I live in a 97-square-foot micro-apartment in Paris. It was supposed to be temporary, but I realized I love tiny living.

I live in what's called a chambre de bonne, or maid's room, in Parisian real estate.

Nydeline Mejia

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 apartment came fully furnished.

Naydeline Mejia