Four months ago, Anni and Valtteri moved with their two children and two dogs into a newly completed home in the Varikkokaarre area in Vantaa. The district of Keimolanmäki is located near Kivistö, where Anni lived as a child. Over the last 15 years, the district has undergone a complete transformation, with new developments now rising in every direction.
"When we began planning our move from another city back to the capital region, our absolute criteria were that the apartment had to be larger than our previous 67-square-meter home, it had to have two bathrooms, and it absolutely could not be in an apartment building," Anni says with a laugh.
Despite their initial reservations about apartment living after moving from a right-of-occupancy home, the family has thoroughly enjoyed their 63-square-meter three-room apartment. The new surfaces are fresh and clean and the excellent soundproofing at Varikkokaarre 7 has received particular praise. Anni also notes that the apartment was carefully cleaned before their move-in, and the smoke-free policy of the building was a high priority for the family, having previously suffered from smoking in their former home.
A functional home for a busy everyday life
The new home serves the couple's current needs perfectly, and the rent for the interest-subsidized apartment is reasonable. While they dream of home ownership in the future, the current arrangement supports their lifestyle well. Both Anni and Valtteri are doing higher education studies alongside work and childcare. Valtteri works in the city center, while Anni's part-time work is mobile.
The couple owns a car, but Anni, in particular, uses public transport frequently. The area is cozy and peaceful, and although local services are currently limited, this is expected to change soon.
"A year from now, the situation will surely be different. For drivers, the motorway is right next door, and many major urban hubs like Tikkurila and Myyrmäki are close by. You can reach the city center by bus or train. The bus stops right in front of our door, and traveling with a stroller on public transport is very convenient as it is free of charge," she adds.
Cherished people and curated belongings
Varikkokaarre is the couple’s sixth shared home since they started dating in their teens. With two children, the family has found two-bedroom apartments to be the most practical solution for them. Currently, as the children sleep best in their own rooms, Anni and Valtteri have moved their bed into the living area.
"Well, we’ve never slept in the kitchen before!" Anni says with a laugh.
The apartment is furnished only with items that hold special meaning. Anni was once proposed to with a parrot-themed shower curtain, and the living room wall is decorated with a framed T-shirt she wore during the early days of their relationship. In the baby’s room, a piece of art made from leftover fox-patterned wallpaper from their previous home adds a personal touch.
Valtteri has joined a local martial arts club, while Anni attends the women's floorball sessions organized by the local parents' association. In her free time, Anni enjoys cross-stitching, knitting, and crocheting, and she also manages an Instagram account dedicated to minimalism and home organization. The furniture has been carefully selected; for example, there are spacious storage drawers under the beds. The most important thing is that belongings have been decluttered to a minimum, with nothing extra taking up space. But what truly makes a house feel like a home?
"The important people who are always with you. Also, the laundry tower is a very close friend of mine! My favorite place, though, is the storage locker because it’s always in mint condition. If other parts of life feel a bit chaotic, I go there and admire how everything is neatly labeled," Anni shares.
