Smaller Homes are Better

Image from Apartment Therapy

Why is it that most people are so compelled to acquire more? Bigger seems to be better in our society. But is it really?

It seems that those who own the most square footage really have little need for it. The family of three in a five bedroom home is not only wasting the energy that it takes to heat or cool that house, but they are also squandering their money on meaningless things to fill the largely unused rooms.

Ideal Home

And who wants to be a slave to an inflated mortgage and therefore to holding tightly to their mostly unsatisfying job and kissing the boss man's tush? (BTW, I know it's possible to really like your job. But for most people the idea of loving their job is as far fetched as the existence of the tooth fairy.)

I'm not totally against shopping. On the contrary, I buy things that serve a purpose in my life including items that will make my small home more beautiful. But at some point, you gotta say "enough."

Ideal Home

Not every wall needs to be filled. Not every corner needs a piece of furniture. Sometimes the eye just needs to rest on an empty, serene space. When there's too much clutter it affects the whole body. Stress, shallow breathing and forgetfulness become the norm and pretty soon you're getting less sleep and have put on five pounds. Shop less, breath more, be happy.

Smaller is better in my opinion -- especially in the case of small families. My husband, I and our two dogs live in a two bedroom 1,200 square foot home. We've also lived quite happily and comfortably in a 700 square foot space but were forced to leave when a nasty mold took over the adorable rental.

Smaller spaces create an intimate and cozy atmosphere -- something that's hard to emulate in a large house. Give it a try. You'll see what I mean.