Thanks for watching! You can follow the Minimalist Vegan Lifestyle here: kzread.info And you can follow Dimitri Reyes Poet here: kzread.info You can also check them out on Instagram here: instagram.com/minimalistveganlifestyle/ instagram.com/dimitri__reyes/ Jacinia's Puerto Rican Vegan Cookbook: www.amazon.com/Puerto-Rican-Vegan-Cookbook-Traditional/dp/1075080681 Dimitri's Every First & Fifteenth Poetry Book: www.dimitrireyespoet.com/every-first-fifteenth/ Dimitri's Shadow Work for Poets Book: www.amazon.com/Shadow-Work-Poets-Prompts-Journey/dp/B09W46ZYKY

I'm glad they're making it work, but kinda sad that people are having to resort to this.

@andrejka_talking_out_loud

2 жыл бұрын

there is a criminal housing racket perpetuated by investors and the real estate industry.. there are empty properties in prime locations that are warehoused.. homelessness is being engineered. These folks are healthy enough to navigate this crisis.

@kaleidoscope_pie

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly. Read my mind. If you want to live like this than good for you. But you shouldn’t be forced into living like this if the alternative is homelessness.

@ariesforever5260

2 жыл бұрын

$300 A month everything included even wifi in New Jersey I would make it work as well.

@wolfcat87

2 жыл бұрын

Minimalistic living was the standard most of human history. It's far more sustainable than how so many people live now...

@MsDaem0n

2 жыл бұрын

@@wolfcat87 dying of a now preventable disease was also a standard for much of human history. I'm still glad we've been able to move beyond that. It is true that the lifestyle of the average western citizen is unsustainable but throwing that into this thread derails this conversation. A living space that offers decent space, a kitchen sink, and a place to wash yourself without entering a public walkway for everyone is not unsustainable. The original commenter is spot on, this situation is engineered by a bunch of landlords and -ladies who are exploiting the fact people will logically take anything over homelessness.

Mat & Danielle, the pair of you are an inspiration to so many-- Jessie and I included! It was such a great experience to work with the two of you. Your kindness, care, and thoughtfulness throughout the entire process was a great learning experience. Blessings and gratitude to your audience and you both as we all continue to explore alternatives :-)

@laracondesso5340

2 жыл бұрын

You two are quite an inspiration yourselves! It is really inspiring to see how the three of you managed to find a corner for everything in your place, and all the while making sure your fur baby has quality of living. Super super cool. Super super inspiring. Thank you.

@donnab.333

2 жыл бұрын

Very inspirational video. For me, what I realized while serving time in the Army is that you learn how to make "your living space", whatever that may be as comfortable for you as possible. This is a skill.

AGH LOOK AT THE THUMBNAIL! Bless you both for allowing us to share our humble space with you in a unique way. What a dream I didn't know I had because watching your channel years ago helped me feel okay about not being able to afford housing and to just make the best out of what we have. This was a lot of work you two agreed to do and we're so grateful with your beautiful personalities and faces! Con mucho amor Mat and Danielle!

@notthequeen7733

2 жыл бұрын

Im loving your positive attitude and that you guys are looking at the silver linings. But, honestly, heart broken watching this that America has failed our young generations when THIS is the affordable housing available. My parents and grandparents had 2 and 3 bedroom private homes or apartments at your age. 😧

@JaciniaPerez

2 жыл бұрын

@@notthequeen7733 This is exactly how I feel about it. We're making the best out of our situation. Trying to save a bunch of money and succeed in the housing market. But the housing market has been kicking our butts for months. Also this is the safest, quietest, lowest crime rate area we've lived in in our entire lives. So it really is the best that we've been able to afford.

@GlorifiedGremlin

2 жыл бұрын

@@notthequeen7733 Yep, I'm 23, and actually have a substantial amount of money saved up, and even I'm looking into an alternative. I'm buying land and putting a mobile home on it instead of buying a house because it's just so much cheaper in the long run. Obviously I'd PREFER a house but getting the same square footage and lots of land for a quarter of the price or less? Can't pass that up

@GlorifiedGremlin

2 жыл бұрын

@@JaciniaPerez I'd recommend maybe looking into what I just talked about in my last comment. Buy land and put a mobile home on it. It's SO much cheaper. Perhaps take the money you would've used as a down payment, buy land in cash, then loan out the money for an old 90s mobile home and transportation. Then even a small reno loan to make it nice and modern, or not. Either way, with the low cost of this, you'd probably be paying 300 a month back on the loan the same way you're paying 300 right now, but you'd have land and 1000+ sq ft of space

@buddyneher9359

2 жыл бұрын

A cookbook of one-pot vegan meals would definitely be a super resource to have! You two are creating so much working out of such a small living space. Inspiring!

