Our small (er) house.
The Internet is full of posts, articles and photos of people who are embracing a more minimal lifestyle and promoting the Small House Movement. Just Google if you’re curious. One guy has remodeled a trash dumpster and now calls that home. Others are living in RV like structures with only 200 to 300 sq. feet. Even though some of these homes are adorable and decorated to make the most of small spaces, there is only a minority of us in the U.S. that will ever embrace that lifestyle for any length of time. But that doesn’t mean that the focus on a small (er) home isn’t worth promoting. In fact, my experience has convinced me that it was one of the best moves we ever made.
Just about five years ago Thom and I decided to rethink and right-size our lives. One of the biggest transformations occurred when we decided to let go of our large suburban home and find a smaller home in a more dense and urban neighborhood. While our current home of 1,375 sq. ft. may not be small in terms of the tiny-house-movement, it is much smaller than the U.S. average. Mark Perry, a professor of economics at the University of Michigan states that with an average square footage of 2,679, most U.S. homes are now 1,000 square feet larger than back in 1973. He also reports that because household sizes are declining, “the average amount of living space per person in a new home has almost doubled in just the last forty years.” And what are we doing with all that space? In most cases we just buy more stuff to fill it with the hope that will make us happy or at least look that way.
When Thom and I decided to right-size our living arrangement to about half the space that we had before, I honestly wasn’t sure it would work. I agreed to try it as a sort of “experiment” and wrote about the process in more detail in an earlier post. But now, five years later, we continually find ourselves acknowledging the wisdom of such a choice. And even though our right-sizing isn’t nearly as extreme as the Small-House-Movement, we believe it should appeal to thousands (if not millions) more people who are considering positive change in their lives.
With my focus on TToT (Ten Things Of Thankful) and gratitude during the month of November, here are ten reasons why I am extremely grateful for our small (er) home!
1) Purchasing a small (er) home in a more modest neighborhood allowed us to pay cash and go mortgage free. We know LOTS of others could do this if they were willing to scale down their lists of “must-haves” and stop caring what others thought of them or their “lifestyle.”
2) Our home uses less energy—partly because of it’s size and also because we installed solar on our rooftop. Again, the size of the home made this easy to do. Currently our electric/gas and water cost less than $40 per month year round.
3) We were able to decorate our home without concern. When you have a small space to furnish and decorate it takes a lot less money to make it look the way you want. We didn’t have to compromise or settle with less than desirable products because overall everything costs so much less in the beginning.
4) The less space you have the less stuff you continue to buy. While Thom and I never have been big shoppers, once we finished we basically just stopped buying. Thankfully there is no room for more. Just knowing our personal space is limited keeps us from saying yes to all items we may or may not purchase impulsively.
5) It’s easy to find each other and our dog Kloe. I know others who as part of a couple live in enormous houses. They have separate rooms to do all their separate things and never see one another. Thom and I like and want to be together so our small (er) house keeps us that way.
6) Our two-car garage keeps things contained. Our former house had a three-car garage and yes, we had three cars. When we moved here we sold one and bought two bicycles instead. Ever notice that your stuff expands to the size of your space? Most people with large garages (and closets) just pack it full of more stuff. Limited space is a big benefit.
7) Our home is easier to clean and maintain. Face it, the more space a family has the more time, energy and money it takes to keep it clean.
8) Our neighborhood came with expected and unexpected benefits. When we moved we carefully selected a home that was close to a small downtown and other amenities so we could enjoyably walk and ride our bikes whenever wanted. What we didn’t expect was to have better relationships to our neighbors than we did in the suburbs. None of us have big homes and huge private yards to hide behind, and instead connect more with each other.
9) Freedom. By buying our small (er) home we annually save over $30,000 in costs from a mortgage, high utilities, taxes, maintenance etc. Now we save and invest some of that money, and spend some of it on other things we enjoy much more. Even better we don’t stress about bills or take on work we don’t like to pay for extra space.
10) I’m grateful that I had that large beautiful home before because now I know that while it might be nice, there are always costs and consequences. And having all that stuff doesn’t lead to a SMART or happier life.
