Learn the Secrets for Happy Small Space Living
My husband Jon and I currently reside in an 800-square-foot apartment. It has two bedrooms (one for our grandsons when they visit), one bathroom, an eat-in kitchen, and even a tiny laundry area. Many people have asked us how we manage in such a small space, and they have a hard time believing that I actually think we have plenty of room!*
* Yes, I'm aware that the idea that 800 square feet is "small" for two people is a very North American attitude.
In a couple of years, we plan to move closer to our kids and grandkids, and while I hope to still have my own laundry space, no matter how small, we realize that we'll probably only be able to afford one bedroom, since Sacramento rents are higher than the small town where we live.
So how will we adjust? And how do my friends Cinda and Bruce manage to live in a motor home? How do some of you manage in tiny houses? Here are some of my best tips.
* By the way, this blog is supported by readers, not ads. If you make a purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission.
8 tips for finding happiness in a small home
1. Use the "touch it" rule.
I read about this smart idea in an article by Suzi Siegel on apartmenttherapy.com. She counsels, "If you're deciding whether to spend money on something... ask yourself this: 'Will I touch it every day?' If the answer is yes, then you buy the BEST version of that thing you can possibly afford."
For Suzi, who lives in a 500-square-foot apartment in New York City, she feels the items that qualify include a bed and bedding, a desk, office chair, and lamp, and a coffee maker. She also suggests that if you're someone who cooks, you should invest in a frying pan and knife, and maybe a slow cooker. And in a tiny home, "a good air purifier is a must. Otherwise, your bed and clothing are going to smell like the kitchen." House plants, such as snake plant, weeping fig, peace lily, and golden pothos, will also absorb toxins.
Also consider the things you want to look at every day, which could include special photos, a piece or two of wall art, or your favorite collection.
2. Have a place for everything.
Cluttered spaces always look cramped, no matter how big they are. That's why everything you own needs a place to belong, and you must develop the habit of putting things away when you've finished using them. Make sure that frequently-used items are easiest to access, and don't keep too many duplicates (they just crowd your space).
3. Make it all small.
From trading out your desktop computer and bulky sound system for a sleek laptop and a speaker dock, to choosing a loveseat and two armless side chairs in place of a full-sized sofa or beefy sectional, it's smart to go small in a small space. Do you really need that king-sized bed, or will a more apartment-friendly queen-size be just as comfortable? How much refrigerator space do you regularly fill? Do you often need a dining table that seats six or more, or will a table that seats four work well most of the time? Why not choose a pair of nesting tables for the living room, and only spread them out when necessary?
Even your hobbies can be small when you choose fun activities that don't require a lot of gear.
4. Utilize decorating tricks.
Some things make any space feel larger, such as:
- mirrors
- plenty of natural light
- matching walls, doors, and trim in light-toned eggshell or satin paint to reflect light
- white ceilings
- a limited color palette that carries throughout the house
- streamlined upholstery (skip puffiness, ruffles, fringe, and busy prints)
- uncluttered tabletops and counters
5. Choose double-duty furniture.
Great options include storage ottomans in place of a coffee table, a bed with drawers underneath to replace a space-stealing dresser, or an antique sideboard that provides enclosed storage beneath your wall-hung TV. I use my dining table as a desk, and store office supplies in a rolling caddy I put at one end of my closet when I'm not using it. The caddy could also work for craft supplies or as extra storage in a kitchen or bathroom.
6. Clear the floors.
According to marthastewart.com, this is the number-one way to make your small space feel roomy. "The more floor you can see, the larger the space feels," one article explains. "By getting items off the ground, you're essentially giving yourself visual square footage." How can you achieve this in your home?
- Choose sofas and chairs with visible legs.
- Consider tempered glass for tabletops.
- Use a wall-mounted bedside table.
- Where possible, use wall sconces and pendant lamps to avoid floor lamps and extra tables.
- Install floating shelves instead of using a bulky bookcase. Thoughtfully curate each shelf with books, plants, and decorative items to create a focal point that doubles as wall art.
7. Be considerate.
Living in a small home forces us to think about our belongings and how we use the space, but maybe more importantly, it makes us aware of the impact of our actions on others. If you live with someone else in a small space, you can't just ignore each other or let problems fester. You have to learn tolerance, and you need to practice communication, negotiation, and awareness.
Being considerate about how much noise you make, how long you monopolize a space, and how well you clean up after yourself is good practice for living in a crowded world.
8. Get out of the house.
Going outside is always a good idea, and when you live in a tiny space, it's even more important to get fresh air and a change of scenery from time to time. Of course you should declutter, organize, and design your home to use the space well, but give yourself a break by heading out to your patio or balcony, or to a public garden, favorite coffee shop, the gym, the library, or a hiking trail.
The benefits
When you find ways to use space wisely rather than moving out or adding on, you make it possible to be happy in a smaller home or apartment than you might otherwise have chosen. Going small saves money, time, and energy while letting you continue to live comfortably.
Related article: Why a Smaller Home Might Offer More Happiness than a Mansion
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