When we sold our family home and downsized to an apartment, I knew there would be challenges. I knew there would be spatial issues and storage problems to solve. But a few life lessons surprised me along the way; little tidbits of knowledge I learned from small space living.
Bigger is not better
The house we sold was 3,800 square feet of living space (including a finished walkout basement.) The apartment we leased was 1,200 square feet of living space; second story with a 15ft vaulted ceiling, plenty of light, and a family-friendly floor plan. And I learned very quickly that bigger is not always better.
I am what I consider to be a cleaning enthusiast. You know those people who are design enthusiasts – their homes look perfectly styled and magazine worthy. Well, I think I’m that way about cleaning. Keeping up with more than 3,000 square feet of living space was a full-time job. As I got a little older (50+) I realized that I didn’t have the energy or stamina (or desire) to spend my time cleaning rooms we no longer used.
Within weeks of living in our apartment I quickly learned that cleaning and staying organized was a much easier task when you have to manage less space. Lesson one of small space living – Bigger is not always better.
Organization is paramount
I have a tall shelving unit in our garage that I use for home decor pieces – the ones I’m swapping out seasonally, or have grown tired of for the time being. Our sofa also has an ample amount of storage space in the seat bases. This is where I’ve stored my pillow covers, throw blankets, and extra pillow forms.
When the seasons change or the mood hits me to restyle our apartment, I simply check that storage shelf first, and sort through the textiles I have on hand. It is amazing to me how many new and exciting looks you can create with the belonging you already own.
But small space living requires organization. Without the organization systems I have in place, I would over buy and over spend without reason. Lesson two of small space living – Organization is paramount!
Routine sorting is addictive
Recently I found myself shoving my pajamas into the drawer. It was crammed and overflowing and to be honest, I wasn’t really in the mood that day to deal with chaos; even from the pajama drawer! So, I pulled out all of my drawers and began sorting.
What I learned was that I wasn’t out of space, I was out of order. Socks thrown in drawers willy nilly, workout clothes for winter stored with workout clothes for summer, gowns and robes and pajamas rolled up and balled up and crammed into a 12×12 space. It was ridiculous. So I began to sort. I sorted and I folded and I learned something very curious: Sorting can be addictive. The more I sorted, the less chaotic it all felt. The less chaotic it felt, the more I wanted to continue sorting.
As I continued sorting, the more I realized something very important; I loved my things. I know it sounds silly, but I found socks I’d been given for Christmas, and my heart literally jumped for joy when I thought of how soft and warm and comforting they are to wear on a cold winter morning. There were pajamas I’d completely forgotten about; apricot peach colored silky pajamas, black satin pajamas with lace trim and a matching robe, and two summer night gowns… As I folded them neatly, I realized just how much I love the things I already own. No purchase necessary. Lesson three of small space living – Routing sorting is addictive.
Pro Tip: Every piece can double as storage when you consider each piece carefully.
Storage isn’t the enemy
With complete transparency, John and I lease a small storage locker. When we sold our home, there were two things we decided between us: (1) We had to be able to move everything ourselves, and (2) There were furniture pieces and belongings we weren’t ready to part with, yet.
In our storage locker we keep a very heavy entertainment unit, a very heavy travertine console table, a couple of book cases, and bins and bins of household items we know we will want when we stop moving around. Things like a library’s worth of books, antique dishes, wedding gifts we received 35 years ago… We don’t need them now, but we know we will want them then.
I have to admit, at first I wasn’t that excited about leasing a storage unit. It felt like a wast of money – but when I started sorting our belongings for the move, I quickly realized that there are precious things I will want again…. one day. Lesson four of small space living – Storage isn’t the enemy.
So whether you’re downsizing to a smaller space, or you’re living in your first apartment, take encouragement from these four life lessons. Find joy where you are, and be patient. Life has a way of teaching us valuable lessons no matter where we are on our journey.