When I was younger I thought having a big beautiful expensive house would make me look more successful and lead to greater happiness. Thankfully I’ve learned that happiness is really an inside job and that peace of mind, freedom, and purpose are much more important than stuff. So when you consider the benefits, it’s SMART for everyone to consider a small (er) home.
This is an interesting post. As a family of 5, soon to be 6, living in 1.500 square feet, I often long for more space. I’d particularly love an extra bedroom/bath to serve as a home office and guest bedroom. But it appears we will remain double-bunked for awhile yet.
About a year ago, I did realize one thing I was grateful for. I was cleaning our bathroom on the weekend, and grumbling to myself about the task, and suddenly realized that if we had two bathrooms, I would be spending double the time on one of my least-enjoyed tasks. I’m sure that once my kids are older than 6, I can start having them share more chores, as I did growing up. But for the time being, with me as the primary cleaner, I am grateful to have a smaller space to clean. In a couple years, when we have some more money saved, we may be able to renovate, and that will coincide with more hands to help clean the larger space.
Hi AGS! Welcome to SMART Living and thanks for your personal experience of living in a smaller house even with a relatively big family. Exactly as you say, it “sounds” like having a bigger house will answer many of your perceived discomfort but if you take the time to think it through (like you did) you realize there are ALWAYS trade-offs. Yes, having more bathrooms takes more cleaning, but in some cases it requires more hours at work (due to the cost) or higher insurance costs or ??? There are always trade-offs even with things we think we want. Good for you for thinking it through AND for having a plan that will answer your needs. Thanks again for sharing this with all of us. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
I’m seeing more and more interest in the idea of simpler living, although that may be because I’m looking for it. That said, it still feels like the exception rather than the the rule when it comes to home buying. I am a real estate Broker in Sacramento and the majority of home purchases are for the most home a buyer is told they can afford (ie, the largest loan they can get). I like your use of ‘Rightsizing’ and recognizing that happiness is a combination of many things.
The over sold idea of Dream Home simply encourages consumerism on a life altering scale. http://www.survivingtheamericandream.org/more-meaningful-dream/
I tell clients to forget the dream home and think bigger, think dream life. Then choose the right home for the life you dream of living.
Let’s spread the word and encourage moderation in a home purchase.
Bill Joyce
Hi Bill! Thanks for dropping by SMART Living and sharing your perspective on this. I agree that there is still a large emphasis on bigger and more extravagant homes for many, but there IS a growing number of us who have either “been there-done that” or else never gotten sucked into the status quo. It takes courage to stand out and walk a different path but I’m encouraged that the generations coming after us are learning from our mistakes and are making changes. It helps a LOT to hang out online and meet people of like minds. Good for you for encouraging clients to make a choice that empowers their lives rather than suck it dry. Thanks again for your comment. ~Kathy
We recently downsized from about 2250 square feet o about 1250 square feet, and we love. We thought it might feel small until we got used to it, but it never did.
Hi Christy! Welcome to SMART Living and thank you for sharing your own story. I think we all need to share that news that we don’t need BIG to be happy. And now isn’t it silly to think how we weren’t sure we could live in a smaller house? ~Kathy
Thanks for this amazing post! I agree that many times less is more. I have noticed that there seems to be a paradigm shift in the way Americans think about consumption. It seems to have gone from “bigger is better” with large gas guzzling cars, etc. to “living green” and “sustainability” which I think is fantastic. Your post embodies that message and ethos.
Thanks again!
Hi Aaron! Thanks for stopping by SMART Living and sharing your thoughts. I am very hopeful about the shift in people’s thinking about consumption and more, more, more and I’m glad to hear you are seeing it too. It’s time. Thanks again for your comment. ~Kathy
Great post. So interesting from the beginning till the end. If you feel like home it doesn’t matter if it is small or big, it just have to be the right one for you.
