Maybe you just downsized your home to something a little smaller than you have been used to.
In these economic times, one needs to look on the bright side. If you look deeper, a smaller home might be a blessing in disguise.
1. More disposable income: It is very likely that downsizing your home grants you a smaller payment and less maintenance costs. Just think, a smaller roof means it will cost less to re-roof, and less floor area equals less material to replace it.
2. Less cleaning: Nobody likes cleaning! Well, some say they do but let’s be honest. I can easily think of 100 things I would rather do. A smaller house has less surface area which necessitates less time spent on chores and more time spent playing, learning and laughing with your loved ones.
3. Less maintenance: Should one be spending weekends checking off fix it lists or enjoying life? A smaller house affords you a more manageable maintenance list. Less drippy faucets to deal with equals more time for long walks.
4. Better quality products: Less space means less space to fill and having more disposable income allows you to fill it with better quality furnishings. Quality products translate to less upkeep and more pride of ownership.
5. Healthier home: Maybe you will invest in a better quality heating system. This will result in less energy use and maintenance cost, which is better for you and the environment. A home is only as healthy as the products it is made of. This includes for example, choosing materials without VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that don’t pollute the indoor air as well as protecting your family by ensuring a healthy Building Envelope*.
6. There is special meaning to all items: In a smaller space there typically isn’t room for filler items, so every piece of artwork, vase or side chair is specially selected to be in that room. Grandma’s refinished rocking chair doesn’t just sit in the corner; it now is used every day.
7. More pride of ownership: Every detail of a small house is evaluated and reevaluated so there is a place for everything and everything is in its place. With such care in planning and detailing, much pride is felt in the end product.
8. Less separation: I am speaking about families being able to interact with each other in one room. In many of these large homes there is a separate room for child activities, teen activities and adult activities. In a smaller house all of these rooms have to be skillfully integrated into one “great room” where everyone can go about their activities and still remain together.
9. More reason to be outdoors: Of course a small house can translate to less room to run around and play which means getting out of the house is even more enjoyable.
10. Less worry: That just about sums it all up. The key to a long, happy life is less worry and stress. Please check out this link for more on stress
These are just a few reasons why I believe owning a smaller home can improve the quality of life but I would like to hear your ideas. Help me continue the list!!
*Building Envelope: is the separation between the interior and the exterior environments of a building. It serves as the outer shell to protect the indoor environment as well as to facilitate its climate control.
Written by Araya Jensen, CKD
Araya has been practicing interior design for over 10 years creating some of the most thoughtful home designs today. Her vast array of experience includes lighting design, custom home furnishings and custom cabinetry for new homes and remodels. She has also gained recognition across the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area for those seeking professional design direction.
Please visit Araya’s design portfolio at: arayajensendesigns.webs.com
Article photo by Lance McCord
