Family of Five Masters the Art of Living Large in a Tiny NYC Apartment
In the bustling heart of New York City, a family of five has defied conventional wisdom by making a 750-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment not just livable, but a cherished home. Sarah Almodovar, 35, and her husband Peterson, 34, have resided in their Washington Heights apartment since their marriage in 2016, originally his childhood residence.
Over the past decade, they have welcomed three children, yet they have never considered leaving their compact abode. "We really believe that humans are adaptable and we need so much less than we think we need," Sarah explained in an interview. "Our apartment feels quite spacious to us, even though it's five of us in about 720-square-feet."
Financial and Practical Reasons for Staying Put
The decision to remain is largely driven by the apartment's rent-stabilized status, a rarity in New York's competitive housing market. "It wouldn't be possible for us to stay in the city if we were paying market value for rent," Sarah noted. "It just never made sense for us to leave the apartment." This financial advantage has allowed them to invest in creative modifications rather than seeking larger, more expensive accommodations.
Transforming the Space with Ingenious Hacks
Making the small space functional for two adults and three young children required thoughtful adjustments and DIY projects. The couple has embraced flexibility and creativity, reassessing their needs as their family evolves.
- Kitchen Upgrades: Initially, the kitchen suffered from limited storage and dark cabinets, which made the area feel cramped. Sarah installed open shelving and painted everything white to brighten the space. She also upgraded to a larger sink and replaced basic lighting with stylish hanging fixtures.
- Living Room Optimization: They rearranged furniture to create an open feel and maximize natural light, enhancing the sense of spaciousness.
- Bathroom Improvements: A sliding door was installed to save valuable floor space, and the vanity was replaced with a model offering increased storage capacity.
- Bedroom Solutions: The parents occupy one bedroom, while the three children share the other, sleeping in a custom-built triple bunk bed crafted by Peterson, who has honed woodworking and electrical skills through this process.
"We've learned a lot along the way," Sarah emphasized. "We kind of view everything as a learned skill, so as long as we're willing to try and make mistakes, we can turn our home into just about anything."
Organization and Mindset as Key Elements
Maintaining order is crucial in such a confined area. Sarah stressed the importance of having a designated spot for every item to prevent clutter and maintain a sense of roominess. The family shares their DIY tips and home organization strategies on their joint Instagram and blog, La Casa Almodovar, inspiring others with similar spatial constraints.
Addressing Criticism and Embracing a Global Perspective
While their approach has garnered positive feedback, it has also attracted criticism from those questioning the suitability of raising children in a small space. Sarah responded philosophically, "The internet is a dark, dark place. I understand for many people the fact that we're raising kids in a 'small' space seems revolutionary, but that's actually quite a narrow perspective."
She pointed out that families worldwide have long lived in compact environments, challenging the American notion that "bigger is better." "Whether we're talking about square footage or sheer volume of items a person owns, we personally have found that less is more," she concluded.
Navigating Challenges and Fostering Family Bonds
Living in a small apartment is not without its difficulties, such as occasional bathroom conflicts. However, Sarah reported that her children do not complain about sharing a room; instead, it has strengthened their bond. "They don't complain about not having their own room," she said. "I wonder if they will in the future, but a big part of me thinks they'll be fine with it because it's all they've ever known."
Reflecting on their lifestyle, Sarah expressed confidence in its sustainability, noting, "Countless families around the world live in what Americans generally consider 'small spaces,' and we think our kids will be fine with this lifestyle." Their story serves as a testament to adaptability, creativity, and the profound satisfaction that can be found in simplicity.
