If you’ve been following my lil’ blog for any length of time, you know we’ve been putting all our energies into building a home. My man and I drew up the plans ourselves. We poured hours into creating a space that would suit our needs. And it’s been rewarding to see our plans take shape.
I’m often amused by people’s response to our activities. Building our own home? Why, that’s wonderful! How big is it?
When we tell them it’s just over 1,000 square feet, their excitement fades. And we hear it yet again: you’re planning to add on, of course?
Call me unique, strange or contrary, but I happen to be a fan of small and simple. Here’s why!
#1: A Small Home Suits Our Simple Lifestyle
Because my man and I value a simple lifestyle, a small home fits us hand-in-glove. While we aren’t full on minimalists, neither of us likes excess “stuff” in our lives! We don’t need much to survive. And we don’t need much to be happy. And so? A small home is where it’s at!
#2: Small Homes Speak to Me
I know! I’m a contrary creature, but large homes just aren’t my thing! I often find them cold and unwelcoming. But quaint, little homes? They send a special warmth through my blood! I like their outward appearance and their inward coziness. I’m happy with small, because it speaks to me!
#3: A Small Home Allows Us to Pay Off Debt Sooner
We chose to build a smaller home because it meant we could take out a smaller mortgage. Not only that, but a smaller house is cheaper to manage and maintain. And we’ll be able to pay off our debt sooner, which will free us up to pursue other life choices.
#4: A Smaller Home Leaves Time for Other Things
As a homemaker, I give time every day to keeping and maintaining the home. When living in a small space, this work is done quickly and efficiently, leaving time for other activities I’d like to pursue. Like blogging, visiting, learning a new skill or spending time outdoors. This girl needs something more than housekeeping in her day!
#5: A Small Home Makes Families Live Together
You can’t disappear into your own world as easily, in small house! Smaller spaces mean someone’s always around. It means learning to share and work through differences. And in a culture that pursues ease and luxury as if it’s the answer to everything, I’m grateful we’re going to live in a small space. Because small spaces encourage doing life together!
This 1,000+ square foot home we’re building isn’t a luxurious dream home. It was designed to be lived in. It was created so that life would be shared within it’s four walls. It was created not so we could live in luxury, but so that we could do life with one another.
I know! I know! Wait until I’m a mother with two children hanging off my sweater and a third throwing a temper-tantrum at my feet! See how well I like my “little home” then!
When the time comes, I will see. If we end up with a full quiver of children, we just might expand. But right now, I’m content, happy with smaller spaces.
And I hope that’s the way it always will be!
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