15 Reasons Why You’ll Benefit from Living in a Smaller Space (Even with a Growing Family)

Any day we will be welcoming the fifth member of our family into the world — a baby boy who we are thrilled to meet.

As our family prepares to grow, friends have been asking me a similar question: “Will that work to have five people in your small space?”

Truth is, I hadn’t even considered that it wouldn’t. We know our family is happier in a smaller home and don’t see any need to increase our living space, even though our family is growing.

But wouldn’t we be happier with more space?

I just don’t see how we would.

And happiness is something worth holding onto these days. Two weeks ago, an AP News poll reported that Americans are the unhappiest they’ve been in 50 years. We have the second largest average home size (behind Australia) and more stuff than most of the world. Doesn’t look like it’s bringing the average American any additional joy. 

So where are people happier, I wondered?

Turns out the country with the happiest people is Finland. And the Finns have held this title for the last three consecutive years. 

The ideal home size for a Finnish family is 1,238 square feet. Ideal. Meaning that is the size home they would choose if they could. 

In America the average home size is around 2,500 square feet, yet 40% of Americans in a 2017 survey still wished for a bigger home. 

While I can’t prove that desiring a smaller home equals happiness (correlation doesn’t equal causation), it does seem that Finland is onto something. 

Here are 15 reason living in a smaller space — even if your family is growing — has the potential to make you happier:

1. Improved relationships 

Quality time improves relationships. In a smaller space you naturally see your family more, which leads to more interactions and more opportunities to really get to know the people you live with.

2. Less stress

Larger homes require more upkeep and maintenance. There is simply more to clean and more opportunities for something to break. In a smaller space your home to-do list is shorter. Home shouldn’t add to your stress, it should be a space to escape from it.

3. Sense of accomplishment

When caring for your home is manageable, you don’t live with a nagging sense that you’re constantly behind. You can complete the home-related tasks you need to each day because they take little time. This leaves you feeling good about your home and your ability to care for it.

4. More free time

When you’re not constantly doing work around the house, you can use those hours in different ways. You can pursue hobbies that make life feel more balanced like creative projects, exercising, or spending time with friends. 

5. Less debt

The larger the house, the larger the mortgage. Also, if less money is going toward your mortgage, then more can go toward paying off other debt (like credit cards, car payments, and student loans — the average American has $38,000 in personal debt, excluding home mortgages).

6. Greater flexibility in your spending 

A smaller home has fewer maintenance needs. When your money is going toward home maintenance projects less often, more of it can go toward other things: travel, charities you’re passionate about, your savings (or whatever it is that matters to you).

7. Better chance of living off one income

Many people buy a large home that requires two incomes to pay the mortgage. A smaller home comes with a lower mortgage. If your partner wants to stay home with your children, go back to school, or take time off to start up a business, then the option of living off one income is more realistic in a smaller home. 

8. Easier to live clutter-free

Decluttering in a small home is crucial — if you don’t, then you quickly lose living space. Living in a smaller space, you’ll be more motivated and able to keep it clutter-free.

9. Ability to live in line with your values 

When you choose to live in a smaller home, you’re not buying bigger just because everybody’s doing it. You’re living the life you feel called to, regardless of the norm. Being true to yourself and your values builds joy. 

10. Children naturally take on more responsibilities  

Living in a smaller space means owning less stuff. This creates an environment that is manageable for children to help maintain. If kids have mountains of toys to tidy at the end of the day, they will likely feel overwhelmed and shut down instead of helping out.

11. Lower ecological footprint

Smaller homes require less energy to heat and cool, making them more energy efficient. This keeps your energy bills reasonable and your ecological footprint lower.

12. More unique home 

Many larger homes in new developments take on a “cookie cutter” appearance. Smaller homes often come with a more unique feel. Tiny homes are even more unique since builders must be creative with their use of space (such as beds or tables that fold out of the wall).

13. Greater appreciation of what you have

A smaller home with fewer possessions makes you more grateful for what you have. When a home is inundated with possessions, belongings can lose their meaning, leaving you with less desire to care for what you do have. 

14. Improved health

When your home is easier to keep clean, you’ll be more able to keep your living space free of major allergens, like dust and mold. The air quality in your home will be better and your health will be better for it.

15. You’re more likely to know your neighbors 

Large homes often sit on large lots. Increased distance between homes reduces your chances of interacting with neighbors. When homes are smaller and a bit closer together, you naturally see and interact with your neighbors more, which builds a sense of community. 

While the American happiness statistics these days may seem bleak, they could also serve as a wake-up call that something needs to change. 

One thing many of us (clearly, not all of us) can change is the size home we choose to live in. 

Consider if that change could be for you. Could living in a smaller space open doors to the joy-filled, simpler, and lower-stress life you’re seeking?

If large-house living hasn’t been fulfilling, then maybe, regardless of your family size, it’s time to give a smaller space a try.

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Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist whose teachings on minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living have reached thousands of people worldwide through her blog. Julia practices what she preaches in her Kansas City home with her husband, two extremely lively young daughters, one-year-old son, and newborn baby girl. You can also find her on Instagram.

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I want to help you design a simple, intentional life! I’ve created a 30-day course that will guide and inspire you to make actual change in your life by decluttering your home, heart and schedule. It’s time to live focused on what matters! Learn more HERE.