Why Small Homes are Better: Less Space, More Happiness
There’s a common idea that’s been part of humanity for thousands of years, that a bigger home is a better home. While there is something to be said about having more floor space in which to move, some of this idea also has a basis in elitism and ostentatious living.
Showing off financial success to the point of living beyond our means has become common, and in a time when property is more expensive than ever, it’s something we want to avoid.
Instead, we want to explore the opposite direction. What’s possible with small homes, what advantages do they offer, and how can they be preferable? There’s a lot to know here, so let’s get started.
A Bigger Comparative Budget
When you have a bigger home you’re not just paying more for the property, you’re spending more on filling the home with what you need. Larger homes also typically come with higher utility costs, from heating to electricity, which adds to the long-term financial burden.
From beds and blankets to cleaning and maintenance, the price of everything scales with a larger home. Moreover, bigger homes often require more time and effort to keep clean and organized, which can be overwhelming for some.
This budget difference is also easily explored when downsizing to a humbler home. Cash offer services made a name by saying “We buy any home“, and they’re not exaggerating.
These services provide convenience for those looking to sell small homes quickly, bypassing the lengthy traditional sales process.
These free cash offers can help you receive funds in seven days and can work out final payment levels similar to or even superior to working with estate agents.
This means a quick understanding of budget, which can be a great help for anyone in a rush, while also helping you better contemplate what’s on offer.
With immediate access to funds, you can act faster on opportunities like investing in a smaller, more manageable property.
Better Location Options
The most central locations in a city tend to be the most convenient, but they’re also the most expensive. Choosing the right neighborhood can also save you commuting time, reducing the overall stress of daily travel.
London is a prime example, where even though prices have dropped, they’re still 13 times average earnings.
However, you might find that properties on the outskirts offer better value for money, without sacrificing too much on transport links.
If you’re okay with smaller homes, these cost issues can be substantially mitigated. Plus, smaller homes typically have lower maintenance costs, which is another financial advantage.
Even if you’re not interested in going central, a smaller property like a cottage can find far better choices in location than a huge house. This can help with work, education, and entertainment options, which can be enormously important to certain lifestyles.
More compact homes often come with a sense of community that larger estates might not offer, adding a social benefit.
A Closer Environment
Living in closer spaces, such as small homes, can also help by forcing more intimate and face-to-face time. This fosters stronger emotional bonds, which can positively affect mental health and family dynamics.
This is something we often drift away from as we grow up, and it can separate us from the family and friend support networks that are truly important.
Intentional proximity can also encourage better communication, reducing misunderstandings that might arise from a lack of connection.
A smaller and cosier house can help return us to a time before technology let us separate so easily, so we can enjoy communal spaces like we once did.
Whether watching movies, playing games or just reading next to each other on the couch, there’s a lot to be said for this lost approach. This shift can also be an opportunity to create new traditions and shared routines, reinforcing family culture in subtle but meaningful ways.
As much as we’re suggesting smaller and comfier, we also need to be sure we don’t push into the realm of overly cluttered and cramped.
Downsizing to a smaller house is about finding that line where you and your family can be happy, enjoying each other’s company more while also having enough space to separate when needed.
As millennials, we’re not afraid of this change and going against the status quo, and if that makes us stand out, that’s everyone else’s problem. Embracing a minimalist mindset can make this transition smoother, allowing us to focus on quality over quantity in our living space.
Embracing Small Homes: A Path to Simplicity and Connection
While larger homes have long been associated with status and success, smaller homes offer numerous advantages that align better with modern lifestyles.
From financial savings to fostering closer relationships and creating a more manageable environment, downsizing can lead to a simpler, yet more fulfilling life.
By embracing compact living and prioritizing what truly matters, we can break free from the pressures of material excess and focus on building stronger connections, both within our homes and in our communities.