8 Secrets to Living in a Small Space

I cannot tell a lie.  Sometimes I feel cramped in my 1,100 square foot, two-bedroom place with a work-from-home hubby, rambunctious 10-month-old, and annoying cat.  Those HGTV shows with snotty first-time homebuyers make me nauseous.   They snub upturned noses at 2,500 sq. foot homes with pre-wired media rooms because they need more space--for themselves and their teacup poodle.

If I can set my envies aside, I see these folks could potentially be missing out on a secret to sane living: occupy the minimal space possible.  Bigger isn't always better, even here in Texas, so if you can't afford the towering two-story picket fenced wonder, great!  I'll let you in on a few tips I've learned over the last seven years of apartment dwelling.

1. If you build it, they will come; the Justincase Syndrome.
When you buy a house with two extra rooms (you know, just in case you have a third child, just in case of an extended stay from relatives, just in case you take up scrapbooking) the rooms will fill themselves within weeks.  We aren't comfortable with empty spaces or Spartan decor.  Unless you have designated a purpose for every room and corner ahead of time, Stuff Almighty will design it for you costing loads of extra money in meaningless junk.

2. Kids can (and actually enjoy) sharing rooms.
I say this from an only-child and soon to be mother of Irish twins perspective.  Growing up I would have given my entire Pound Puppy collection to share a room with a sibling.  How awesome it would be to have another warm body in the bunk above me with whom I could have forbidden late night gatherings or, equally pleasurable, agitate mercilessly.  Sharing a room encourages cooperation between siblings and offers an array of opportunities to grow as a person and family member.  

3. Look carefully at what you use and find a space suitable to house it.
Get rid of the storage facility and have a massive clean sweep before deciding to buy a home.  You just may need less room than you think.  Having more stuff than necessary will become a burden--dusting it, moving it, feeling guilt over not using it is more emotional toil than you need to expend.

4. Living in a small space will limit your extra spending.
Think twice before making a big purchase if you don't have room for it.  Or perhaps you need to clear out an old hobby to make room for something new.  You'll make far fewer impulse buys and subscribe to fewer extracurricular things by carefully evaluating first.

5. Reduce the unfinished project problem.
By restricting your living space you won't have room to start a project and leave it unfinished.  This is a godsend if you grew up in a house like mine with nary a corner left without something drying or needing to be sanded.  You have no choice but to complete one project at a time.  This lesson was learned the hard way, refurbishing a triple dresser on our apartment balcony.

6. Maximize the space you have.
It's interesting to hear folks describe their organization and living spaces.  Living small demands attention to how wall space, cabinets, and closets work to house things.  Whereas my mother bemoans her lack of closets, she has three huge, empty drawers under the bed and another five half-full in the dresser.  I rarely use the phrase "it won't fit".  My space-premium mind has learned to utilize every available space for function and aesthetic.  

7. Clean less, relax more.
Fewer square feet means less scouring, scrubbing, dusting, mopping, vacuuming, toy gathering, and tidying.  Yes, it feels like more of the space is in disarray more often than in large homes, but I can clean the entire place in 35 minutes flat. Try generating a spic and span kitchen in a big home under than time, let alone multiple rooms.  Plus, I've become more of a clean-as-I-go gal to limit the impact of, say, a sink of dirty dishes which can be visually over-stimulating.

8. Items have a double purpose.  
The bench we use at our dining room table doubles as a toy chest.  Some small space homeowners invest in foldaway Murphy beds, which make great additions in kids rooms where play space is a premium.  Prioritize your needs and investigate if anything can do two jobs in one.  

Scale back your space and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how streamlined and purposeful you become in domestic and leisure activities around the house.  By focusing on design rather than square footage you'll be able to live a comfortable, frugal lifestyle.