An admirable use of a small space. I was struck by how much your housing solution mirrors the "rooming house" model that was popular 100 years ago where everyone rented their own room but shared the bathroom and may have had (not always) a common living room/ dining area. good job!

@erebostd

2 жыл бұрын

This is was students do to this day, at least here in Europe (if they don’t want to use other forms of accommodation, obviously). But the rooms (for one single tenant)are bigger than this and cheaper (sone of them are supposed by the state or the city), because they aren’t prisons..

The landlord must be making a fortune, renting out every room as its own apartment

@GlorifiedGremlin

2 жыл бұрын

300 a pop, times 6 rooms. That's 1800 bucks a month just renting out basement rooms. They're probably paying all the owners bills and mortgage lol

@MelDormoy

2 жыл бұрын

It’s NJ. Taxes and house prices are SKY HIGH. A dump of a house is still at least $350,000. I’d NEVER be a landlord in NJ. Ever. You just lose money or barely break even. Lots of people Rent out rooms because not many young people Can afford an apt. Renting a whole House costs at least $2000. Most young people stay living with their parents or have roommates.

@jamesengland7461

2 жыл бұрын

A fortune? I doubt it. They're paying the mortgage and utilities for this, repairs and maintenence, hoping they can keep the units filled and rent is being paid. Sure, they're likely making a couple hundred a month. That's not enough to live in their own unit here.

@jamesengland7461

2 жыл бұрын

The water usage will be high, as well as the electricity, if you have 9-12 people living here.

@aPositiveDay7

2 жыл бұрын

@@MelDormoy That sounds affordable for me... I am in Vancouver and the detached house prices started from 1,300,000 here... lol

You know you are in love when you enjoy each other rather than things. Much Respect!

This is great. Very pleased to see a place that isn't high end decorating. For most of us some of the places are not realistic but this place is perfect. Good luck to these youngsters in their future. Thank you for this.

Their happiness just radiates through the screen. What a lovely couple, home and video. Thank you for sharing their story.

I love their dedication to each other. The fact that she is agoraphobic but no longer homebound is proof that they are good for one another.

Wishing you both the fulfilment of your housing dreams. Thank you for sharing your home with us, and making your life work for you. Saving money, making plans, working together, and giving a very lucky cat all the love in the world. Abundance, blessings, and room to grow veggies to you! (15 year vegan here, thanks for the cookbook heads up, I'll be looking for it on your YT.)

The sacrifices will pay off! I’ve worked in the non-profit sector my entire career and never made a big salary. But I lived tiny and frugally for a looooooong time. I now own a home (yard! Garden!) and a condo. Just keep at it. They’ll get there. And way to go on prioritizing mental health. What a team. 💖💖

I applaud your optimism when making do with the bare minimum. Unfortunately, the people who live on the edge are never the people who should be walking a mile in someone else's shoes. As the economic gap continues to grow there are millions out there who can't even make a video to share their struggle. ❤

Super impressed with how this couple have made the most of what they can afford and their positivity. Their ambitions and goals are so humble. I think their overall happiness must be a lot higher than the average person, who is materially better off. America seems to be a pretty awful place to live compared to some European countries.

@ayannahendricks6266

2 жыл бұрын

Oh it is S T it is! Can confirm.

@SusanChristmas

Жыл бұрын

Only awful if you live in one of the democratic utopias

OK, they win the minimalism award.

Learming to be satisfied with where one is at, and what one has got, coupled with a future set of plans - short, medium, and long - is an extremely powerful way to live. Whilst this couple are not completely at peace with their surrounds, and they have my empathy in that for sure, they have learned be at peace with it whilst keeping their dreams alive, and that is just so cool. It can, and sometimes must, be done. They are proving that. Congratulations and every wish for a wonderful future for them as they continue on their journey. 👍😀

I love everything they’re about! Their organization is on another level! Their transparency is beautiful.

