12 Reasons to Downsize After Embracing Minimalism
A year after embracing minimalism, our family decided to downsize to a small apartment. This led to intentionally building a house not much bigger than that quaint rental property.
At that time our family size was four—now it’s seven.
As our family continues to grow, friends have been asking me a similar question: “Will that work to have seven 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. According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, Americans’ happiness levels are at an all-time low. We have the second-largest average home size (behind Australia) and more stuff than most of the world. While correlation doesn’t mean causation, it doesn’t look like larger living spaces are bringing the average American much additional joy.
So where are people happier, I wondered?
For seven consecutive years, Finland has been ranked as the country with the happiest people. The ideal home size for a Finnish family is 1,238 square feet. Ideal. Meaning that is the home size 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.
But after choosing minimalism and living in a space that aligns more with the Finns, I’m continually drawn to this simpler way of life. I think many people don’t even stop to consider the benefits.
Here are 12 reasons to downsize after embracing minimalism:
1. Improved relationships
After embracing minimalism, I wanted to focus less and stuff and more on 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
One of the main reasons I was drawn to minimalism was to lower my stress levels. Larger homes require more upkeep. A bigger space simply means more to clean, more to organize, more to put way, and more opportunities for home repairs. In a smaller space your home to-do list is shorter. Home shouldn’t add to your stress, but should be a space to escape from it.
3. Sense of accomplishment
Before minimalism, I often had a defeated sense that home always had the upper hand. 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 do each day because they take little time. This leaves you feeling good about your home and your ability to care for it.
4. Less debt
Minimalism was our springboard out of debt. The larger the house, the larger the mortgage. Also, if less money is going toward your mortgage, then more money can go toward paying off other debt (like credit cards, car payments, and student loans—the average American has $23,317 in non-mortgage debt).
5. Greater flexibility in your spending
When less of your money is going toward your home, more of it can go toward things like travel, healthy food, charities you’re passionate about, or your savings. Minimalism and living in a smaller space has allowed us to spend on what matters.
6. A greater chance of living off one income
Before minimalism, we wanted to live off one income but couldn’t. With less stuff and a smaller space, we have been living off one income for six years now. Many people buy a large home that requires two incomes to pay the mortgage. Again, 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.
7. 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.
8. Ability to live in-line with your values
Minimalism is a countercultural way to live. 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.
9. 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, then they will likely feel overwhelmed and shut down instead of helping out.
10. Lower ecological footprint
Minimalism increased my awareness of environmental issues. 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.
11. More unique home
Many larger homes in new developments take on a “cookie cutter” appearance. Smaller homes often come with a 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).
12. 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.
In conclusion
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 some of us can change is the size of the 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, simple, and low-stress life you’re seeking?
If you’ve embraced minimalism and are considering downsizing, let the reasons above serve as motivation to go for it. In my experience, regardless of your family size, you can find happiness in a smaller space.
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Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist. Her online projects on minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living have reached over 50 million people worldwide. Julia also practices what she preaches in her Kansas City home where she lives with her husband and their five children. You can also find her on Instagram and Facebook.
You can now find my new book Declutter Your Heart and Your Home: How a Minimalist Life Yields Maximum Joy on Amazon!