Hi Jess and Brandon. Glad you liked this one too! 🙂 ~Kathy
Kathy:
I have never read this post prior to today and it is so interesting how similar our thought process was when considering a downsize or “rightsize” I love all of your ten reasons and I have several more to add. I appreciate your kind comments and words of encouragement. I am only one week into this new “rightsize” and we still have far too much stuff!
Hi Suzanne! Yay–Another rightsizer! Like I said on your blog post about your move I think you will find that it is so much more rewarding than you can even anticipate. And after a while you’ll wonder what took you so long 🙂 While you are sorting through things and letting go (not to mention recovering from your move) it can still be a little overwhelming. Just know that the best is yet to come! ~Kathy
We just moved recently to a smaller house and even smaller yard. We’re on an open space so it doesn’t seem very small. We got rid of so much stuff and continue to all the time. Financially it’s been wonderful… smaller electricity and hearing bills, no mortgage and very little to worry about. No looking back, just looking forward… to maybe an even smaller place some day!
Love the idea of a small house movement by the way!
Hey Betsy! YES! to the SMALL House Movement. There is no one I know who made the conscious choice to “right-size” the home they live in that regrets it a bit. And anyone who feels unhappy in a small space is usually that way because of the location or layout. If you don’t feel safe in a home then it doesn’t matter how big it is! And I suppose it goes without saying that if you are unhappy, you can live in a mansion and it won’t fill the whole in your heart. I love how you say, “no looking back, just looking forward…” ~Kathy
Agree with you, as we keep getting older, its easier to manage a smaller space. I always felt that a small house any day is good and I believe we can do away with all those things that is not a need. I don’t like to have too many furnitures, gadgets and decorative pieces to fill the rooms. Living with what is basic and having space to read, meditate and enjoy listening to songs, and limiting oneself to what one requires also saves a lot of time, money and energy in maintenance… thanks for sharing , enjoyed reading this post !!
Hi G Angela! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the many benefits of a small house. It sounds like you and I share the same preference of avoiding a cluttered and stuffed house. Thom and I are somewhat shocked sometimes to go into some people’s house and see it so crammed with stuff you can’t even tell what is there. We prefer to have one or two special things that we highlight and even our furniture is “right-sized” to fit the space. No big overstuffed couches and furniture like so many seem to find important. I think it might be what people get used to and don’t want to let go of–I’m thinking of my grandparents and how towards the end they wanted to hang on to everything. ~Kathy
A smaller house would definitely be less to clean!! Very appealing! You expand to fill your space … and we definitely have a lot more stuff than when we moved into this house. There is less motivation to purge when you have room to keep things.
Hi Susan! Yes to the easier cleaning right? And the ability to expand into our space is a given. I know several women that have so many clothes and shoes that they can’t even fit them all into a large master bedroom closet and start expanding to other rooms just to store the stuff that they may one day want to wear again. Some guys are the same with their hobbies or home improvement items. There is this sense that if we let go of something we will need it for sure–a classic case of FOMO for sure–and so we hang on to every little thing we can. So for me, keeping things contained helps because I know I can’t keep it to begin with. We all need to find what works for us for sure! Thanks for adding your thoughts on this! ~Kathy
I am looking forward to downsizing, but I also have reservations about it, because we love having our family here to visit and always want to have a place for our kids to come for overnight visits. I think a different use of space will be good for us.
Hi Sharon! I think it’s always a bit trickier with a family because you do want to be able to have them visit. I was ALWAYS happy to visit my parents (and stay with them) when we didn’t live near them. But here in the Palm Springs area I know so many parents who bought the big place and lovely swimming pool for their grandkids, and now are very disappointed that the grandkids only visit on very rare occasions. I think they visit more before they get into school but once they start in with lots of friends and activities they usually don’t want to leave home much. If I had a $1 for every grandparent I’ve heard complain about maintaining a big home and pool for them, I could take more vacations myself. 🙂 Finding that perfect balance (right-sizing) might not be easy but I do think it’s a step in the right direction. Thanks for your thought Sharon. ~Kathy
We are actually going with the smaller house option. We have been looking at property in the Mtns. of NC along the Green River to build a very small home for the two of us for later. I would rather have more property than a bigger house. More outdoors and we aren’t “junk” collectors anyway! Four rooms and a bathroom is plenty for just the two of us and we are figuring out the design we want, the masterbedroom to be a loft and as “green” as we can make it. We are wanting to start our own kayaking/canoe business when he retires and are toying with the idea of creating a small campground. Big dreams but we’ll get there. Right now we have 1700 sq. feet I would like to cut that in half.
