I live in a closet-sized 80-square-foot NYC apartment: See inside

Real Estate

Tiny houses may be chic elsewhere, but in New York they’re generally just considered a good deal. 

This city slicker calls a closet-sized space home, but she’s customized it to feel a lot bigger than it is. 

“I’m basically living in an RV or van without wheels,” said personal trainer Nikki in the latest home profile by creator and self-proclaimed “MTV Cribs” of his generation, Caleb Simpson. 

“I can almost lay down the entire apartment,” Simpson commented of Nikki’s micro unit — which measures in at a tiny 80 square feet — in a video captioned “Minimalist life style unlocked!” that has accrued 53,000-plus likes since being uploaded. Nikki’s neighborhood is not specified, and only referred to as being in the “heart of Manhattan.” Her rent for the itty-bitty abode somewhere in the city? An even $1,750 a month. 

While the price hardly commands much space, her bathroom is at least in the unit (a privilege not all of those Simpson has profiled can claim), with sizable facilities. “The shower’s actually a decent size,” Simpson commented. Other building residents, however, rely on a shower and toilet located in the hallway. 


caleb simpson nikki tiny apartment
Nikki’s Manhattan apartment runs her $1,750 a month.
Instagram/calebwsimpson

caleb simpson nikki tiny apartment
Her shower is surprisingly spacious.
Instagram/calebwsimpson

caleb simpson nikki tiny apartment
When not in use, her bed folds into the wall.
Instagram/calebwsimpson

There's storage above the Murphy bed.
There’s storage above the Murphy bed.
Instagram/calebwsimpson

Evidence of how small the unit is.
Evidence of how small the unit is.
Instagram/calebwsimpson


The other side of the unit.
The other side of the unit.
Instagram/calebwsimpson

The bed, on the other hand, is modest at best, significantly because it folds up into the wall. Her wardrobe, meanwhile, is slotted above it, making for seemingly every square inch of the wall being used for some vital function. When the Murphy bed is up — a narrow bench running along the wall where it folds out — her bedding lives in baskets. 

While many make their bed in the morning, Nikki makes her bed at night, when she sets it up to sleep in, she explained.

The kitchen is also limited, featuring a mini fridge under a sink. The living room consists of a chair, and the blanket draped over it, located directly between the kitchen and the Murphy bed. 

Despite the spatial limitations, Nikki likes her apartment. “I love micro living just because it’s simple. I love simplicity.”

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