It’s time to redefine what it means to live big!
For so long, the image of success and living well has been tied to getting a bigger house and accumulating things. While there is nothing wrong with adopting a higher standard of living when you can afford to, let’s do away with the idea that smaller has less value. Besides, it’s quality over quantity, right?
The Rise of Minimalist Living
Did you know that one in four Americans has a problem with clutter? Having too many things brings with it not just an organizational problem but also an emotional burden. There is a lot of stress that comes with not knowing what to do and where to start with what you own.
Minimalism is a response to the problem of having too much stuff. According to Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist, minimalism involves “intentionally promoting the things we most value and removing everything that distracts us from it.” It operates around the principle that by simplifying our lives, we focus on what matters most to us.
The popularization of this movement is thanks in part to the likes of Marie Kondo, who lives by the KonMari method of asking if something “sparks joy” before deciding to keep it. Hit series like Tiny House Nation have also made the possibility of downsizing more accessible.
Practical Perks of Smaller Living
So what is there to gain from having less stuff? Quite a few things, actually.
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It’s much easier to clean.
One advantage of living in a smaller space is there is less ground to cover when tidying up. A smaller house means fewer rooms to clean and fewer chores to delegate, which translates to more time to relax and spend with your loved ones. A win-win!
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It costs less.
When you downsize, you also have less to think about financially. Firstly, cutting down on your home’s square footage will result in having to shell out less in your home loan.
Lower square footage will also likely require less electricity and water consumption. Your house will need less energy to heat and cool and will need less water, gas, and other utilities to maintain.
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It’s exciting to decorate.
This is arguably one of the best parts of having a small house. It poses a unique set of challenges to maximize every nook and cranny of the space.
Check out decor inspirations online to see how you can efficiently manage your house area and add your own character into it! You’d be surprised at how much creativity you can inject into your humble home.
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It’s more eco-friendly.
Downsizing is also a way of taking care of the environment. For one, less consumption and maintenance on basically everything leads to leaving less of a carbon footprint. Another reason is that downsizing allows you to let go of older stuff and donate them to new homes, where they may be repurposed and made brand new.
Just think: we all benefit so much from her resources, so it really wouldn’t hurt to give a little bit back to Mother Earth!
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It teaches you what to value.
People lose so much precious time just trying to keep their stuff in order. Fewer possessions allow you to pour more time into what means the most to you.
The cozy living space also brings you closer to your family in quite a literal sense—but also figuratively. Physical proximity is a great opportunity to spend time together and bond with the people you love.
Some Things to Consider
Deciding to live in a smaller space is a big step. It is perfectly valid if you need time to think some things over.
One important concern is the number of people in your household. This is a primary consideration when determining how small your house can be. Ensure you communicate with everyone involved and sort out room divisions and the like before choosing a home.
Another thing to think about is the little luxuries you enjoy. Making the shift to a smaller house doesn’t mean lowering the quality of your life.
Do you prefer to have a television where you can unwind after a long day? Or a space to do your daily workouts? See how you can incorporate your hobbies and usual activities into your downsizing plans.
Lastly, if you’re pursuing financial freedom, downsizing is a potentially life-changing way to achieve this. Not only will the lessened expenses be better for your budget, but it will also instill priceless lessons about what’s important.
Different living arrangements will work for different families. Take the variables into consideration, and you’ll never know. Maybe it’s time for you to live bigger in a smaller space!
