I love our small home.
It’s something I’ve come to really appreciate since living here. We chose this house both for the location and closeness to work, as well as being the only house in the area that we really liked. For us, this decision has turned out to be a very positive thing. In fact, we’re currently thinking about moving, and the one criterion at the top of both our lists is finding another home that’s a similar size as we’ve discovered that we really don’t need as much space as we once thought we did.
This doesn't mean our home is empty or minimalist, or even cluttered and chaotic. We have the things we need, the things we enjoy and plenty of things that make our home comfortable and homely.
However, living in a small home does mean being a little more thoughtful about how to use the space …
Make the most of your space
When floor space is limited, look upwards, sideways and even underneath or behind.
Walls can provide space for shelf units, vertical racks or hooks; the backs of doors can be very useful for hanging storage; and under-bed storage can be perfect for things you don't need every day.
Your loft or attic can also provide valuable storage for seasonal or rarely used items.
Have you got outdoor space you can utilise? For example, we have a bench with storage underneath where we keep our outdoor shoes (running, hiking, walking and wellies).
Keep everyday things within easy reach
Think about what you use regularly and where you use it.
If you use something every day, it makes sense for it to be easy to get to. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to move several things just to reach something you use regularly.
Giving everyday items a convenient home can make a surprisingly big difference to how easy your home is to keep organised.
Be thoughtful about what you keep
Living in a small home does mean we have to think carefully about what we buy (saving us money) and keep (things we need or have clear sentimental value).
Decluttering and organising your belongings is not about creating an empty home, it's about making space for the things that matter.
Give everything a home
When space is limited, having a designated place for things becomes even more helpful.
It doesn't need to be complicated. A basket for post, a hook for keys or a particular drawer for chargers can be enough.
The best organising systems are the ones that make sense to you and are easy to maintain.
Small doesn't mean uncomfortable
Perhaps the biggest thing I've learned is that living in a small home doesn't mean you have to live small. You don't need to become a minimalist or have perfectly organised cupboards.
Your home should still be somewhere you can relax, entertain, enjoy your hobbies and surround yourself with things that make you happy, so make it work for you:
- Keep what matters
- Use your space wisely
- Leave some room to enjoy your wonderful home
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