireyespoet.com/every-first-fifteenth/
Dimitri's Shadow Work for Poets Book:
www.amazon.com/Shadow-Work-Poets-Prompts-Journey/dp/B09W46ZYKY
I'm glad they're making it work, but kinda sad that people are having to resort to this.
there is a criminal housing racket perpetuated by investors and the real estate industry.. there are empty properties in prime locations that are warehoused.. homelessness is being engineered. These folks are healthy enough to navigate this crisis.
Exactly. Read my mind. If you want to live like this than good for you. But you shouldn’t be forced into living like this if the alternative is homelessness.
$300 A month everything included even wifi in New Jersey I would make it work as well.
Minimalistic living was the standard most of human history. It's far more sustainable than how so many people live now...
@@wolfcat87 dying of a now preventable disease was also a standard for much of human history. I'm still glad we've been able to move beyond that. It is true that the lifestyle of the average western citizen is unsustainable but throwing that into this thread derails this conversation. A living space that offers decent space, a kitchen sink, and a place to wash yourself without entering a public walkway for everyone is not unsustainable. The original commenter is spot on, this situation is engineered by a bunch of landlords and -ladies who are exploiting the fact people will logically take anything over homelessness.
AGH LOOK AT THE THUMBNAIL! Bless you both for allowing us to share our humble space with you in a unique way.
What a dream I didn't know I had because watching your channel years ago helped me feel okay about not being able to afford housing and to just make the best out of what we have. This was a lot of work you two agreed to do and we're so grateful with your beautiful personalities and faces! Con mucho amor Mat and Danielle!
Im loving your positive attitude and that you guys are looking at the silver linings. But, honestly, heart broken watching this that America has failed our young generations when THIS is the affordable housing available. My parents and grandparents had 2 and 3 bedroom private homes or apartments at your age. 😧
@@notthequeen7733 This is exactly how I feel about it. We're making the best out of our situation. Trying to save a bunch of money and succeed in the housing market. But the housing market has been kicking our butts for months. Also this is the safest, quietest, lowest crime rate area we've lived in in our entire lives. So it really is the best that we've been able to afford.
@@notthequeen7733 Yep, I'm 23, and actually have a substantial amount of money saved up, and even I'm looking into an alternative. I'm buying land and putting a mobile home on it instead of buying a house because it's just so much cheaper in the long run. Obviously I'd PREFER a house but getting the same square footage and lots of land for a quarter of the price or less? Can't pass that up
@@JaciniaPerez I'd recommend maybe looking into what I just talked about in my last comment. Buy land and put a mobile home on it. It's SO much cheaper. Perhaps take the money you would've used as a down payment, buy land in cash, then loan out the money for an old 90s mobile home and transportation. Then even a small reno loan to make it nice and modern, or not. Either way, with the low cost of this, you'd probably be paying 300 a month back on the loan the same way you're paying 300 right now, but you'd have land and 1000+ sq ft of space
A cookbook of one-pot vegan meals would definitely be a super resource to have! You two are creating so much working out of such a small living space. Inspiring!
Mat & Danielle, the pair of you are an inspiration to so many-- Jessie and I included! It was such a great experience to work with the two of you. Your kindness, care, and thoughtfulness throughout the entire process was a great learning experience. Blessings and gratitude to your audience and you both as we all continue to explore alternatives :-)
You two are quite an inspiration yourselves! It is really inspiring to see how the three of you managed to find a corner for everything in your place, and all the while making sure your fur baby has quality of living. Super super cool. Super super inspiring. Thank you.
Very inspirational video. For me, what I realized while serving time in the Army is that you learn how to make "your living space", whatever that may be as comfortable for you as possible. This is a skill.
An admirable use of a small space. I was struck by how much your housing solution mirrors the "rooming house" model that was popular 100 years ago where everyone rented their own room but shared the bathroom and may have had (not always) a common living room/ dining area. good job!
This is was students do to this day, at least here in Europe (if they don’t want to use other forms of accommodation, obviously). But the rooms (for one single tenant)are bigger than this and cheaper (sone of them are supposed by the state or the city), because they aren’t prisons..
You know you are in love when you enjoy each other rather than things. Much Respect!
The landlord must be making a fortune, renting out every room as its own apartment
300 a pop, times 6 rooms. That's 1800 bucks a month just renting out basement rooms. They're probably paying all the owners bills and mortgage lol
It’s NJ. Taxes and house prices are SKY HIGH. A dump of a house is still at least $350,000. I’d NEVER be a landlord in NJ. Ever. You just lose money or barely break even.