Hi Rena! Good for you for not having a huge place to begin with. I’ll bet that’s why it is easier for you than most to realize you can get by and be very happy in a smaller place. LIke I said, I wasn’t sure I could get by in 1,375 but Thom and I have talked about it and we realize we could go down to about 1,000 very easily—and that’s with both of us working out of the house. I think it helps too when you’ve done a bunch of vacation rentals or travel a lot because you realize it’s the “experience” not the space anyway.
And good luck with your dreams for the future. It sounds exciting! I will look forward to reading all about it on your blog! ~Kathy
If only more people would acquire that same mindset, Kathy. A big house = huge carbon footprint +waste of precious resources + more pollution + more energy consumption + more demand for stuff that people really don’t need + more hours to work to pay for it all.
If you ask me, that equation equals insanity and we need to wake up from our communal American dream (really a nightmare) of owning the biggest house possible with the highest number of gadgets in it. Environmental and human costs are just not sustainable…
Hi Annette! I do hope that more and more people get this message. That’s why I think it is so important that we keep putting it out there right? The world is just too conditioned to believe that they need all that space to be happy–and instead because locked in to a lifestyle that demands more and more work just to pay for it all. I completely agree it is a form of insanity–especially when you consider the quote, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” Let’s both do what we can to help others realize that it really is important, right? ~Kathy
Downsizing has been on our minds, too. Our home is not tiny but it’s not big, either. It’s just right for our needs and we are starting to get rid of stuff. Buying new stuff–well, I went to Sicily last month and did not shop at all. why? I asked myself: “Where will I put this?” “Who will get rid of it and how after we are gone?” We have enough stuff. Yes, our point of view shifts at this age.
Hi Carol! Isn’t it great how this shift happens? And I think traveling helps with the shift as well. When we visit other countries and see how most people around the world do very well with less space–and we have a GREAT time there as well–it’s easier to come home and let go of stuff. Thanks as always for your comment! ~Kathy
When my parents retired they moved into a much smaller home, and they love it, for all the same reasons you listed. Once our boys are on their own, I know that my husband and I will do this too. While I have loved living in our 3600 sq ft home all these years, something smaller sounds so appealing!
Hi Lana! Doesn’t it make a lot of sense to “right-size” as we move through life. I get it when you have a family living at home that you need more space than when there is just two of us. But once you are on your own again there are so-o-o many advantages! Figuring out “where” you want to live is way more important to me than the size of your home. Thanks for your thoughts on this! ~Kathy
Oh to downsize and live walking/biking distance from an urban center! Both my grownkids and all my grandchildren live in cities far from me. One of them has a strong attachment to our big house–she knows all the dogs in the neighborhood. I think that’s what keeps me tied down. that and having both my husband and I working from home and needing our own offices. Oh you know the excuses. Maybe your post will energize me to at least start clearing the closets.
Hi penpen! Thank you for in thoughts on this AND your honesty! I think all of us have our excuses for what we want to do or don’t do. Knowing some them is half the battle. Oh, and just so you know, both Thom and I work from our house and have our own offices. Of course we don’t have grandchildren who come to visit so we don’t need guest rooms (unless you count the futon in Thom’s office. In our previous house we kept telling ourselves we “needed” that extra room for others and ultimately it came down to needing it because we thought we needed it. The good news is that when the time is right the excuses won’t seem as strong. And yes, walking/biking from an urban center is AWESOME! ~Kathy
Love this post! My favorite thing about our right-size 1500 sf home is how much our family of five interacts–admittedly, at times this also feels like my least-favorite part 🙂 Even if everyone’s doing their own thing, we’re near one another, and I think we end up playing and talking together more often than if we each had our own side of the house. Plus our kids are learning how to get along and negotiate with others as they share rooms and play space. And the bathrooms are a cinch to clean!
