Our new home is quite compact. While it isn’t a true tiny house, it’s certainly small—a single-story ranch without a basement. Some days, it feels reminiscent of an apartment, but thankfully, we don’t have noisy upstairs neighbors whipping up pungent meals. Living in this cozy space are me, my partner, our two children, two cats, and a dog.
We have aspirations of expanding our family further down the line, which raises the possibility of accommodating even more individuals—potentially six tall people, two cats, and a dog in this snug residence. The good news is that we have two bathrooms, so we’re grateful for that! Our bedrooms are arranged so that only the two children we like the least will have to share. However, our communal areas are limited to a kitchen and a small living room. This means we are either all together or somewhat together, with little room to escape one another. Yet, these are precisely the aspects we cherish about our small home.
Since moving into our smaller abode last year, we’ve had to significantly reduce our belongings. Our furniture, books, toys, trinkets, clothing, and kitchen gadgets—every category of items has undergone rigorous cuts. Despite our efforts, we often find that what remains still feels excessive. In a small house, there isn’t much room for clutter; otherwise, you might find yourself discovering your cat in a cabinet behind your rice cooker.
We’ve learned to keep only what we need and love—items that spark joy. This ongoing process of decluttering has taught us what truly matters, as it becomes increasingly clear when something no longer fits our lives.
Living in a small house has made parenting considerably easier—by a wide margin. In our previous multi-story home, my daily options felt limited; I would often remain on the same floor as my children, usually where their toys were strewn about. This restricted my productivity, and any attempt to tend to chores elsewhere meant constant stair-climbing to check on them and resolve squabbles. It was excellent for my Fitbit, but not for my sanity.
Now, in our smaller space, a quick glance to the left is all it takes to check on my kids. The house is baby-proofed to a high standard, allowing me to let them explore while I manage my tasks with the reassurance that everyone is safe. I could hear if someone were to strike matches from across the house. This newfound freedom has fostered independence in my children, while I’ve also learned to prepare dinners without relying on pre-packaged meals.
Our family dynamics have shifted towards tidiness. Clutter accumulates quickly in a small house, so if we leave things out, it becomes a chaotic mess in no time. In our larger home, junk piles would gather until it felt overwhelming to clean. Now, my kids are diligent about putting their toys away before bedtime. I can tidy up the entire space in just a few minutes if I work efficiently. A thorough cleaning, complete with vacuuming and dusting, can be accomplished in just an hour or two.
Managing life in a larger home consumed most of our time, while in our small house, it’s a more manageable part of our lives. Although we have limited space for belongings and can’t accommodate many more people or pets, we’ve gained ample time for what truly matters—spending quality moments as a family, exploring new activities, and inviting friends over. And yes, I even have time for naps now—something that was virtually impossible in our larger residence.
For anyone considering a similar transition, resources like CDC’s infertility FAQ can provide valuable information on family planning. If you’re interested in home insemination, you might want to check out this article, or explore this authority on the topic.
In summary, downsizing to a smaller home has brought our family closer, simplified our lives, and allowed us to focus on what truly matters.
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