I went through a period of disenchantment with our house a few years ago. I took a look around and could see only how impossibly small it was; I was frustrated trying to find space for kitchen towels or sets of sheets. Our place had no hope of holding the six of us then when there were only four, but with some diligence and discipline, I’m progressing toward my goal of making our 1200+ square-feet ideal for our family.
“By American standards, we need a bigger house,” – a recent line from Jennifer Fulwiler that rang too true with me; but America’s bigger-is-better inclination sends a lot of people down an insatiable road of discontent. So with no plans to move in the near future, we’re here to stay and we might as well love it. What stirs contentment and defeats Grass-is-Greener Syndrome are the big perks of small living, the bright spots that reveal the freedom of simplicity.
1) Less House, Less Cash
It’s a fact that our mortgage is less than it would be if we had a bigger house in the area. It’s also true that with less space, there’s less to fix and finance. When we eventually replace the carpet in our bedroom and install a new countertop in the kitchen (that’s right – one single countertop), it’ll be on the cheap simply because there isn’t that much to replace.
And buying extras is cheaper, too. I can’t tell you how many times my jaw has dropped in instant infatuation with wall decor at World Market. But again, we have only so much wall space, and to buy more decor means replacing something that’s already up; but I like what we have, so boom – infatuation over and my cash stays in-pocket. We’re more intentional about what we bring home because of the space something new will have to occupy. And consequently, the stuff we have is more appreciated and maintained.
2) Less House, Less Time
Spend less time deep cleaning; less time picking up; less time fixing the fewer things that break. Fill the voids with reading, training to climb Everest, taking walks, calling your mom, and dancing to your “Hound Dog” Pandora station. The would-be free time is already full of family busyness for us and in our whirlwind, I thank God that our house isn’t overwhelming me, too.
3) Small House, Close Family
Our kitchen is a short corridor between the hall and back deck containing not only major kitchen appliances, but a washer and dryer too. It’s tiny and in the mornings, when the Catholic Kids are crowding and chirping for Cheerios and Andrew’s tripping over them trying to make breakfast and get to work, it can be the most frustrating corner of the house. Sort of. Our little kitchen in need of serious renovating is also the place I bump into Andrew the most, which usually means an extra hug and kiss. It’s also where our babies crowd me, which turns into them helping prep snacks and meals when I’m a little more charitable.
Speaking of kids, three out of four share a bedroom and it’s a priceless experience. Our first landlady was encouraging and inspiring when she told us, “Kids stack really well,” so we shouldn’t fuss over having a couple or several in one space. The three fellas bunk together and create some fantastic memories giggling to sleep. Their shared space cultivates a fundamental sense of community in their young minds, and they know that they go together.
4) Our favorite Father likes it
Our dearest priest friend comments on our house each time he visits. It’s just like the one his family had growing up, he recalls. About the same size, similar layout, and he has hilarious anecdotes of their family of six (like ours!) experiencing the joys and sorrows of life in tight quarters. He remembers his house with such nostalgic fondness that it affirms my contentment and hope that this place is just what our family needs.
So small house it is! And most of the time it doesn’t feel small because it’s our norm. Simple living will vary across families and individuals – others might focus on minimalism in business, time management, or style. For us, our house is our biggest expression of life on the simple side. Regardless of which avenue anyone takes, the point of minimalism is to detach from distraction to refocus on the true riches of life: faith, vocation, family, experiences. St. Josemaria Escriva put it so well: “Detach yourself from the goods of this world…be content with what is sufficient for leading a simple and temperate life. Otherwise, you’ll never be an apostle.” And what else is there to be but an apostle of Christ?
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Ahh…how did you magically know I needed to hear this? We are house hunting right now and it hasn’t been very fun to see what we can afford versus what we would we thought would be reasonable for our family. One thing I wanted to say about a “bigger” house is that my hubby and I have big families and lots of friends–and we love, love, love to cook and entertain. Having a family of five (hopefully more later!) And even just having my parents pop in for a meal means the tiny kitchen “nook” in a lot of houses around here is crowded to the brim. I’d love to have a big, long farm table and some space for people to visit so that it’s not stressful to spend time at my house, you know?;) Just a thought I’m wrestling with. God will provide! Maybe what we think we need and what is best for our family in God’s plan are two different things!;)
Yes ma’am! We like hosting too, and truthfully, it gets crowded if we have another family or a few over. Our house crawls with guests for birthday parties and sometimes I wish our space were more accommodating; BUT I’ll argue that the small hosting space is a blessing for reason #3. Less space means we see more of our guests, have more interaction with them; as opposed to more widespread gatherings I’ve attended when I didn’t get to chat with everyone I wanted simply bc they were in a different part of the house. Of course, that’s not always the case and truly there are blessings that come with both large and small homes; I’m just in a love-what-I-have kind of place. God will certainly provide! He’ll reveal what he wants of your family.
St. Joseph, pray for us!
This is so perfect. I sometimes struggle with finding space or feeling content in our tiny home, but it really is a blessing to only have to clean one bathroom and one bedroom. 🙂 Thank you for sharing this! It’s so encouraging.
YES!! We have just one bathroom too. I’m sure it’ll be a little more chaotic when all of our kids are using it (right now just 2 are), but it works. A little house offers just what a family *needs*.
By the way, I love love love your blog. Steeped Like Tea is a darling (and meaningful!) title. God bless, Kaitlyn! I’m so honored that you liked my post!
Our 2 bedroom apartment will still have 2 bathrooms because of our family’s bathroom related needs, but it’ll have about 500 less square feet and it’ll be some much easier to watch the kids while getting stuff done.
I love this! Sometimes I get the itch to move (we are only three right now with 1600 sq feet), but then I think of cleaning a bigger house! I usually do a good declutter and that helps me remember I love our house. Thanks for sharing 🙂
We are waiting to renovate a small, older farmhouse. When we add on a bit it will be a little over 1500 sq. Ft. And 7 occupying the space. That’s a far cry from our 2800 sq. Ft. House we just sold but I’m super excited about the challenge. Thank you for showing me that it can be done and joyfully!! God bless!
This sounds like a total dream, Nikki. Will your farmhouse be on an acreage? One of my sweetest fantasies involves planting our current house in the middle of a big ol’ field, growing blueberries, and living a simple life with Andrew and the kids.
Regardless, downsizing 1000+ sq. ft. will be such a blessing! When I have a good mind about it, a small house brings me such peace. God bless you and your fam!
Yes! Yes! We live in an apartment (which I don’t love) but it is small (which I do love) and I am grateful everyday when I vacuum and oy have to plug into one spot to reach my entire home. I can’t organize worth beans, which I have taken as a sign that I shouldn’t have and I should live small.
HA!! I love that – “I can’t organize worth beans” – too funny! I’m drawn to organization and some parts of our house are held within rigid order, but then our kids enter the room.
Our first place was a 500 sq. ft apartment in town and I loved it. So simple. Tiny kitchen, living room, tiny everything and I have only sweet memories of it.
Ok Maia, I just clicked on your blog after posting my last comment and *oh my goodness* – your work, your photos, your words are BEAUTIFUL. An instant follow.
and your meme about good/great moms and licking the beaters?? made me laugh out SUPER loud in a quiet Panera. I am SO so so glad you stopped by my blog so I could find yours!!