Hi Laronda! Thanks so much for your thoughts on this. And good for you for right-sizing your family of 5 into 1,500 sq. ft.! I’m sure that it brings you all closer and while that could be challenging at times (like you said) I’ll bet you’ll never be surprised by what is going on in your children’s lives. And as you say, it does ask for us to be more compromising and forgiving when we can’t hide out. And YES! who needs to clean more and bigger bathrooms! 🙂 ~Kathy
Why not convert your existing garden to low maintenance?
Start by removing everything that needs constant care and go from there.
Draw up a plan with paper and pencil, don’t forget to measure your spaces.
Hi River! Actually our garden is already Low maintenance. We have a raised bed garden where we use dirt & compost…and a garden tower which grows aeroponically. We get fresh produce with very little maintenance and low water…the best of both worlds. What about you? ~Kathy
Love that you say happiness is an inside job. I love diving deep in there and finding the peace within, nomatter where I am. I do like have comfy clothing though. Tidy is important, not extravagance, but having the space around you neat and clean is important to me!
Hi Jodi! You probably like that saying because you say it all the time (in one way or another) on your own blog! Of course, if you’re anything like me you can’t hear it enough so I’m happy to remind you today. And I’m all for comfy clothing and neat and tidy 🙂 Being a peace with ourselves and our surroundings is surely a way to inner happiness. ~Kathy
Following along as I slowly ponder my situation. I’m fighting sentimental attachment at this point and some vague ‘fear’ about making the move–maybe because I”m single? It feels like a lot of work and I’m dawdling! My current house suits me to a T, but it’s roughly 2700-3000 sq. ft.
What I am doing is beginning to go through the books and accumulated stuff, giving things to my sons and talking about making the move. I’ve also, after reading your blog, begun thinking about all the money I spend–as noted above–and what it would be like to have less monetary output. I’m taking slow steps, knowing that spring would be the ideal time for me to put the house on the market.
Hi Walker! Good for you for at least thinking about it. I don’t underestimate the challenge of changing our long term patterns. And if a person is perfectly happy where they are–and can completely and comfortably afford it–then who am I (or anyone) to say they can’t do it? I just see so many people who are stressing themselves out about the money and expenses who would be able to relax and enjoy their life more fully if they stopped carrying around the burden of a big home. There is plenty of pressure (both from the media and our culture) to keep moving up to ever bigger and more expensive. I’m just hoping to be one voice sharing a different perspective. Thanks for reading….and I’m looking forward to seeing what you ultimately decide. ~Kathy
This is wonderful, Kathy! Congrats on your \\\’right\\\’ sizing your home. Less property taxes for a smaller property is also a big plus. Awesome gratitude list!
Hi Lisa! Yes, the smaller property taxes were only a part of the equation where we saved money. A big part of it was the insurance, the added utilities and all the maintenance and upkeep for a bigger property….Oh, and the mortgage of course 🙂 Like I’ve said before, I don’t think most people take the time to figure out exactly how much they are spending on their home. Most of us (and I was definitely guilty of it) just figure out if we can make our payment without thinking of all the added expenses. I’m hoping I’m reminding everyone that it really is a choice and remembering that they may want to reconsider the advantages of less. Thanks for your thoughts on this. ~Kathy
Kathy, I am in no way perfect, just trying a few things out, but thank you for the complement.
Yes, the 300 sq ft studio was nice and adequate for me. If I hadn’t run into problems that had nothing to do with the size I would have stayed there. My studio was filled with everything I needed to both enjoy my life and to entertain, along with the miscellaneous items I kept for the grandchildren. Because I also entertained in my studio I needed enough seating which is where the tiny space made moving furniture around to clean more difficult, there wasn’t a lot of extra space to move the furnishings and allow enough room for my chair to get into the space to clean.