Tiny living is my dream existence and you have a beautiful take on it. Just downsized from a 2 bdrm apt to a tiny studio of 20 sqm (apx 215 sq.f) and quickly realized I would be just as happy with half the space. I do have a private yard though, and running water within my main space which I wouldn't want to bee without. But other than that, I think your place has everything I would ever want or need. Well done y'all💕

Love your living area! If you want to wash dishes in your kitchen instead of the bathroom, you might try a dish pan/spray soap/spray vinegar water rinse. That’s what I do when boondock camping because it uses the tiniest bit of water. Then you can just make one trip to the bathroom sink to dump the water.

What a beautiful and "thoughtful" home, and a beautiful couple with great energy to match. Love it!

VERY inspiring. I'm paying $3,500 for a 358sq foot studio and I'm starting to think living paycheck to paycheck isn't what life should be about.

@sofigag

2 жыл бұрын

$3500 for 358sf?! That's absurd...you must be living in NYC

@suzannes5888

2 жыл бұрын

@@sofigag unfortunately that is typical in some other parts of the US, like San Francisco/ Silicone Valley....but my first guess would be Toyko, and a few others

@ayannahendricks6266

2 жыл бұрын

@@Marly123 where? Can’t be in the US- I want that deal!

@ayannahendricks6266

2 жыл бұрын

That sickens me. But you obviously must make a high salary.

When they get their new home, we need a tour of that too 😍

@annamaria1929

2 жыл бұрын

They're not moving did you watch to the end?

@JoyfulCrochetions

Жыл бұрын

@@annamaria1929 Did you not read? "When" could be at any time. Lets be hopeful

At the end of the video you said “if we fail”. You haven’t failed yet, you’ve thrived and show that it’s possible to live mindfully in a tiny space and work through mental health issues and save up. You’re an inspiration to many people I’d imagine. No failure for not having enough money when you have an abundance in so many more important areas, imo! ❤

Continue saving and be proud of your journey. Don't be discouraged. You will reach your goals and find the perfect home. Continue the good vibes.

You found your groove. I say, wonderful! Enjoy, and have a beautiful time.

Wow - that was a fascinating look at how this fascinating couple lives! I wish them all the best. They sure have made that tiny space work for them, amazingly well, even! I am truly impressed.

The wisdom of the litter box next to the food & kitchen...hopefully they'll be able to move out of mom's basement soon. They're playing house.

I like that you are making the very best of your situation!

that room is inhumane. shame on whatever landlord thinks its okay to charge money for it

A lot of the comments on this video are so extreme. The fact is, this is what a tiny apartment and minimalism actually look like. This is how many people actually live. It looks clean and it is allowing this couple to have a lifestyle which works for them.

i don't think substandard housing conditions should be glorified. this is just a flophouse with extra polish

@carlycrays2831

2 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry, but for most people, this is what "tiny living" and minimalism actually are.

@nevaehluz4213

Жыл бұрын

It might be substandard to you but not to other people. Housing condition is personal for every person including yourself. Do what makes you happy and others will do what makes them happy

@tubulartuber

Жыл бұрын

@@carlycrays2831 so synonymous with being ablelist and having bad indoor air quality?

@tubulartuber

Жыл бұрын

extreme minimalism is a self-centered pursuit if it doesn't consider the fact that housing often lasts for generations. When you move out, someone else has to live there. Land is a scarce resource and housing units that aren't accessible present significant opportunity costs for building accessible housing. Minimalism that doesn't consider others is just...outsourcing your own stress to future generations for a narrow ideology.

@tubulartuber

Жыл бұрын

I'll also add that plenty of people live like this around the world, but not by choice. And plenty of people in the history of the US lived in substandard housing and poured their blood, sweat, tears, lives, and deaths into advocating for minimum habitable standards for a reason.

This couple, and their apartment, is amazingly wonderful! I love their story! ❤️

I was just having the conversation about how this " stacking " of people into tiny spaces is not a good sign. While economical it comes with lots of risk, in regard to social control. I think the whole move towards extreme minimalism is a move towards the " you will own nothing " agendas that do not have others best interest in mind. Like a slow boil. Seems like a good idea up front ... until it becomes a prison overnight. In some countries they eerily refer to this micro living as " coffin " homes. I think we should all be conscious consumers and mindful about accumulation of unnecessary stuff for stuffs sake. We must be careful to not swing the pendulum to our own detriment. If where you are living requires you to live in such a way , maybe reconsider where you want to live. 2 cents.

@dobbiejoyner8110

2 жыл бұрын

You are sooooo very very right on target! Thank You, Thank You 👍🏾👍🏾

Despite this being ultra minimalist and small, it feels so much more reasonable than some of the other more luxury minimalist spaces.

