If you’ve spent any time watching House Hunters on HGTV, you’ll know that most people on the show are looking for more space. But when it comes to homes, bigger doesn’t always mean better. There are lots of added expenses and potential problems that accompany a larger home, and those can add up to a big headache. A smaller home on the other hand, has plenty of advantages that the average homebuyer typically doesn’t consider.
Smaller Homes are (Usually) Less Expensive
Generally a smaller home comes with a smaller price tag - something that’s not only good for your wallet, but good for your mind, too. Ditch the worries that come with large mortgage payments for a smaller home that you know you’ll be able to live in, even if your family is hit by some unforeseen financial crisis. If you budget accordingly, you’ll be able to pay off your mortgage much faster than you could in a larger home. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t appreciate having some extra cash in the bank?
Smaller Homes Have Lower Maintenance Costs
In addition to their lower purchase prices, smaller homes also cost less to maintain. That’s less money spent on insurance, property taxes, heating and cooling, electricity, and all of those other expenses that come with owning your own home. That savings can be used for anything - from paying down your mortgage faster, to saving for retirement or taking a much needed family vacation.
Smaller Homes Take Less Time to Clean
If you’ve ever spent any time cleaning house, you’ll know that bigger certainly isn’t always better - especially when you’re slogging away over yet another toilet. Less time cleaning - and more time doing basically anything else - is definitely a point in favour of a smaller home.
Smaller Homes Force You to Be Organized
Every space is used in a small home, meaning there’s no room for clutter. Living in a smaller space will force you to regularly edit your stuff, eliminating anything that you don’t really love, or that doesn’t serve a useful purpose. That in turn helps you to rethink your buying habits and encourages you to only purchase things that you really need, rather than stuff you think you want in the moment.
Smaller Homes Help to Show Off your Creativity
When space is limited, you’re able to get a little more creative when it comes to getting the most out of your home. That means multi-functional, multi-purpose and multiple opportunities to put your imagination to good use! That adds up to a home that really showcases the best of your personality.
Smaller Homes Encourage Family Bonding
Once people start having kids, usually they also begin to look for a larger home. However, that’s not always the best solution when it comes to spending time together as a family. Living in close quarters means there’s more opportunities to hang out together, and it’s easier to keep an eye on little ones. In a small home, you’ll be able to hear them playing no matter where they are in the house.
Smaller Homes Use Less Natural Resources
Just as a smaller home takes up less space, it also uses less natural resources. Chances are, if you’re living in a small house, you’re not going to need a sprinkler system to maintain your lawn. And if you do decide to tackle a renovation, it’s not going to require as much energy and materials to get it done. Using less resources is good for the environment, and that benefits all of us.