My current home is the new experiment to see just how far I can take green insulation and make it work to retrofit the older homes. I’m glad you are enjoying the progress of my home.
Hi Lois! Oh I didn’t say you were “perfect” Lois 🙂 only that you are someone that I admire and that I see you constantly doing your best to walk the talk…and that is no small thing my friend. I got it about the cleaning thing…we’ve actually made a really strong point to keep our furniture small and compact. We do have a number of good folding chairs that we can add when we have people over and our table expands to include up to 10 people. So if we have company most of us end up sitting around the kitchen table or at the breakfast bar to the kitchen…but isn’t that where most people hang out anyway? Glad to hear the new house has a layout that is more manageable–that makes all the difference in the world.
I love my home but in hindsight we made a mistake because it cost us too much $$ and now we are literally paying the price. We can’t sell it cause the market took a downturn. If we had to do it all over again we would have lived more modestly. Wisdom comes with age, eh? We want to rent after we sell, then decide what to do.
Hi Cathy! Personally I think the only time something is a mistake is when we don’t learn something from an experience and keep repeating it over and over. As I said in the post, Thom and I only learned our lesson after going through something similar to yours. Sometimes we don’t know for sure what we don’t want until we’ve seen what having it REALLY means. Next time you’ll likely make a different choice…so YES…hopefully age makes us all a little “SMARTer.” ~Kathy
Oh yes, we totally fill whatever space we have!
I’ve actually never desired a large house. Our place is tiny, but we have a 1/2-acre yard. The house takes me no time at all to clean, but I could spend days weeding and pruning. 😛 One day, I look forward to going into a condo!!! Or moving to a place that has landscaping like yours — looooow maintenance.
Hi Laura! Good for you for not getting sucked into the desire for bigger and better….but yeah, even that big yard can make you rethink size huh? Because I grew up in a very rural I used to think I wanted all that space around me too…but I’ve outgrown that one as well thank goodness. 🙂 As you say, most of us seldom realize all the time and energy it takes to maintain that lovely space until we are responsible for it. Thanks for reminding us of that side of rightsizing as well. ~Kathy
Hmm, well I didn’t grow up in a large home and found a bigger home left me feeling uneasy. I raised my boys in 840 sq ft and loved it. I downsized twice after they moved to 450 and then 300. The layout of the 450 was just wrong and felt huge, the 300 studio felt right but again the layout could have been better. Storage was an issue and like River said anything left out, even a pair of shoes made it feel cluttered. I wanted to build a home that would be the perfect layout but then a home came up that fit my needs for accessibility and a huge yard for gardening. I close the second story off and live in the first floor only which is about 700 sq ft. I like the size of the rooms and for me having a bit more room allows me to clean easier. In the studio there wasn’t room to move furniture around well to clean. I look at my current home and think often that I should just flip it to have the money to build something smaller but the home feels good even if I don’t need all the storage space.
Hi Lois! You are incredibly inspiring to most of us as a person that is able to live within your means (and space) AND to buy only what you need. But I think most of us fall somewhere short of your example. Hopefully though there are still ways the rest of us can encourage one another to rightsize and find a more conscious way to live. 🙂
And I’m so enjoying your current example of taking an older home and renovating to suit your personal needs. While I think it is interesting that you find the increased space beneficial when it comes to keeping things clean…I would think it would be most valuable for the many projects that you always have going. And hopefully you will be able to renovate in ways that increase the energy efficiency of an older home or the utilities could become difficult. Still, I admire your willingness to keep experimenting in new and better ways to live. That is rightsizing for sure! ~Kathy
Right-sizing is a better concept for me than minimalism. I think we have about the right square-footage, but the layout could use some work. (And our desires change as technology makes things smaller and more-portable.)
Basically our dream-home includes main living space and dedicated storage space. Our hobbies need work-space and storage space and we hate going outside during some months.
