Choosing to downsize to a smaller home has proven to be an excellent decision for our family. While it may not qualify as a “tiny house” in the strictest sense, our cozy ranch-style dwelling is certainly compact. With no basement and just one level, it feels a bit like an apartment—minus the noisy upstairs neighbors who whip up questionable meals. Our household consists of my partner, our two kids, two cats, and a dog.
Preparing for a Growing Family
As we look forward to expanding our family in the future, the prospect of accommodating even more people—especially given that I tend to have large children—can seem daunting. We envision a lively household of six tall individuals, plus our furry friends. Thankfully, we have two bathrooms, which is a blessing, and enough bedrooms to allow some privacy for the kids we prefer not to share space with. However, our communal areas are limited to a kitchen and a small living room, meaning togetherness is unavoidable.
The Joy of Closeness
This closeness is something we cherish. Since moving into our smaller home last year, we’ve had to significantly declutter our belongings. Every category—from furniture to clothes—has been cut down multiple times. It’s clear that excess “stuff” doesn’t blend well with small living spaces; otherwise, you risk chaos and unimaginable messes. We’ve learned to keep only what we truly need and love, allowing us to focus on items that bring us joy. This ongoing process of downsizing has made it easier to recognize what no longer serves a purpose in our lives.
Simplifying Parenting
Living in a smaller space has also simplified parenting in ways I never anticipated. In our former multi-story home, I felt restricted to one floor, often stuck in the same room as the kids, trying to juggle chores while keeping an eye on them. I found myself running up and down stairs constantly, which was great exercise but not great for my mental health. Now, I can simply glance to my left to check on the kids. Our home is thoroughly child-proofed, allowing me to relax while they explore. The matches are stored safely out of reach, and I can hear any mischief from across the room. This setup fosters their independence as they learn to entertain themselves, while I’ve become adept at cooking without relying on microwave meals.
Creating a Tidier Home
Our family has also become tidier. In a small space, messes become apparent almost instantly. In our larger home, clutter had a way of accumulating until it felt overwhelming. Now, my kids know to tidy up their toys before bedtime, and I can whip the place into shape in just a few minutes. A full clean, complete with vacuuming and dusting, takes only an hour or two.
More Time for What Matters
Managing a larger house often consumed our time, whereas our smaller home allows us to dedicate more time to what truly matters—family bonding, trying new activities, and welcoming friends into our lives. Plus, I’ve even found time for naps, which were a rarity in our previous home. This is why the move was essential for us.
Resources for Expanding Your Family
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Conclusion
In summary, downsizing to a smaller home has transformed our family dynamic for the better. It has encouraged us to live more intentionally, cherish our time together, and embrace simplicity.