Is the Tiny Home Lifestyle Right for You? Here Are 7 Benefits of Living Not-So-Large

How many times have you found yourself feeling utterly overwhelmed by the amount of clutter and stuff around you, and wondered whether it was time to downsize or purge? For most people, that process comes in the form of finally sifting through mystery piles stacked in the attic or basement that haven’t been touched in years. Others, however, choose a more extreme approach and decide to pursue the “tiny home” lifestyle. Living in a minimal space isn’t a new concept, yet it’s grown in popularity over the last decade. People are drawn to the cost cuts a small home provides, as well as the more simple lifestyle associated with it. Sure, letting go of excess square footage will require some sacrifices — but rest assured, living not-so-large can also lead to some pretty big payoffs. Here are seven benefits of going small.

1. Becoming one with nature will become second nature.

When your interior square footage is limited, you have to take advantage of the space beyond your front door. Instead of pacing the floors, you’ll go for daily walks in the great outdoors and swap out indoor yoga for al fresco workouts. And just because a home is extra small, that’s no reason your guest lists have to follow suit. After all, what could be better than an open-air dining “room” where guests can mix and mingle under the stars?

2. Deep cleaning is a snap.

If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, a cluttered tiny abode is just absolute chaos. It’s not going to work. But staying on top of spontaneous spills and everyday chores — not to mention bigger tasks like cleaning windows and floors — is a lot easier when every inch of space is essential. You can’t simply close a door and walk away from messes. And since cleaning a smaller area involves less elbow grease, you’ll be more apt to keep things neat without missing a beat. Bonus: You can splurge on the really expensive cleaning supplies because they’ll go a lot further in a restricted space.

3. You’ll never be out of sorts.

Step aside, Marie Kondo. Not only will you become a pro at figuring out which items “spark joy,” you’ll also become well-versed in the art of folding, stacking, and finding creative storage solutions like right-size baskets, shelving, and furniture that come with hidden storage possibilities.

4. You have the perfect excuse to refuse family “heirlooms” (without guilt).

Even though there’s a certain charm to the large self-portrait Aunt Edna had commissioned on a trip to Epcot back in the mid 1980s, surely all parties can agree that there’s simply no room for it in a 500-square-feet abode with limited wall space. On the bright side, if there’s something of value — whether monetarily or emotionally — and there’s no way to make it fit, all is not lost. After all, that’s what storage units are for!

5. Smart shopping will become your secret weapon.

Forget leaping a tall building in a single bound. After a short time living small, you’ll be using your X-ray vision to locate that perfectly scaled bench that doubles as a coffee table and offers valuable storage. You’ll be zeroing in on adorable indoor-outdoor fabrics that can withstand wine stains and the wear and tear of RV life. You’ll trade hardcover books for electronic versions on your iPad and swap in a keyboard for a grand piano.

6. You can have the home of your dreams for a fraction of the cost.

Just because you’re skimping on space doesn’t mean you can’t splurge on luxury materials. These days, manufactured home builders are partnering with high-end architects, and companies like Lazydays RV and Texas Custom Coach offer fancy upgrades to RVs. Big-ticket items like Carrara marble counters, oak floors, and hand-painted wallpapers are right at home in small surroundings, and because you need to cover less ground, they can be had for far fewer dollars than if you were outfitting a traditional-size residence.

7. The seat next to you will be the most popular one at every single party you ever attend.

Many people have dreamt about getting rid of all the non-essentials, limiting themselves to one flattering “everyday” uniform, and taking up residence in a very small space, whether that’s a tiny freestanding home, a studio apartment, a caravan, or a tree house. When people find out you’re actually doing it, they’re going to have a million questions about what you love, what you miss, what you wish you knew when you started out, and, most importantly, whether you think they can handle it. Enjoy the attention, and use these conversations to educate your loved ones on the myriad positives tiny homing has brought to your life.

A version of this article appeared in our partner magazine Tiny Homes.