After settling in, my intent was to stay in the apartment until I found something larger and more comfortable by the end of the year \u2014 with my own toilet, preferably.<\/p>\n
Eight months later, though, I’ve grown to appreciate the benefits of tiny Parisian living, and can honestly see myself staying here even longer.<\/p>\n
My home allows me to afford living alone in central Paris<\/p>\n
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My apartment came fully furnished.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Naydeline Mejia<\/p>\n
My micro-apartment is what is commonly referred to as a “chambre de bonne,” or maid’s room, in Parisian real estate. These apartments were the previous lodgings of wealthy Parisians’ service staff, particularly toward the end of the 19th century.<\/p>\n
They consist of a single room on the top floor of a middle-class apartment building, and are usually only accessible through a service staircase. Luckily, in my situation, I can access my room through the building’s elevator.<\/p>\n
I’ve found that these micro-apartments are typically occupied by students, au pairs, and young professionals just moving to the city without a large budget. They’re an appealing form of lodging for young people in Paris because usually the rent is low and the apartments are situated in central, upper-class neighborhoods of the city, such as the 6th, 7th, 8th, 16th, and 17th arrondissements.<\/p>\n
My fully-furnished micro-apartment consists of a twin bed and a small kitchenette. I have a private shower room in the hallway \u2014 which I prefer because it saves space in my room \u2014 in addition to the toilet I share with one other tenant.<\/p>\n
In my case, I pay just under 600 euros for a micro-apartment that’s just a 10-minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe<\/a> and major metro lines. Although my living space is tiny, I don’t mind the lack of space because the rent is so affordable \u2014 I’m also able to live alone, which is my preference.<\/p>\n Not to mention, cleaning my entire apartment<\/a> now takes me less than an hour rather than an entire afternoon.<\/p>\n I’m pushed to go outside and take advantage of city offerings<\/p>\n I don’t feel inclined to spend a lot of time in my apartment, but I like that this has pushed me to get out and explore.\u00a0<\/p>\n Naydeline Mejia<\/p>\n As an introvert who can easily spend an entire weekend alone in my room, living in a small space<\/a> has been great for growing my social network here in Paris, and also staying active.<\/p>\n Because my micro-apartment is limited in terms of square footage, it can feel quite smothering at times. As a result, I prefer not to spend too much time in my tiny studio and get out when possible.<\/p>\n In an attempt to build a routine outside my home, I’ve joined a nearby gym, which gets me up and out first thing in the morning. I also became a member of the American Library of Paris, which has given me a comfortable setting to work remotely, check out English-language books, and connect with other English-speaking writers in the city.<\/p>\n In general, I feel more motivated to accept invitations from new friends<\/a> and acquaintances, as well as pursue more solo activities, as a way to venture outside my tiny space. Back when I lived in a larger apartment in the city, it felt easier to take advantage of the comforts of home and isolate myself during low periods.<\/p>\n Although I do think it’s important to feel comfortable in your home, optimizing my living space feels like a lower priority right now than expanding my community in Paris.<\/p>\n Downsizing has made me realize that joy can be found beyond homeownership<\/p>\n Tiny living has helped me focus on what I really need and want.\u00a0<\/p>\n Naydeline Mejia<\/p>\n When I moved out of my last Paris studio \u2014 which was about twice the size of my chambre de bonne \u2014 I had to get rid of some clutter.<\/p>\n Downsizing my closet and interior accessories to make space in my tiny room made me realize that I don’t actually require many material things or a large home to live a joyful life.<\/p>\n Growing up in the US, I always dreamed of owning a home<\/a> \u2014 a downtown Brooklyn townhouse to call my own and fill with my favorite tchotchkes.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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