What really matters is stories and character 👍 wishing you peace, love and happiness always 😊

You guys are richer than you think. ^^*. Cheers!!!

Lovely couple! And excellent cat parents!!

I love tiny spaces. ps I'm sure the neighbours love that you tap dance. haha

I have a suggestion for washing dishes : 2 collapsible bowls , 1 to wash and 1 to fresh water rinse the dishes . I think it would save you time

What a great and creative use of space!! Praying you find a home that you love just as much in the future! 😊🙏🏼❤️

I’m considering living in a cargo trailer to save for a tiny house. I’ve been a bit concerned about how living THAT tiny of a space and, like Jacinia, being a tad agoraphobic, might work out…but seeing them live so freely and peacefully and happily in such cozy quarters has me inspired!

@JaciniaPerez

2 жыл бұрын

Hi CEE!!! Dimitri and I did van life to get me out of homebound agoraphobia because I NEVER used to leave the house from crippling panic attacks. Designing, building and living in that van really healed me until it didn't (because it kept breaking down which made my living situation worse). If you're going to be traveling in the cargo trailer make sure it's attached to a mechanically sound vehicle because being displaced from your home is such a bad feeling. Also if you have some type of small space like a minivan now. Try to take a weekend trip with the things you feel you would need in a cargo trailer.

@ceecollette6708

2 жыл бұрын

@@JaciniaPerez omg that’s amazing! I did the car camping thing for a couple of months, and though it wasn’t the right time for me to be a vehicle dweller then, it still felt kinda freeing. Thank you for the advice! 💜 Funny enough I do have a minivan now lol so I’m definitely gonna give it another test run. 😄

OMG! I love this couple!! Thank you so much for sharing your sweet home with the world!! Soooo motivating to continue on my extreme minimalist path. 🥰😍🌷

You two could give a relationship course. You must have a lot of skills to deepen your relationship in such a tiny space! I hope you do succeed in your goals to have a home where you can grow your food . Thanks for sharing. A real inspiration.

Mat & Danielle are like one, they achieved such an amazing unity!

You are an adorable couple. So much loving envy for you both right now. May everyone be so lucky as to find their other half. Props to you for making the tiny space a home...till the dream comes to life!

Thats fabulous! I love it! So smart!

You are young and are doing great. You've prioritized what's important and make/made it work. Thanks for sharing!

That chickpea, carrot dish looks amazing...recipe, please???

This looks cozy. Glad it works for them. As a traveler myself, I inadvertently live a minimalist lifestyle. I'd use a water basin to do dishes and dump the water into the toilet when done. I also use the foldable TV dinner tables to expand my surface area - especially when using the oven.

Oh dear, I am glad you have found a way to budget and live and that you are happy. It is sad that our beautiful young people are finding it hard to house themselves affordably and have to live in a tiny space without a real kitchen with lots of other people. Having said that, I realise that we ourselves made sacrifices when we were young in order to save for a deposit - we lived in the country in a caravan and then built our own house bit by bit. In the end, these two wonderful folk will save and create their own home that will truly be theirs.

Amazing use of space. I love your rapport with each other. I look forward to hearing more about your journey.

I'm glad it works for them, and I can see the appeal to a lot of tiny homes, but God, this one just looks sad. I live in a truly miserable real estate market, Wellington NZ, but this feels more like Hong Kong coffin homes than even the worst options available here. I can respect minimalism and clever use of space; but it feels criminal to charge any rent at all for such woeful accommodation.

Wow this is diffidently tiny although it's working for them right now. We are wishing them the best. Thanks Matt and Danielle for sharing their story.❤

Thank you for sharing this inspirational frugality.

Look into modular homes and a piece of property. Much more affordable and they can be built within 2 weeks. Y’all are doing an amazing job 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 You guys remind me of my son and his fiancé

This is an amazing couple!

I love you guys! I have lived in an RV for 4.5 years now and love the minimalist way of life! I could definitely live in your micro-studio. 💙

Thanks for posting and sharing.

Super cool.

I am seriously amazed at this committed young couple and their ability to tolerate such close living quarters and the noise, energy and emotions of their neighbours. For them a tiny house on wheels would seem huge! They have adapted themselves amazingly well to their conditions, making it work in order to fulfill their dreams. So few people are willing to sacrifice these days, and so are deeply in debt. Well done, you guys. I hope you find a beautiful place of your own, with room for kitty to roam, and a place to grow food!🌱🥬🍅🧅🥦🥕🥔

Loved this, thank you. Lovely couple.

