# Should I Rent a 180 sq ft Apartment? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 18, 2018, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661 "2018-04-18T21:12:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![molten](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ec9cab/32.png) [@molten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/molten)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2018, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/1 "2018-04-18T21:12:46Z")
The ad was for 250 sq ft and in person I was told over 300, but after looking at the diagram… 180! I just have a large electric piano and an exercise bike which would fit. I want to see that there are reasonable furniture options to put over the bed (twin XL), over the table (55.5 x 44.4 inch) and a tall furniture to replace the dresser (82 x 33 inch base). I am really hesitant about this, it could turn into a prison cell, literally… ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2018, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/2 "2018-04-18T21:15:31Z")
Your main issue here isn’t so much the apartment - you had better make sure you are dealing with trustworthy people. If they would lie to you in an ad and lie to you in person, then who knows what else they are deceiving you about. Better check and double-check these folks. ---
**Author:** ![Heracles](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heracles/32/487_2.png) [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2018, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/3 "2018-04-18T21:52:28Z")
> [@molten](#): > > I am really hesitant about this, it could turn into a prison cell, literally… By which you mean, of course, that you could assemble your very heavy, unmovable, monolithic new IKEA dresser just in front of the exit door, and then mistakenly flush the Allen key down the toilet? ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2018, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/4 "2018-04-18T22:01:29Z")
Given the furniture you’re describing, it sounds very cramped. As **Velocity** notes, there is also the issue of trustworthiness, given that they misrepresented the size of the unit. If there is a compelling reason why you really need to take this unit, you might consider giving up some of your current furniture and getting more things that are more practical for the space; a lofted bed and dresser combo, for example. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2018, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/5 "2018-04-18T22:37:39Z")
Also, if they are only giving you 180 square feet but promised you 300, then try to use that to demand a decrease in rent. Tell them they can’t charge you 300-sqft rent while only giving you 180 sqft. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2018, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/6 "2018-04-19T01:20:52Z")
Maybe you could rent four or five of them. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2018, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/7 "2018-04-19T01:23:43Z")
For some reason, YouTube channel on my phone has been offering clips on tiny apartments. There may be tips for you there. ---
**Author:** ![j666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2018, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/8 "2018-04-19T01:39:18Z")
I vote yes, because I want to hear how it works out. But you will need a set of bookshelves that converts to a table that you can put a foam mattress on. And cut back to five outfits. And work two jobs, so you don’t have to spend too much time there. Are you in New York? ---
**Author:** ![typoink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecb155/32.png) [@typoink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/typoink)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2018, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/9 "2018-04-19T01:41:41Z")
Do you spend time at home or just use your apartment as a place to lay your head at night? I’m a bit of a homebody and occasionally work from home, and I would lose my marbles in that small of a space. I currently feel cramped in ~1000 square feet, and the smallest apartment I had was probably 300 and just barely livable. But if you don’t spend time at home or don’t do any hobbies that take up space, it might be an okay fit if the price is right. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2018, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/10 "2018-04-19T01:52:30Z")
> [@molten](#): > > I am really hesitant about this, it could turn into a prison cell, literally… Figuratively. That seems really small. I had a studio in Manhattan years ago and I think that was around 500 sq ft. And that became very cramped if I spent too much time there. Everyone always says “I won’t spend much time there”, but you do. Do you really want to come home from work or whatever and have to spend the evening in a closet? What if it rains or snows all weekend? ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2018, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/11 "2018-04-19T01:57:24Z")
> [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](#): > > For some reason, YouTube channel on my phone has been offering clips on tiny apartments. There may be tips for you there. If tiny home shows have taught me anything, it’s that he’ll need a composting toilet. ---
**Author:** ![China\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2018, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/12 "2018-04-19T02:43:30Z")
I lived in a 180 sf apartment in Tokyo for 2.5 years. It was okay. It was my own space, I worked Japanese long hours, jogged about 6 hours a week, and saved up my very first nest egg instead of wasting it on rent. ---
**Author:** ![P-man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/p-man/32/3606_2.png) [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2018, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/13 "2018-04-19T02:50:45Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > Figuratively. > > That seems really small. I had a studio in Manhattan years ago and I think that was around 500 sq ft. And that became very cramped if I spent too much time there. > > Everyone always says “I won’t spend much time there”, but you do. Do you really want to come home from work or whatever and have to spend the evening in a closet? What if it rains or snows all weekend? 500 square feet in Manhattan? That’s palatial. My wife and I lived in a 9 by 20 foot apartment with a loft when we moved in together (it was hers; mine was bigger but not nearly centrally located enough). With AC it would have been ok for just me. The sticking point for me is that they misrepresented the size. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2018, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/14 "2018-04-19T03:17:39Z")
> [@molten](#): > > The ad was for 250 sq ft and in person I was told over 300, but after looking at the diagram… 180! Are you counting the bathroom, closet and that little 3x3 space where the door opens? Because I guarantee they are. As for furniture options, in addition to an exercise bike and electric piano (how large?) you can have three of the following - bed, sofa, desk, dresser, small table with two chairs. Choose wisely. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2018, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/15 "2018-04-19T15:59:28Z")
Sounds like you’re renting a storage unit. One barely adequate for your stuff; where would you live? I’m not malicious enough to vote “yes” out of morbid curiosity, but if you choose to do this make sure you keep us updated, because it’s going to be hella funny\*. \*Per Mel Brooks: “Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you walk into an open sewer and die.” ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2018, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/16 "2018-04-19T16:24:33Z")
My bathroom is bigger than that. I don’t see how it’s possible to live in that small a space. Where would you cook? Is a bathroom included? Any closets? ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2018, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/17 "2018-04-19T16:38:56Z")
In grad school my ex and I have a 360 square foot apartment. We rented it sight-unseen - it was halfway across the country - and I can only described my reaction on opening the door for the first time as ‘dismay’. Perhaps you could do it, I don’t think I could again. Yes, it was very efficient. Living room, bedroom, closet, bath with a kitchenette as a part of the living room. But man, there was nowhere to go. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2018, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/18 "2018-04-19T17:31:46Z")
I didn’t vote because this is such a personal choice, but dayum! My office cubicle is 144 square feet, no way I could live in an apartment just a few feet larger… ---
**Author:** ![j666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2018, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/19 "2018-04-20T01:08:06Z")
> [@gnoitall](#): > > I’m not malicious enough to vote “yes” out of morbid curiosity, …[/SIZE] Ouch ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2018, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661/20 "2018-04-20T02:22:46Z")
> [@Doctor\_Jackson](#): > > I didn’t vote because this is such a personal choice, but dayum! My office cubicle is 144 square feet, no way I could live in an apartment just a few feet larger… Jesus. Where I worked they were maybe 36 square feet. What do you do with 12x12’ of office space? Will OP come back to verify if that 180sq feet includes the bathroom, or is that 180sq ft the kitchen/living room/bedroom area? Is OP comfortable sleeping on a futon or couch? Or folding the mattress up against the wall after you sleep? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-rent-a-180-sq-ft-apartment/812661.md?page=2)