Imagine living in a cupboard! Meet Liam Gardener, the 26-year-old who called a “shoe cupboard” home after his flat lease ended in Bristol. When his joking colleague offered him the under-stairs storage as a last resort, little did they know it would actually work out! For just £150 per month, Liam tucked into his tiny space, mattress corners rolled up, and contributed to the household bills.
Why, you ask? Well, Liam was saving up for a big move to Australia and couldn’t commit to long-term tenancies. Short-term sublets were either too pricey or not up to scratch. So, this quirky solution worked perfectly for him, though it did include pretending to be a flatmate’s partner in case of a landlord surprise visit!
Aside from the claustrophobic moments of waking up surrounded by walls, the arrangement gave him a chance to bond with his flatmates. Plus, it made a great conversation starter among friends, leading to him lovingly being called “cupboard boy”.
Liam’s resourcefulness also meant selling many of his belongings to both save space and fund his travels. He spent an adventurous year in Australia and is now settling back into life in London, albeit in an Airbnb at the moment.
Ever had an unconventional living situation? Tell us your story in the comments!