Making the decision to downsize to a smaller home has proven to be a wonderful choice for our family. Small houses often don’t get the appreciation they deserve.
Our new place isn’t exactly a tiny house, but it is certainly compact. It’s a single-story ranch with no basement, which sometimes gives it an apartment-like feel—minus the noisy upstairs neighbors cooking pungent meals. In this cozy space, my partner Jake, our two kids, two cats, and one dog all cohabitate.
We may eventually expand our family, possibly even more than once, which raises some concerns about comfort, especially since I have a tendency to give birth to large children. Both kids are already tall, like Jake and I, so the idea of fitting six tall individuals, two felines, and a dog into our small home is a bit daunting.
Fortunately, we do have two bathrooms, which is a blessing. The bedrooms are arranged so that only the two kids we’re less fond of have to share. However, our communal areas are limited to just a kitchen and a small living room. This means we’re either constantly together or somewhat together, with little chance of escaping each other’s company. Surprisingly, that’s one of the things we cherish.
The Decluttering Process
Moving into our smaller house last year forced us to significantly declutter our belongings. We’ve streamlined everything—from furniture and books to toys and kitchen gadgets. Every category of “stuff” has been minimized repeatedly. No matter how much we discard, it seems that a few months later, we still have too much. In a small house, excess can quickly lead to chaos, making it easy to misplace things—like when I found one of our cats hiding behind the rice cooker.
We’ve learned to keep only what we truly need and love—items that evoke positivity. The process of narrowing down our possessions has highlighted what truly matters, making it clear when something no longer belongs.
Parenting Made Easier
Living in a smaller space has made parenting significantly easier. In our previous multi-level home, I often felt confined to one floor. I could stay in the room full of toys, but chores in other areas were challenging. If I attempted to clean or cook, I was constantly rushing up and down the stairs to check on the kids and resolve squabbles. It was great exercise but not great for my peace of mind.
Now, in our compact home, checking on the kids is as simple as turning my head. The house is thoroughly baby-proofed, allowing me to focus on my tasks with confidence that everyone is safe. The matches are out of reach, and I could hear someone striking one from anywhere in the house. This setup has fostered independence in my children; they’ve learned to entertain themselves while I navigate my own tasks, like preparing dinner without relying on pre-packaged meals.
Organization and Time Management
Our family has also become more organized. In our larger house, clutter would accumulate into chaos, often overwhelming us. Now, if toys are left out, it quickly becomes noticeable. The kids have developed the habit of tidying up before bedtime. I can clean the entire house in under two hours if I put on some upbeat music and hustle.
Managing a larger home once consumed so much of our time and energy, but in our smaller house, those responsibilities fit neatly into our lives. While we may not have room for more belongings or pets, we have gained more time to enjoy what truly matters—spending precious moments with family, exploring new activities, and hosting friends. Plus, I even find time for naps now—something I rarely managed in our old place.
Conclusion
In summary, downsizing has transformed our family life for the better. We’ve learned to appreciate our space, enjoy our time together, and declutter to focus on what truly matters.
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