Living big in very (very) small homes

Less is More

Unexpected rewards of downsizing

• Less money towards utilities. It makes sense-- a smaller space needs less heating and cooling. Invest in good insulation and energy efficient windows and you can expect ridiculously small utility bills.
• Less stuff makes life more manageable. When I lived in a larger space I was not nearly as discriminating about what I decided was worth keeping. In a big house when there's a few pairs of outgrown kid's jeans and sweaters its not really a big deal and over time an entire wardrobe of misfit clothes can accumulate, in a small home that stuff gets donated immediately (and with a sense of relief) which entirely eliminates the need to dedicate entire days to spring cleaning.
• Easier (and less expensive) to redecorate on a whim. Changing the window dressings and swapping out the decor pieces alters a small room way more drastically than doing the same to a large room.
• Prevents impulse purchases. When there's value to usable space it becomes second nature to think about purchases carefully. "Do I really need that? Where am I going to put it? Will I have to get rid of something else, if so-- what?"
• Kids learn to value their space. My kids enjoyed their rooms in the larger home, but they weren't nearly so conscientious about keeping those spaces tidy. I noticed that when they were tired of the mess, instead of cleaning it up, they'd just move on to the next space until either I broke down and cleaned it for them or the entire room was an overwhelming mess. When space is at a premium, the kids switch back into tidy mode.
• Get out and exercise more. Don't get me wrong, your small space can and should be beautiful and efficient, a place to linger and enjoy the company of family, but even when the weather is less than perfect a small home encourages you to get outside and get your blood circulating.
• Mini amps and modest stereo speakers sound awesome in a small home. I have a Marshall practice amp that lights up small spaces at half volume. Not that I do much neck bending and face shredding (I play scales mostly-- alone.) A few small strategically placed speakers give us killer surround sound from games and movies.

If you've got it, organize it

Tips for maximizing usable space

1. Use unexpected spaces. Mount shelf brackets over doorways to stow books or to showcase a collection of pretty hat boxes. Be sure to install the brackets correctly and that the shelf is stable so that even if the door is slammed nothing comes raining down on anyone's head.
2. Break rules! Who says the livingroom needs a full sized couch? When a nice garden seat or piano bench suits your family better (and offers a little storage) it's perfectly acceptable to kiss the norm goodbye.
   
   Whether you're into shabby-chic or retro glam, make bold statements by using the same pattern in different colors or the same colors in different patterns to create a space enhancing illusion. Extra points if you cover an old travel wardrobe in the same fabric and use it to stash a few of your favorite things.
3. Horrify your neighbors. Utilize your outside spaces as well. A quick paint job on an old shelf or vintage media cart (use exterior paint) can make for a super cute place for the kids to leave their rain boots and a place for you to stash trowels, garden gloves and flower pots. Mount a dried bit of branch (or small antlers) next to the back door for a funky rain coat and hat rack.
4. Shhh! Landlords never check for holes under the cupboards. Some might, but so far I've yet to meet on that has (if such a creature exists I'm sure that's why they sell wood putty.) Free up some shelf space by screwing in some large cup hooks to hang coffee mugs and tea cups.*
   
   *I am not responsible for you losing your deposit if you take my advice, when in doubt exercise extreme caution and get landlord approval
5. Put stuff under the bed! I know, my mom told me not to just shove things under my bed too. Throw a trundle under one bed for a guest (tiny homes can still be hospitable) and stow extra bedding or out of season clothes under the other beds.