Compact Homes


More space, utility bills, carbon footprint, and more budget, this is the reason why many small families are considering compact homes. These are the homes with a pretty limited square footage. If your house is constructed smartly, there is no way you can feel uncomfortable in a house of this size. It can provide the privacy you need. A larger house can also provide the privacy you need.

There is one difference between larger houses and compact homes. Larger homes have more space to accommodate more stuff. You can have a garage, a dozen closets and big rooms with plenty of storage and space for furniture.


Living In A Smaller House

Why downsize?

Most of the people opting for compact homes have three key reasons.

First of all, they don't need this much space. They can live a happy life by removing 30% of the square footage. However, the layout has to be right.

Secondly, you need more time to clean and maintain a large house. You need to fix more things.

In the end, buying and maintaining a larger house is more expensive than a small house. You might have to pay higher property taxes and the insurance is also higher.

When you are living in a smaller house, you have more free time for your family and lower housing bills. 


Size Of House And Social Status

For many, the size of the house is a social status symbol indicating the success they have achieved in life. They love to display it. Bigger and expensive means greater personal success. On the other hand, many homeowners do not really care about what others are thinking.

They don't want to impress someone. They also think that the size of the house is not a symbol of their social status. These are the people having no external need for owning larger houses. 
 

The Right Balance

The square footage you need depends on the needs of your family. So, when you are downsizing, you have to find the right size. There are benefits of compact homes, but how small? There are some tiny houses not having enough space even for washing dishes, clothes laundering and many other basic things.

“What is the fun of having a house in which you can’t even do the basic life tasks properly? “

The compact home has enough space for essential life tasks. You actually need 30% to 40% of the storage space you have in your larger house. So, you can reduce storage. There is a minimum unused space in a tiny house and the available space is used smartly. A compact house ideal for a small family can have two bedrooms, one family room and only the required closet space. You should think about the space you actually use. 

Available space can be best utilized when you separate a less often used space and frequently used space. You can eliminate some of the less essential space you rarely use. Just focus on the space you need for everyday things such as preparing food, eating, sleeping, relaxing, and maintaining yourself and your key possessions. 

Downsize your stuff

You have accumulated a lot of stuff over the years. You have boxes in your closet. You have rarely used furniture in a rarely used room. Your kids are grown now. They don't need the toddler stuff you have still kept.


Following are some more tips for downsizing your stuff:

  • Empty out and organize your closet.
  • Remove all the boxes of old papers.
  • Evaluate and remove lesser-used items.
  • Be smart when you are organizing your stuff.