Although micro-apartments provide affordable urban housing, experts warn that living in a tiny apartment might seriously impact one’s mental health by creating stress and limiting opportunities for self-expression.
Often, micro-apartments are only about 300 square feet, requiring occupants to reconfigure the space throughout the day to provide cooking, sleeping, bathing, working, and living facilities (e.g, folding up a Murphy bed, folding down a dining counter). But experts note that many people find constantly rearranging and tidying their apartment annoying, so they eventually stop, resulting in highly claustrophobic living spaces. Physical crowding is linked to higher stress levels, as well as higher domestic violence and substance abuse rates. And, research shows that children living in crowded housing may become withdrawn and develop problems studying and concentrating.
Additionally, psychologist Samuel Gosling notes that while micro-apartments offer great functionality, they might not meet occupant’s self-expression needs. With prefabricated elements and limited square footage, these apartments make it difficult for individuals to derive the boost of happiness associated with bringing friends and family into a personalized space.
But proponents note that for many people, especially single young professionals who are transitioning out of institutional shared living arrangements, micro-living might be less stressful than the alternatives: multiple roommates, a long commute, or unaffordable rent.