Lots of people Rent out rooms because not many young people
Can afford an apt. Renting a whole
House costs at least $2000. Most young people stay living with their parents or have roommates.
A fortune? I doubt it. They're paying the mortgage and utilities for this, repairs and maintenence, hoping they can keep the units filled and rent is being paid. Sure, they're likely making a couple hundred a month.
That's not enough to live in their own unit here.
The water usage will be high, as well as the electricity, if you have 9-12 people living here.
@@MelDormoy That sounds affordable for me... I am in Vancouver and the detached house prices started from 1,300,000 here... lol
I love their dedication to each other. The fact that she is agoraphobic but no longer homebound is proof that they are good for one another.
the best part is that they are HAPPY and GRATEFUL. the tiny closet for both their clothes is mindboggling. they are inspiring.
The sacrifices will pay off! I’ve worked in the non-profit sector my entire career and never made a big salary. But I lived tiny and frugally for a looooooong time. I now own a home (yard! Garden!) and a condo. Just keep at it. They’ll get there. And way to go on prioritizing mental health. What a team. 💖💖
This is great. Very pleased to see a place that isn't high end decorating. For most of us some of the places are not realistic but this place is perfect. Good luck to these youngsters in their future. Thank you for this.
Their happiness just radiates through the screen. What a lovely couple, home and video. Thank you for sharing their story.
A lot of the comments on this video are so extreme. The fact is, this is what a tiny apartment and minimalism actually look like. This is how many people actually live.
It looks clean and it is allowing this couple to have a lifestyle which works for them.
I love everything they’re about! Their organization is on another level! Their transparency is beautiful.
OK, they win the minimalism award.
I applaud your optimism when making do with the bare minimum. Unfortunately, the people who live on the edge are never the people who should be walking a mile in someone else's shoes. As the economic gap continues to grow there are millions out there who can't even make a video to share their struggle. ❤
Learming to be satisfied with where one is at, and what one has got, coupled with a future set of plans - short, medium, and long - is an extremely powerful way to live. Whilst this couple are not completely at peace with their surrounds, and they have my empathy in that for sure, they have learned be at peace with it whilst keeping their dreams alive, and that is just so cool. It can, and sometimes must, be done. They are proving that. Congratulations and every wish for a wonderful future for them as they continue on their journey. 👍😀
At the end of the video you said “if we fail”. You haven’t failed yet, you’ve thrived and show that it’s possible to live mindfully in a tiny space and work through mental health issues and save up. You’re an inspiration to many people I’d imagine. No failure for not having enough money when you have an abundance in so many more important areas, imo! ❤
Wishing you both the fulfilment of your housing dreams. Thank you for sharing your home with us, and making your life work for you. Saving money, making plans, working together, and giving a very lucky cat all the love in the world. Abundance, blessings, and room to grow veggies to you! (15 year vegan here, thanks for the cookbook heads up, I'll be looking for it on your YT.)
Super impressed with how this couple have made the most of what they can afford and their positivity. Their ambitions and goals are so humble. I think their overall happiness must be a lot higher than the average person, who is materially better off. America seems to be a pretty awful place to live compared to some European countries.
Oh it is S T it is! Can confirm.
Only awful if you live in one of the democratic utopias
that room is inhumane. shame on whatever landlord thinks its okay to charge money for it
Tiny living is my dream existence and you have a beautiful take on it. Just downsized from a 2 bdrm apt to a tiny studio of 20 sqm (apx 215 sq.f) and quickly realized I would be just as happy with half the space. I do have a private yard though, and running water within my main space which I wouldn't want to bee without. But other than that, I think your place has everything I would ever want or need. Well done y'all💕
What a beautiful and "thoughtful" home, and a beautiful couple with great energy to match. Love it!
Continue saving and be proud of your journey. Don't be discouraged. You will reach your goals and find the perfect home. Continue the good vibes.
Love your living area! If you want to wash dishes in your kitchen instead of the bathroom, you might try a dish pan/spray soap/spray vinegar water rinse. That’s what I do when boondock camping because it uses the tiniest bit of water. Then you can just make one trip to the bathroom sink to dump the water.
When they get their new home, we need a tour of that too 😍
They're not moving did you watch to the end?
@@annamaria1929 Did you not read? "When" could be at any time. Lets be hopeful
You found your groove. I say, wonderful! Enjoy, and have a beautiful time.
