Our new home might not be classified as a “tiny house,” but it’s certainly cozy and compact. It’s a single-story ranch without a basement, which sometimes gives it an apartment-like vibe—minus the noisy upstairs neighbors with their questionable cooking aromas. Our little abode is shared by my partner, our two kids, two cats, and a dog.
We have plans to expand our family in the future, maybe even once more after that. With my tendency to have rather large babies, the prospect of fitting six tall individuals, two cats, and a dog in our small space is a bit daunting. Thankfully, we have two bathrooms, which is a blessing. We also have enough bedrooms that only our least favorite kids will have to share. However, our common areas consist of just a kitchen and a modest living room. This means we’re either always together or only somewhat apart—not much room for solitude here.
But those are precisely the aspects we cherish about our small home.
Since moving in last year, we’ve had to significantly reduce our belongings. Our furniture, books, toys, clothes, and kitchen gadgets have all faced ruthless purging. No matter how much we clear out, it always feels like there’s still too much. In a small house, clutter can quickly overwhelm the space, making it easy to misplace items—like finding a cat behind the rice cooker.
We’ve learned to keep only what we genuinely need and love—items that spark joy. This ongoing process has taught us a lot about our needs and preferences; the clearer our space becomes, the more apparent it is when something doesn’t quite fit anymore.
Living in a smaller home has simplified parenting immensely. In our previous multi-story house, I often felt confined to one floor. I could stick to the area where the kids played, but chores in other rooms were neglected. If I attempted to leave them unattended to tidy up or prepare meals, I found myself constantly running upstairs to check on them and resolve conflicts. While it was great exercise for my Fitbit, it did little for my peace of mind.
In our small home, if I need to keep an eye on the kids, I can simply glance to my left. The entire house is baby-proofed, allowing me to focus on my tasks while feeling secure that everyone is safe. The matches are safely stored out of reach, and even if someone were to strike one, I’d hear it from anywhere in the house. This setup has encouraged my kids to entertain themselves, fostering their independence. Meanwhile, I’ve become adept at preparing dinners without relying on the microwave.
As a family, we’ve also become much tidier. In a small home, leaving things out can quickly turn it into a chaotic mess. Our larger house often had junk piles accumulating until cleaning became a monumental task. Now, our kids tidy up their toys before bedtime, and I can whip the house into shape in just a few minutes. A full cleaning session can be completed in an hour or two, including vacuuming and dusting.
Managing a larger home used to consume our time, but in this smaller space, household chores are a manageable part of our lives. While we may not have room for extra stuff or additional family members, we do have more time for what truly matters—spending quality moments together, exploring new experiences, and hosting friends. Plus, I even manage to sneak in an occasional nap. Naps were a luxury I didn’t have in our bigger house, and that’s precisely why we made the move.
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In summary, downsizing to a smaller home has transformed our family’s dynamics for the better. While it presents challenges, it has allowed us to cultivate a more organized, peaceful, and enjoyable living environment.