Hi Kelekona! Yes, doesn’t right-sizing offer a more personalized perspective on living minimally? We are all so different and have different needs and desires. Families with children or multi-generational families obviously need more space than couples or single people. People like you who need workspace for your hobbies or arts, and people like Thom and I who have our offices at home, we all have different needs. I think the common denominator is living within our means and within our requirements. And yes! As technologies develop that is helping too. Thanks for your thoughts on this. ~Kathy
Oh Kathy, you know this one is both timely and near & dear to my heart! 🙂 We are VERY close to a final sale here (deadline to exercise any remaining outs is midnight tonight, I believe…I’ve lost track!) And now the task of finding somewhere else to live… THAT is the hard part.
If I told you what we’re paying in property taxes for what is not a huge home by any stretch of the imagination, your hair might fall out. In fact, I’ll tell you when we’re enjoying margaritas in Palm Springs one of these days…. (I’ll make sure to pack smelling salts to revive you.)
If my kids were officially out of the house, our decision on next place would be a no-brainer, but with both of them still officially calling our place home, it’s hard to try to downsize too drastically. When will they ever leave?? What is with this generation??
xoxo nancy
Hi Nancy! Yay! Congrats on being so close to selling your house. I don’t underestimate that it was a big decision–I’ve seen the photos and it was a very special place. But yikes! Were your property taxes horrendous? I know some places back east in the U.S. pay WAY more than we do in California but I hadn’t heard about Canada. And I’m sort of attached to my hair! 🙂
And yes I imagine having kids to consider makes it even more challenging about where to go. But why don’t you just rent until you are absolutely sure which way you want to go??? We actually took 8 months to decide where we wanted to land after selling our previous home–and I am so glad we did. We went through all sorts of versions of where to go next and gradually it got clearer and clearer. Fortunately we were able to rent a home from a friend who only used that house as a second home so it gave us the space to really figure out our “right-sized” space. I strongly recommend that to you if you can.
And YES to the margaritas to celebrate!!!! Just give us a date! ~Kathy
Great post! And I can totally relate. My husband and I have spent the last couple of years scaling down. Funny thing… before he and I were married, all I wanted was a big house. Well, we had the big house and I didn’t love it so much. After 8 years, we moved to a new state and built a house. I don’t think I’ll ever do that again. Anyway, we have scaled down from a 3200 sq. ft. house to a 2-story 1200 sq. ft. condo and couldn’t be happier! My goal was that if it didn’t fit on the moving truck or didn’t fit in the condo, out in went. Now? I couldn’t be happier!
Hi Patty! Yes, isn’t it funny what we used to want. And wow! 3,200 is pretty big for sure. Not only does it come with all those obligations and costs that I mention, the cleaning would take a LONG time 🙂 I love your idea, “…if it didn’t fit on the moving truck or didn’t fit in the condo, out it went.” There is so much peace and freedom in that huh? Thanks for sharing your right-sized story with us! ~Kathy
Hey Kathy!
Your home is the same size as the solar home we’re presently building… almost exactly! I agree with all you say here. And we’re just starting to become friends with some folks up in our future neighborhood.
“Tiny homes” are also getting more popular here. We’ve seen a few, but I definitely need my own space and Mike needs his garage to work in. We’re finding that out by living in a 1,000 square foot rental while we build!
Hi Laura Lee! I’ll bet you’ll find exactly as we did that it’s a GREAT size for two people. I think it does depend a bit on the layout because we actually looked at home with more square footage than this and some SEEM smaller depending upon the layout. Because you get to design your own–I’ll bet it will be perfect for you. And how great that you’re learning from your rental experience what is really important as far as room and layout–that’s perfect Right-sizing in my book! ~Kathy
I agree with you. I lived in a 900 sq foot home and yes it forces you to keep things to a minimum but also it had to be cleaned up constantly. I now live in a 1800 sq foot one level home and it still is very manageable but papers and shoes can be left about without cluttering up the house!
