Six reasons why living in a small house is better for you

It’s no secret that I harbour a desire for a spacious home. However, rather than dwell on our lack of living space, I’ve decided to take a more positive approach and celebrate it. 

It’s not like we’re squashed into a tiny house, simply a two-bedroom semi that initially seemed roomy, but 10 years and two kids later is proving a little more challenging.

The inner west in Sydney has become sought-after, so while we can’t afford to buy a bigger home, we love living here and are so entrenched in the community that we can’t possibly leave. All we need is a little extra space.

So until we do, I’m looking at the brighter side of living with limited space. And there are many bright sides, let me tell you.

1. It’s clean in a flash

It stands to reason that less space means less cleaning. Rather than having to clean three bathrooms and powder room, I only have one small family bathroom. And even then, with two daughters, it’s not always available to clean anyway. Next to that, we only have an open plan living/dining/kitchen area and two bedrooms, which means I can whip around the whole house in no time at all. So fewer hours spent cleaning, more time spent enjoying our lovely clean house – definitely a win-win.

2. Furniture – who needs it?

Less space means fewer furniture pieces. There’s no need to spend entire weekends hunting for the perfect rug, armchair or set of throw cushions. There’s no need to deliberate on various artworks or key decorative pieces. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I do no shopping at all because there’s absolutely no room for anything new. So, not only does a smaller house save precious time and agonising decision-making, it also provides an automatic savings plan that stops you from overspending.

3. There’s no need to yell

Living in closer quarters means I don’t have to shout when trying to capture my family’s attention. That’s because they’re right under my feet at all times. When dinner is ready, or I need the dishwasher un-stacked, the kids are within earshot, so communication is more calm and immediate – and not necessarily shared with our neighbours.

4. There’s nowhere to hide

While a lack of nooks and crannies makes for a short-lived game of hide and seek, it also means I can easily keep an eye on what the kids are doing, Googling and watching on YouTube. I’m on standby to make sure homework is being done, music is being practised and books are being read. There’s no chance of sneaking in a little game on a phone or tablet or accessing social media before the age of 16, because I’m right there.

5. Cosy, but in a good way

A smaller home means that what space we do have is much more snug and intimate. And more affordable to heat in winter. There are no rambling rooms, soaring ceilings or expansive windows. There’s only one living space but it’s warm, cosy and very friendly. Particularly as we’re all forced to share the one couch for family movie night. And with the kitchen area a mere step away, there’s less energy exerted when fetching popcorn or refilling a wine glass.

6. Less space, more character building

Most importantly, I think living in a smaller house fast tracks the learning of essential life skills such as respect for others and the ability to share. You need to be patient, considerate, resilient, fair-minded and able to carry out effective conflict resolution – and all before breakfast. Quite frankly, if my kids can survive family life in a two-bedroom, inner-city semi, then the world is going to be their very large oyster.