Life in a 55 Square Foot Rental

In spite of how small it is, he does not have his things arranged correctly, especially the area underneath his bed. And his shoes are taking up unnecessary space by being on the floor like they are. He has a lot of wasted wall space, and why is he wasting space with magazine racks, etc.? It is ridiculous that he eats out all the time. Does he ever use his head to think about how MUCH that is costing him?! You can bet he is spending well over $100 a week eating out.

Ditto! Kristy

What a great way to reduce the footprint we humans are stomping on the planet. If we all opted for smaller, there'd be more room for forests (the lungs of the planet) and farmlands (so necessary as our food source). Less fuel consumption to heat/cool his space reduces CO2 emissions. Even though his motive is saving money, I laud the idea that smaller is better.

What a clever use of a tiny space! And you are enjoying it! You gotta do what you gotta do! :)

This "gay lifestyle" is no choice. Some people are born gay, most are not. In a culture that says everyone is different that is great. Some people just cannot change the hate and stupidity they have been taught. My own religion is partly to blame. Their own thoughts, however wrong they are, are their own. My the grace of God bless this man in his future endeavors.

I dont know if you guys heard but this isnt about saving money its about his choice to live in the city he even said hed rather live in it in a small apartment then outside of the city paying the same amount for a bigger space.

Kristy, thank you for showing great understanding and intelligence in your reply to Stacy...she may not be 'small town' but definately 'small minded.' Your post was refreshing.

Kristy, I have nothing at all against Gays but we have to be truthful. Not all Gays are "born that way" some may have turned to that lifestyle as the result of being molested when younger or were unable to maintain a relationship with someone of the opposite sex and turned to what they could get. Peace to all.

This young man needs to join the Navy!! Honey, sign up to be a submariner, then you get that tiny space for free!! They'll pay for schooling, they give you free meals and a room(and utilities!!) AND pay you twice a month! IT WOULD BE PERFECT!!!! good luck:)

prison cells are about the same size,what is lacking is the 2 bunkbeds metal desk and a locker where you can store your uniforms and food from comisery. thank God i was only in a cell for about when connections got me moved to a senior inmate loft with plenty of room a day room and exercise equipment. but rooms like these are common in manhattan

Is that even a legal apartment? I would think that has to be in violation of some kind of housing code. I have heard of rent control in NY but this human living space is ridiculous. No access to the fire escape, and It's smaller then my dogs house. I'm thinking he is a small person so he really does not take up a lot of personal space, and obviously he is willing to live without access to the fire escape. But I don't see how his creative spirit can soar in such a cramped space.

I live in 112sf and am truly enjoying it. It is saving me $1400/month over what I was spending on the mortgage for my 1600+ sf townhome. I used to say, "I'm gone all the time, so all I really need is a bed, a bathroom, a small kitchen and a table." And that's exactly what I have, plus a lot of storage space. I have A/C, heat, a shower, Queen-size bed, small dinette. The only things I miss are my 2-car garage and my laundry room. Otherwise, I'm enjoying this lifestyle. AND, the best part, it goes with me wherever I desire to be, including the State Park in which I'm currently volunteering so, every morning, I walk outside and am greeted by a dozen or so beautiful mule deer and a couple of gaggle of geese!! All for $315/month.

As Thoreau said, "Let us first consider how slight a shelter must be, lest it become a prison or an almshouse."

This guy has obviously taken Henry's advice to heart: "Most of the luxuries and many of the so-called comforts of life are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind."

Where does it say he is gay? Where does it say he came from a small town? Or did I miss something? Maybe it was in the video-this computer doesn't do flash drive-still where the heck does anyone come off telling him how he should live? He is making his own money and living where he wants to. Can you say the same? I would like to see him eat out on $100 a week. Why can't we just live our lives and let everyone else live theirs?

Stacy ... the story was about his tiny apt not about him being gay. I feel sorry for your family because your in it. here's a hint for you ... read or pay attention before you say something and look like an ass. Ooops to late

I live in Chicago so I have no idea what NYC Restayrants charge for meals but will offer this: When you're Single, here, it can be much cheaper to eat out than to buy Groceries, store them, cook them, clean up after them & then pay the Utility Bill. Most semi healthy FFRs offer $1 items for both breakfast & lunch, then offer nutritious dinners for $5. His cost would be around $11/day, $77 week, or $308/month. You'd spend more than that in terms of time running around, gas or public trans, dish soap/washer & finally, again, Utilities.Forget healthy Friuts & Veggies.
Try to buy meats "cheap" when you're Single. Good Luck! Despite Ralph Nader's success in the 70s, all of the major Food Chains have reverted back to packaging way too much for one, not enough for two, or just about enough for family. Single portions are priced higher, too.

If the Federal Govt. deems that an inmate can live in an even smaller prison cell, then whats wrong with this guy living there? Doesn't the Government know best? The rest of us are spoiled by living in actual homes.

For a single guy, it seems like a sweet place, plus in the heart of the big city, for a country boy, he has what it takes to be happy anyplace. A place to sleep and live under 2500 in New York?!, come on, he is one smart guy. I'm sure he has room for a jar of peanutbutter in his kitchen, and only eats when he is hungry, so yes he can save on money.

Instead of being a piece of "Human Capital" or a "consumer" paying more and more for less and less, Edward is simply paying for what he needs now. What a thrill? I love his spirit! If more of us did something like this, we would be able to save more and more so that later in life we will be able to be even more independent!

no,but you apparently noticed,hmmmm?????