Frequently Asked Questions

What does LifeEdited do?

LifeEdited has two primary divisions:

1. Our design and development team is working with developers to build large buildings that incorporate the principle of doing more with less.

2. Our website delivers the latest in design, architecture, news, tips and ideas for living more with less stuff, space and energy.

How did the project begin?

Our project began in 2009 when founder Graham Hill purchased two apartments in New York City with the express purpose of showing that people could have everything they need using less (and better) stuff and space. Read full story here.

How much did the LifeEdited apartment cost to build?

The apartment cost about $250-300k for a gut renovation. While this is a considerable amount of money for a small space, we consider the apartment a prototype and as such, it had much higher costs due to expensive materials and construction delays.

We are in the process of taking our learnings from the one apartment to larger developments, where greater economies of scale can make similar-style dwellings much more affordable.

I can’t live in 420 square feet. I have a family of four.

420–or 375 or 500 or 600–is not an important number. Edited lives look very different for different people. The idea is really living a life with what you need, what you love and what’s important. We’ve found that when many people do that, they find themselves paring down their spaces, stuff and even activities.

Is this just for singles in big cities?

No. The LifeEdited principles work for singles, couples and families. Bear in mind it will look different for each person. Maybe editing looks like having 20 toys instead of 100 for the family.

And while the higher density of a city make some our concepts like sharing systems, using public spaces to offset small private spaces and co-working easier, you can edit your life–editing possessions, downsizing, digitizing–in the country or in the suburbs as easily as the city.

Can you make a LifeEdited apartment for me?

Our primary focus is working with developers, but we are open to individual clients on a case-by-case basis. Email info@lifeedited.com for details. Check out this post to incorporate some of the LifeEdited design principles into any home.

Where can I rent/buy a LifeEdited apartment?

Right now, we don’t have any. We’re trying very hard to change that. Be sure to sign up for our “interested” mailing list and we’ll be sure to let you know as soon as something is available.

I have little/no money to buy the stuff on this site. How can I live an edited life?

Anyone can edit his or her life. It’s not a matter of resources, but intention. Also check out 8 Tips for Editing Your Life that Work for Any Budget.

Where do I get that _____?

See a full list of products here.

I live in a big home with lots of stuff. Where do I start?

Anywhere.