It’s long been the general consensus in America that bigger is better, but lately many people are less sure of that. For instance, the size of the average single-family home has ballooned to more than 2,500 square feet — two and a half times what it was immediately after World War II. Homeowners have been convinced that living in as much space as possible is always better, but the reality is complicated. Larger homes require more upkeep, encourage us to fill them with a lot of items we may not need, and they’re generally more expensive. That’s why many people today are looking to downsize to a smaller house.
If moving into a home with less space seems like the right decision for you and your family, take the time to think it over first. It’s not simply a question of storage space. Downsizing means changing your lifestyle in many ways. Yet the benefits can be well worth it if you do it right. With a bit of planning and soul-searching, losing a little square footage means you can gain a lot more in other areas of your life.
If you’re thinking about downsizing, take a close look at the accompanying guide. It contains key information about the why and how of relocating to a cozier space.
