As micro-housing becomes an increasingly popular trend in cities around the world, you may be wondering if it will become the future of urban residential real estate development. While living in a 350 square foot apartment may not appeal to everyone, I am sure that micro-apartments are here to stay.
Small living can be a convenient, efficient, and eco-friendly lifestyle choice. According to the World Bank, more than half of the world’s 7 billion people live in urban settings. By 2050, more than 2/3 of people worldwide will live in urban areas. Micro-housing is one way of re-imagining how we live that will help accommodate such a rapid rate of urbanization.
So what can you expect from life in a new 350 square foot apartment? Imagine your new space with high-tech state-of-the-art home automation features like keyless locks, smart thermostats, motion sensing, programmable shades and many others. Your new micro-home will come equipped with a tastefully designed full bathroom, kitchen, and a living room/bedroom. Furniture will be custom made to serve multiple functions. Your micro-apartment will be just for you –private and comfortable. And best of all, it will be more affordable than a traditional studio or a one-bedroom apartment.
If you are concerned about missing out on the camaraderie of having roommates, don’t despair! Micro-housing communities are designed to include top-notch shared facilities such as fitness centers, media rooms, and other gathering spaces. Since micro apartments are typically located is bustling cities, the city itself is your building’s main amenity! Your neighbors will most likely be a lot like you: young, single professionals who are thirsty for everything that the city has to offer. You can make new friends when you want, and then retreat into the privacy of your own home when you need some down time.
A smaller home will also challenge you to think more creatively about the way you use your space. You’ll likely discover that all those “valuable” possessions you stashed away for years in the back of your closet are nothing but clutter, and getting rid of them can be a liberating experience. House cleaning is also a lot easier and you can clean your well-organized, clutter-free home in a matter of minutes.
Living small is convenient and efficient, and it’s also good for our growing cities. Most micro-housing is built in vibrant and popular urban neighborhoods with easy access to public transportation, restaurants, shopping, and business centers. Easy access means that you no longer need to own a car, so you won’t have to worry about looking for a parking spot on Saturday night or on street cleaning mornings. And as more people embrace micro-housing, there will be fewer cars and less traffic congestion.
For a look into living comfortably in a tiny home, check out this video of a great micro-apartment. You’ll love this creative approach to managing a small space!