Hi Haralee! Ha! I guess having a little more space has a few benefits too! That’s why I am so captivated by the idea of right-sizing. I believe we all have to consciously decide what is most important to us and then choose that. I just know so many people (and yeah, I’ve done it myself too) that just go along with the crowd on things and then find themselves in circumstances that don’t lead to happiness, peace of mind or purpose. That’s why encouraging people to think about the size of their home, whether they rent or buy, or how they live is just part of the journey of rightsizing. Like I said in the post, I can’t imagine living in 300 sq. ft but some people love it. I think it is great that we are all so unique, but we do have to stay conscious and awake if we want to live our life in the best way possible. As always, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this! ~Kathy
We look forward to right-sizing some day (we’re currently nomadic). Our ideal would be a very small living space of our own, in close community with others, and with a large shared space to host guests and entertain.
Speaking of tiny houses, we have friends who are working on putting their family of five into a tiny house. You might enjoy checking out their project at Big Family Tiny House: https://www.facebook.com/bigfamilytinyhouse.
Hi Michelle! I will have to check out your friends project for sure because I do enjoy reading about how others are making it work and “right-sizing” it for their life. One thing we looked for with our sq. footage was a “great room” concept that felt open enough to have guests and socialize (like you mention). We’ve had about 20 at one time at our house and that really is the limit. But having had a couple of other parties (at our bigger house) where we had 50+ people I sort of like only having space for 20 at a time now! 🙂 With age comes wisdom as they say.
I think with all your traveling you are able to observe all the many ways people can habitat and that will serve you very well when you finally decide to settle down. As always, thanks for adding to this conversation. ~Kathy
The biggest home I ever lived in was just over 1000 square feet, we had the four kids at home then and a dog in the yard. Since then I’ve downsized several times, now the kids and hubby are gone and I have a cat, but no outside yard for him so he is inside with me in a fraction over 300 square feet. it’s a rental and all I can afford. It’s nice enough, but awkward, I keep the cat scratcher towers in the living room because there is no where else to put them except the back porch which already houses things that won’t fit inside but I still need them. I would love to upsize again, even another 100-150 square feet extra so I don’t have to edge my way around some of the furniture pieces, and yes, they have been downsized too.
Hi River! Ha! I’m sure my house seems HUGE to you based upon what you’ve managed. I can even IMAGINE living with four kids and a dog in 1000 sq feet. But isn’t so much of it what we get used to? I remember as a kid growing up with my three sisters, mom and dad and dog, and I’ll bet we didn’t even have 1,000 sq. ft. there at the time. I do remember only one bathroom though! 🙂 But again, it is what we get used to and “think” we have to have. I’m hoping that we all just become more conscious of what is necessary and whether the choices really serve us. It sounds like you’ve found a way to make your space work for you–and yeah, maybe 100-150 sq. ft more might help–but if you can live there and have peace of mind then that is really all you need. Thank you so much for adding to this conversation. ~Kathy
We feel exactly the same, Kathy. We downsized from 4400 sq. ft. in NJ to 2000 sq. ft. in MD to 1200 sq. ft. when we moved to FL.
We love having a smaller place with a smaller tax bill.
Hi Nancy R. Oh yeah….4400 is BIG. I know if you have a big family it sorta makes sense but after a certain point it just BIG 🙂 And yes, I’ve heard that some areas back east have enormous tax bills with those enormous houses! At least here in California we have Prop. 13 which keeps our taxes tied to the price of the home–but even then, we saved about half every year by rightsizing.
I’ve also read that the #1 regret of homebuyers is that they didn’t realize how much it REALLY costs to own a home once they’ve purchased it. Hopefully we all learn at the right time and pace that a big house costs big money! Thanks for your input on this! ~Kathy
Love this! And now that the teens are almost never here (they spend a lot of time at their dad’s) I too am thinking of downsizing – for every one of your reasons listed!
Hi Mona! I so encourage you to make the move. And while we don’t have the kids to consider, I still think there are many, many reasons to consider “rightsizing” your home space. Just the money and time a person saves can be significant–so much so that you’ll have more time and energy to spend time with them and others you care about instead of constantly working to pay for it all (not to mention cleaning and maintaining.) And I sure hope that I’ve communicated that it isn’t an all or nothing scenario. And reduction can be a move in the right direction! ~Kathy