VERY inspiring. I'm paying $3,500 for a 358sq foot studio and I'm starting to think living paycheck to paycheck isn't what life should be about.
$3500 for 358sf?! That's absurd...you must be living in NYC
@@sofigag unfortunately that is typical in some other parts of the US, like San Francisco/ Silicone Valley....but my first guess would be Toyko, and a few others
@@Marly123 where? Can’t be in the US- I want that deal!
That sickens me. But you obviously must make a high salary.
This ones.. kinda just depressing to me. Sign of the times. The middle class is being decimated
It only costs like 10-20 grand a month to rent your own place. Theyre just choosing to live that cheap
Wow - that was a fascinating look at how this fascinating couple lives! I wish them all the best. They sure have made that tiny space work for them, amazingly well, even! I am truly impressed.
I like that you are making the very best of your situation!
You two could give a relationship course. You must have a lot of skills to deepen your relationship in such a tiny space! I hope you do succeed in your goals to have a home where you can grow your food . Thanks for sharing. A real inspiration.
This couple, and their apartment, is amazingly wonderful! I love their story! ❤️
i don't think substandard housing conditions should be glorified. this is just a flophouse with extra polish
I'm sorry, but for most people, this is what "tiny living" and minimalism actually are.
It might be substandard to you but not to other people. Housing condition is personal for every person including yourself. Do what makes you happy and others will do what makes them happy
@@carlycrays2831 so synonymous with being ablelist and having bad indoor air quality?
extreme minimalism is a self-centered pursuit if it doesn't consider the fact that housing often lasts for generations. When you move out, someone else has to live there. Land is a scarce resource and housing units that aren't accessible present significant opportunity costs for building accessible housing.
Minimalism that doesn't consider others is just...outsourcing your own stress to future generations for a narrow ideology.
I'll also add that plenty of people live like this around the world, but not by choice. And plenty of people in the history of the US lived in substandard housing and poured their blood, sweat, tears, lives, and deaths into advocating for minimum habitable standards for a reason.
Despite this being ultra minimalist and small, it feels so much more reasonable than some of the other more luxury minimalist spaces.
Mat & Danielle are like one, they achieved such an amazing unity!
The wisdom of the litter box next to the food & kitchen...hopefully they'll be able to move out of mom's basement soon. They're playing house.
Oh dear, I am glad you have found a way to budget and live and that you are happy. It is sad that our beautiful young people are finding it hard to house themselves affordably and have to live in a tiny space without a real kitchen with lots of other people. Having said that, I realise that we ourselves made sacrifices when we were young in order to save for a deposit - we lived in the country in a caravan and then built our own house bit by bit. In the end, these two wonderful folk will save and create their own home that will truly be theirs.
What really matters is stories and character 👍 wishing you peace, love and happiness always 😊
I was just having the conversation about how this " stacking " of people into tiny spaces is not a good sign. While economical it comes with lots of risk, in regard to social control.
I think the whole move towards extreme minimalism is a move towards the " you will own nothing " agendas that do not have others best interest in mind.
Like a slow boil. Seems like a good idea up front ... until it becomes a prison overnight. In some countries they eerily refer to this micro living as " coffin " homes.
I think we should all be conscious consumers and mindful about accumulation of unnecessary stuff for stuffs sake. We must be careful to not swing the pendulum to our own detriment.
If where you are living requires you to live in such a way , maybe reconsider where you want to live.
2 cents.
You are sooooo very very right on target! Thank You, Thank You 👍🏾👍🏾
This looks cozy. Glad it works for them. As a traveler myself, I inadvertently live a minimalist lifestyle. I'd use a water basin to do dishes and dump the water into the toilet when done. I also use the foldable TV dinner tables to expand my surface area - especially when using the oven.
I have a suggestion for washing dishes : 2 collapsible bowls , 1 to wash and 1 to fresh water rinse the dishes . I think it would save you time
What a great and creative use of space!! Praying you find a home that you love just as much in the future! 😊🙏🏼❤️
I'm glad it works for them, and I can see the appeal to a lot of tiny homes, but God, this one just looks sad. I live in a truly miserable real estate market, Wellington NZ, but this feels more like Hong Kong coffin homes than even the worst options available here. I can respect minimalism and clever use of space; but it feels criminal to charge any rent at all for such woeful accommodation.
Yeah.... nah. Typifies where America is ATM. Wish them well but this says it all.