The small space makes me extremely anxious. Definitely not an environment for me but kudos to these individuals.

Kudos for sticking to your principles and recognising that you can do with less to make your dreams come true. You inspire.

I watched it again. You know you’re in love when you prefer each other to things. Much respect! Your cook book looks good also. I’ll check out your other channels.

Loved the 🐈 cat 😺 😊

Wow! Nice home! 😍

Sweet couple in a very tight space. Way to go Dimitri and Jacinia!

They seem so lovely. I'm really glad this is working for them

I am impressed how tidy they are and their positive attitude but my word! I would go crazy in that space especially if I had to share!

i cant breathe. sorry i couldnt watch it all. I didn't know I was claustrophobic. that shover is like a coffin

Love it! 😍

OMG !! These 2 are so cute! And smart! I love it!!

You both look so happy that’s far more important than conforming and doing what everyone else thinks is normal 🤗

Inspiring and interesting. Good luck in all your endeavors 👏👏👏👏

Is the bathroom and shower for public use as well? This wouldn’t be my first choice but it isn’t a bad use of the space! They seem happy and content with their lifestyle and at the end of the day that is what matters.

@ExploringAlternatives

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry for the misunderstanding! That bathroom is theirs only. Thanks for watching :)

A lot of hate so far, comment-wise. Looks like a decent place, to me. Good-looking, friendly couple. Seems like it's working out for them.

I love these people!!

The cat will find it luxurious. Beautiful, clever, cute panther.

Wow! That's smaller than our RV that we lived in for 2 years. You guys did a great job with it

Love everything about this

Absolutely fascinating however I'm pretty sure in the UK this would be illegal due to no kitchen sink. No one should take rent by making tenants wash up dishes next to the toilet. But this couple are very resourceful and I'm hopeful things work out for them.

These are the cookbooks people should be buying. I’m getting her book today!

Thanks for another great video. I was on another site and thought it was yours. I quickly found out that it wasn't. I've seen your channel grow into one that is informative, entertaining and beautiful to watch.

Lovely couple

Adorable what you have done for your cat…..luv you guys…greetings from London x

They are an amazing couple.

Bonus points for the Berkey - super, extra, double, compound interest, bonus points for the kitty.

Living in an RV is the same too… But you have the best of the two world Yes you must LOVE each other inconditionnel too … Great couple! Congratulations! Keep your dreams strong , achieve them one by one! Worth it!

@ronsmith1364

2 жыл бұрын

Could be a functional shift to a schoolie. A cozy nest inside with amenities for the kitties. Being used to a sinkless cooking space is a camping lifestyle bonus. Their ingenuity with the other projects seems adaptable to a mobile dish washing kit they could live with. A mobile hotspot would allow connectivity. 300 all in for space/power/water is going to be tough to beat in a mobile domicile. A vlog of functional minimalists on the road would be interesting to follow a first/adapting impression tho. nothing against EA tho.. TFS

This is an excellent relationship testing ground 😄

I like your leaf wallpaper.

NICE. DAVID and I use to live in an efficiency apartment in Houston, TX, and it works!! Small is beautiful

Gorgeous. I'm hoping to change to a studio flat, as my kids are growing up.

Lovely young couple and it's amazing that they can live happily in something not much bigger than a broom closet. But they are not like most people who have to live in substandard housing. They are far more affluent and have many choices.

Very adorable and talented couple

This is a lovely couple.

Hope these 2 get out there and find their place to be . Forca potager is the next step to healthy living and it will get you outside. Tx for showing minimalist living can be done for a time when saving is important and when creating is essential.

Looking forward to the vegan Puerto Rican one pot cookbook! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💗💗💗

You two are incredible, and incredibly tolerant of what, for most of us, would be a nearly impossible life style. I am somewhat claustrophobic- your place would be probably put me over the edge! Best wishes for achieving your goals and finding, at last, a more livable home!

Amazing what you did with the space! The rent though, you are soo lucky! I know people in places that small that pay 3-5 times that!!!

is this meant to be cool, fashionable or what? Everyone deserves to own a decent size home

@ayannahendricks6266

2 жыл бұрын

I find this so depressing- and claustrophobic. I can’t imagine packing everything away ever day, and I don’t live in luxury by any means.