The operation of a compact and busy preclinical laboratory comes with many challenges but also presents some surprising opportunities. Running a mouse and rat animal facility and full laboratory with a procedures room, multiple imaging modalities, radiochemical and cells lab, in a 100 m2 space has proven very functional from a managerial, organizational and multitasking aspect, as everything and everyone is close and easy to coordinate. Space limitations mainly affect washing, waste and supplies storage, adding heavy big equipment such as a biosafety cabinet, and hosting staff and occasional visitors. Operating the animal facility necessitates thorough sterilizations of cages and equipment in order to avoid cross-contamination due to receipt of animals from different breeders and health status. Procedure rooms are strategically organized to fit many needs, with the help of modern compact experimental equipment. The all in - all out operation, ability of close supervision, proximity of all laboratories, and good collaboration of everyone involved overcomes the confined space and allows for a rather convenient workflow. Radioprotection is addressed by using appropriate equipment and organizing the work accordingly, and exposure limits can be kept to the minimum for the public (1 mSv/year). Our experience proves that with good organization, resourcefulness and teamwork, less is more!