OMG! I love this couple!! Thank you so much for sharing your sweet home with the world!! Soooo motivating to continue on my extreme minimalist path. 🥰😍🌷
Lovely couple! And excellent cat parents!!
You are an adorable couple. So much loving envy for you both right now. May everyone be so lucky as to find their other half. Props to you for making the tiny space a home...till the dream comes to life!
I’m considering living in a cargo trailer to save for a tiny house. I’ve been a bit concerned about how living THAT tiny of a space and, like Jacinia, being a tad agoraphobic, might work out…but seeing them live so freely and peacefully and happily in such cozy quarters has me inspired!
Hi CEE!!! Dimitri and I did van life to get me out of homebound agoraphobia because I NEVER used to leave the house from crippling panic attacks. Designing, building and living in that van really healed me until it didn't (because it kept breaking down which made my living situation worse). If you're going to be traveling in the cargo trailer make sure it's attached to a mechanically sound vehicle because being displaced from your home is such a bad feeling. Also if you have some type of small space like a minivan now. Try to take a weekend trip with the things you feel you would need in a cargo trailer.
@@JaciniaPerez omg that’s amazing! I did the car camping thing for a couple of months, and though it wasn’t the right time for me to be a vehicle dweller then, it still felt kinda freeing. Thank you for the advice! 💜 Funny enough I do have a minivan now lol so I’m definitely gonna give it another test run. 😄
A lot of hate so far, comment-wise. Looks like a decent place, to me. Good-looking, friendly couple. Seems like it's working out for them.
I am impressed how tidy they are and their positive attitude but my word! I would go crazy in that space especially if I had to share!
I watched it again. You know you’re in love when you prefer each other to things. Much respect! Your cook book looks good also. I’ll check out your other channels.
You are young and are doing great. You've prioritized what's important and make/made it work. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this inspirational frugality.
I love tiny spaces. ps I'm sure the neighbours love that you tap dance. haha
You guys are richer than you think. ^^*. Cheers!!!
These people are fantastic and we could.all take a few notes. They are LIVING, happily. The girl was able to do what she needed to do for her mental health which would have been impossible with meeting rent and expenditures in a larger place. Her boyfriend seems like a hustler but he's able to do it from home. For everyone whining about their first world problems, this is a couple that is taking charge of their life. Not everyone wants to do it but everyone could do it if they had to. Or if it was their choice. They are really inspiring and have a lot of fortitude
The small space makes me extremely anxious.
Definitely not an environment for me but kudos to these individuals.
Kudos for sticking to your principles and recognising that you can do with less to make your dreams come true. You inspire.
Amazing use of space. I love your rapport with each other. I look forward to hearing more about your journey.
I love you guys! I have lived in an RV for 4.5 years now and love the minimalist way of life! I could definitely live in your micro-studio. 💙
You both look so happy that’s far more important than conforming and doing what everyone else thinks is normal 🤗
Look into modular homes and a piece of property. Much more affordable and they can be built within 2 weeks. Y’all are doing an amazing job 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 You guys remind me of my son and his fiancé
i cant breathe. sorry i couldnt watch it all. I didn't know I was claustrophobic. that shover is like a coffin
I am seriously amazed at this committed young couple and their ability to tolerate such close living quarters and the noise, energy and emotions of their neighbours. For them a tiny house on wheels would seem huge! They have adapted themselves amazingly well to their conditions, making it work in order to fulfill their dreams. So few people are willing to sacrifice these days, and so are deeply in debt. Well done, you guys. I hope you find a beautiful place of your own, with room for kitty to roam, and a place to grow food!🌱🥬🍅🧅🥦🥕🥔
Sweet couple in a very tight space. Way to go Dimitri and Jacinia!
The cat will find it luxurious. Beautiful, clever, cute panther.
No human being should have to live like this... This isn't a "tiny apartment", this is a room with a shared tiny bathroom.
much of the world cannot afford this, and a century ago, the vast majority couldn't...
they have everything they need
You think that's bad. You will find so called 'apartments' the size they are living in, in NYC for 3-4 times the price and people still live in them.. There's nothing wrong it, the problem is it's just not your style of living compared to others.
@@jamesengland7461 There is more than enuf resources and space in the US though. If not for the unabashed greed and unregulated capitalism destroying its citizens there would be no need to compare US housing to that of dense developing over populated countries. Don’t get it twisted.
