Sharing a compact space can initially be daunting, especially when you live on a boat with your partner coming from a much larger land home. However, it doesn't have to be a point of contention. There are some simple actions and routines you can create to be comfortable in your time onboard. Jennifer and I have been living in compact spaces for years. From living in a small loft, various hotel rooms, to our 34' Trawler, and now in our Camper Van, we're no stranger to living in tiny spaces. Whether it's a Ranger Tug R-27 or a Nordhavn 52, there is an art to sharing a compact space, and here is everything you need to know so it feels like home for everyone onboard. 

The first tip is simply to always put things away. Compact spaces get cluttered extremely fast; it can happen within minutes of entering port. If you build habits of "use it, then store it", you'll have a clean, comfortable living space without feeling like you have no space. 

Our second tip is to simply downsize. On your next trip, keep track of the clothes, appliances, and gear that you actually use. For example, Jen and I love to cook. We have a blender, an Instant Pot, an electric kettle, and lots of cookware onboard and use them all weekly. Alternatively, we had big ambitions for hiking and outdoor activities as we boated. After not using much of the gear we packed, we took it off the boat and put it in storage. We recommend reviewing the items you bring onboard that haven't seen the light of day, and consider leaving them at home or donating them! 

Our third tip is to plan time off your boat. Whether that's time at a marina, where you can easily walk outside, or it's time on the hook with a great beach you can lounge on. Alternatively, if you can't get off your boat, you can sit on your flybridge or bow. The outdoors are incredibly peaceful and healing; enjoying your surroundings helps get some air and space from tight quarters. Getting outside the boat is a great way to reset the cabin fever that may arise from sharing a small space for an extended period. 

With these three tips in mind, the most important thing to not just survive in a compact space, but thrive in a small space, is communication with your partner. Listen to their needs and wants, and do your best to satisfy them, and they'll do the same for you. Consequently, the small space will impact you less, and you'll be more focused on all the fantastic places you'll go together.