When I moved into my 9-square-meter, or about 97-square-foot, micro-apartment in Paris’ 17th arrondissement in October 2025, it was supposed to be temporary.
I was leaving an unsustainable living situation as an au pair, and needed affordable, emergency housing. By chance, I found an available apartment that was within my small budget.
Within two weeks of discovering the tiny studio, I was moving in with the same three suitcases full of clothes I had first moved to Paris with, plus a few dozen books I’d accumulated over time.
After settling in, my intent was to stay in the apartment until I found something larger and more comfortable by the end of the year — with my own toilet, preferably.
Eight months later, though, I’ve grown to appreciate the benefits of tiny Parisian living, and can honestly see myself staying here even longer.
My home allows me to afford living alone in central Paris
My micro-apartment is what is commonly referred to as a “chambre de bonne,” or maid’s room, in Parisian real estate. These apartments were the previous lodgings of wealthy Parisians’ service staff, particularly toward the end of the 19th century.
They consist of a single room on the top floor of a middle-class apartment building, and are usually only accessible through a service staircase. Luckily, in my situation, I can access my room through the building’s elevator.
I’ve found that these micro-apartments are typically occupied by students, au pairs, and young professionals just moving to the city without a large budget. They’re an appealing form of lodging for young people in Paris because usually the rent is low and the apartments are situated in central, upper-class neighborhoods of the city, such as the 6th, 7th, 8th, 16th, and 17th arrondissements.
My fully-furnished micro-apartment consists of a twin bed and a small kitchenette. I have a private shower room in the hallway — which I prefer because it saves space in my room — in addition to the toilet I share with one other tenant.
In my case, I pay just under 600 euros for a micro-apartment that’s just a 10-minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe and major metro lines. Although my living space is tiny, I don’t mind the lack of space because the rent is so affordable — I’m also able to live alone, which is my preference.
Not to mention, cleaning my entire apartment now takes me less than an hour rather than an entire afternoon.
I’m pushed to go outside and take advantage of city offerings
As an introvert who can easily spend an entire weekend alone in my room, living in a small space has been great for growing my social network here in Paris, and also staying active.
Because my micro-apartment is limited in terms of square footage, it can feel quite smothering at times. As a result, I prefer not to spend too much time in my tiny studio and get out when possible.
In an attempt to build a routine outside my home, I’ve joined a nearby gym, which gets me up and out first thing in the morning. I also became a member of the American Library of Paris, which has given me a comfortable setting to work remotely, check out English-language books, and connect with other English-speaking writers in the city.
In general, I feel more motivated to accept invitations from new friends and acquaintances, as well as pursue more solo activities, as a way to venture outside my tiny space. Back when I lived in a larger apartment in the city, it felt easier to take advantage of the comforts of home and isolate myself during low periods.
Although I do think it’s important to feel comfortable in your home, optimizing my living space feels like a lower priority right now than expanding my community in Paris.
Downsizing has made me realize that joy can be found beyond homeownership
When I moved out of my last Paris studio — which was about twice the size of my chambre de bonne — I had to get rid of some clutter.
Downsizing my closet and interior accessories to make space in my tiny room made me realize that I don’t actually require many material things or a large home to live a joyful life.
Growing up in the US, I always dreamed of owning a home — a downtown Brooklyn townhouse to call my own and fill with my favorite tchotchkes.
But as the homeownership divide between Gen Z and older generations continues to expand — with very few people in my age group owning homes — I’ve discovered that I want more beyond this fantasy.
I’ve learned that, for me, joy doesn’t look like owning a home (maybe ever), but being in constant movement. I love my life of always being on the go and having the possibility to pick up and leave if I so please, without a mortgage tying me down to one area.
My current goal doesn’t involve building a home, but seeing as much of the world as I can, while I can, being in community with others, and moving my body daily through dance and exercise.
This hope might shift in the next few years, but for now, I’m finding the most joy in moving around with my suitcases full of dreams in a city that I love.
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