@@ayannahendricks6266 sounds like you have no idea what capitalism is. Capitalism would drive costs down to where people could afford them. Our semisocialist government is systemically destroying the value of our money to buy or rent places to live.
Wow this is diffidently tiny although it's working for them right now. We are wishing them the best. Thanks Matt and Danielle for sharing their story.❤
They seem so lovely. I'm really glad this is working for them
Lovely young couple and it's amazing that they can live happily in something not much bigger than a broom closet. But they are not like most people who have to live in substandard housing. They are far more affluent and have many choices.
These are the cookbooks people should be buying. I’m getting her book today!
I hate how everything has to have a title now to fit our delusion. like how poor became “minimalist”. Apparently I had a minimalist childhood. Because I’m a minimalist I will not be fixing my cars oil leak this month.
Living in an RV is the same too…
But you have the best of the two world
Yes you must LOVE each other inconditionnel too …
Great couple! Congratulations! Keep your dreams strong , achieve them one by one! Worth it!
Could be a functional shift to a schoolie. A cozy nest inside with amenities for the kitties. Being used to a sinkless cooking space is a camping lifestyle bonus. Their ingenuity with the other projects seems adaptable to a mobile dish washing kit they could live with. A mobile hotspot would allow connectivity. 300 all in for space/power/water is going to be tough to beat in a mobile domicile. A vlog of functional minimalists on the road would be interesting to follow a first/adapting impression tho. nothing against EA tho.. TFS
This is an amazing couple!
Thats fabulous! I love it! So smart!
is this meant to be cool, fashionable or what? Everyone deserves to own a decent size home
I find this so depressing- and claustrophobic. I can’t imagine packing everything away ever day, and I don’t live in luxury by any means.
Wow! That's smaller than our RV that we lived in for 2 years. You guys did a great job with it
Is the bathroom and shower for public use as well? This wouldn’t be my first choice but it isn’t a bad use of the space! They seem happy and content with their lifestyle and at the end of the day that is what matters.
Sorry for the misunderstanding! That bathroom is theirs only. Thanks for watching :)
Very adorable and talented couple
That chickpea, carrot dish looks amazing...recipe, please???
They are an amazing couple.
Bonus points for the Berkey - super, extra, double, compound interest, bonus points for the kitty.
I'm a huge fan of minimal, but this just made me sad. And claustrophobic...
They could remove the upholstery from the outer arems on each of those chairs to get a little more space to slide in. A plastic envelope file could be secured in each open space of those arms. A curtain could be put on the front of the litter box or even a solid wall with a kitty door. Filter and computer fan for the litter box. Or a little catio could be made just outside the window a mini litterbox room made for kitty. A sink would be super easy as well. Collapsible with a grey water bucket with wheels under. USB pumps are super easy to make running water.
Lovely couple
This is an excellent relationship testing ground 😄
You two are incredible, and incredibly tolerant of what, for most of us, would be a nearly impossible life style. I am somewhat claustrophobic- your place would be probably put me over the edge! Best wishes for achieving your goals and finding, at last, a more livable home!
$300.00 a month; this is a steal! It’s very well organized! Hopefully you will find a place that works in the future. Your able to save money in the process.
I love these people!!
Absolutely fascinating however I'm pretty sure in the UK this would be illegal due to no kitchen sink. No one should take rent by making tenants wash up dishes next to the toilet. But this couple are very resourceful and I'm hopeful things work out for them.
Loved the 🐈 cat 😺
😊
Seeing how minimalist their space is I feel like this couple would thrive in a tiny home on wheels, especially if it was one of their own design.
This is smart living, my only concern would be 'noise' from other tenants. However, I have lived this way for years in London (UK), due to the cost of living here, however I pay £650 a month - all inclusive of bills, but with no parking space (that's extra). You are getting a super good deal.
This is a lovely couple.
wake up, it's not apartment, it is one room.
Not only do I not have a problem with the cat litter placement but I absolutely LOVE how the cat is kneading at about 3:20 during the fridge tour! SO precious!!!! And her cat stairway! Cats are so amazing! You're great cat parents.
Loved this, thank you. Lovely couple.
There's a few places like that around here, but unfortunately they're all occupied by junkies. Respectful citizens would go absolutely nuts. That leaves the slum apartments to the low income, at around 800 dollars . A normal apartment is 1200 and up.....and the average person can't afford that plus bills, unless you want roommates as a grown adult.
You'd have more space and mobility in a van - just a thought. Your jobs seem to be place-independent anyway, so it might be an option for you...