From 2020 to 2022, I’m spending my time on two rentals: a one-bedroom apartment in New York City and a tiny house in Santa Monica, California.
But one day, I decided I needed a change. My stepfather passed away and I’m going through a breakup. These losses changed my perspective, and readjusting my life to fit my values became a priority.
I realized I didn’t need that many possessions, let alone two places to live. So in May 2022, I sold or donated most of my stuff. I put five boxes of winter gear in a locker and left New York with two suitcases and a camera.
Now, in my 40s, my tiny 140-square-foot house in Santa Monica is my primary residence. I’m only an eight-minute drive from the beach, and there’s plenty of good hiking nearby.
Mr. Song’s house is parked in the owner’s backyard, an 8-minute drive from the beach.
Tristan Pelletier is a guest on CNBC
look at my little home
The house is smaller than the average size of a parking space (about 150 square feet). But it’s designed in such a way that it doesn’t feel cramped.
i found the list heat pad, an online rental marketplace.The house was built by an architect minack design studioand park in the backyard of the single-family home.
The main room is used as my living room, office, walk-in closet and kitchen. I added a few little touches like hooks and accessories, but other than that the place is exactly as it came.
Song’s living area doubles as a walk-in closet. “I’m very focused on how I organize my wardrobe because I have very little space,” she said.
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Glass doors allow for an abundance of natural light and really open up the space. Interior LED lighting has six adjustable settings. I use soft lighting at night and only have the lights on in the bathroom in the morning.
Since there is no stove in the house, I put a dual propane burner outside. I’ve honed my Girl Scout skills and now cook at home at least six days a week.
With limited kitchen space, Sung does most of his cooking on an outdoor propane gas range.
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The bedroom area is a small bay that completely surrounds my mattress. I have a hidden drawer under the bed for extra storage. To keep things organized, I use soft dividers and zipper pockets.
Song sleeps facing north, which she says is “very good for Feng Shui”.
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The only storage space in the bathroom is under the sink, which has a 2.5-foot frame and a small shelf for towels. One of my favorite features in the house is the sink top, which is made from recycled rubber and is functional and easy to clean.
Sleek and minimalist bathrooms feature open storage under the sink where Sung can store towels.
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The building has an energy-efficient design, with temperatures regulated by concrete slabs. This means I don’t need an air conditioner and a portable heater is more than enough to keep me warm in the winter.
I learned what it really means to live with purpose
Most of the time, I work from home and run my children’s brand, Universe. Since I spend a lot of time here, meticulous organization is not an option but a necessity.
There are many benefits to living mindfully in a small space: I save time, energy, and money (especially after ditching my $4,500-a-month NYC apartment). It’s very calm and grounded. There is only one high-quality version of all my stuff, and each item has its own place.
I also became more focused on my social commitments. I only come one at a time. I travel to New York every few months to visit family and friends.
Song said being able to easily move outdoors and be able to go hiking has greatly improved her quality of life.
Tristan Pelletier is a guest on CNBC
With my new lifestyle, I’ve come to appreciate the art of slowing down. It helps me stay present and calm.
I imagine myself living in a tiny house forever, and I want to one day use my design experience to build a small home community of my own. But I will always cherish this pivotal space and moment in my life.
Cheng Liu yes founder Universe, a children’s brand that brings minimalist design to multifunctional toys and products. She has a BA from Parsons School of Design. Her past clients include Birchbox, Dermalogica, L’Oreal Paris and Victoria’s Secret.Follow her on Instagram @biglittleuniverse and @sungsationor on Douyin @biglittleuniverse_co.
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