We live in a cozy house. Not quite a tiny home in the traditional sense, but definitely on the smaller side. It’s a one-story ranch with no basement, which sometimes makes it feel like an apartment—minus the noisy upstairs neighbors who whip up pungent dishes. In our compact space, my partner, our two kids, two cats, and a dog all coexist harmoniously.
We’re considering expanding our family in the future, which might create a bit of a squeeze. With my tall stature and my partner’s, we’ve already got two sizable children, and soon we could have six tall individuals, two cats, and a dog sharing our snug home.
Fortunately, there are two bathrooms—thank goodness for that! The bedrooms are well-allocated, so only our two less favored kids will have to share a room. However, we are limited in shared spaces; we have a small kitchen and a living room. This means we’re either always together or kind of together. There isn’t much chance to escape one another in a small house, but that’s part of the charm.
Downsizing to our smaller home last year forced us to significantly declutter our lives. We had to reduce our furniture, books, toys, knick-knacks, clothes, and kitchen gadgets. Every category of “stuff” underwent multiple rounds of cuts. Even after getting rid of a substantial amount, it still felt like too much. In a small home, clutter accumulates quickly; otherwise, you might find your cat hiding behind the rice cooker.
We keep only what we truly need and cherish—items that spark joy. As we refine our belongings, it becomes easier to identify what doesn’t belong anymore.
Living in a smaller space has made parenting considerably easier. In our previous multi-story home, my options during the day were limited. I could either stay on the same level as my kids, usually where their toys were, or run up and down the stairs to check on them while I tackled chores. It was great exercise but not great for my sanity.
In our snug home, if I need to keep an eye on the kids, I simply turn my head. The entire house is child-proofed, providing me peace of mind. I can let my children play independently while I handle my tasks, confident that they’re safe. The matches are stored on a high shelf, and I can hear them from across the room. This setup has encouraged my kids to entertain themselves and become more self-sufficient.
Our family has also become tidier. In a small house, leaving things out quickly transforms it into a chaotic mess. In our larger home, clutter built up in various corners until it was overwhelming. Now, our kids put their toys away before bedtime, and I can tidy up in just a few minutes. Cleaning the house thoroughly only takes an hour or two, with some music for motivation.
Living in a bigger house previously dictated our lives, but in our smaller home, managing it feels more balanced. While we can’t fit more belongings or additional family members—definitely no more cats—we have carved out more time for what truly matters: family moments, exploring new activities, hosting friends, and even sneaking in naps—something that was nearly impossible in our larger house.
This article was originally published on April 9, 2017.
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Summary: Downsizing to a smaller home significantly improved our family life. It simplified parenting, encouraged tidiness, and allowed us more quality time together. We’ve learned to cherish what we own while creating a cozy environment where we can thrive.