Ok, live big.  Dream big.  Embrace life and all that.

But live in a small space.  Or smaller space.  Or maybe with just a bit less stuff. 

That’s the idea behind the small living movement.  One that I inadvertently embraced by moving to London. 

Getting rid of 90% of our stuff was very liberating, but it didn’t come naturally.  Being a pack-rat from birth, it took me years to discover the benefit of decluttering (which was thanks to a long road trip and Karen Kingston’s book “Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui”).  Even then I still had to get rid of tons to move internationally.  I am pleased to say that I don’t miss a thing – well, almost.  Ok, there was this fab little black skirt that went with everything…and also this spatula that was perfect for getting pizza out of the oven…and… two other things but I can’t remember what they are anymore.

More and more magazines are featuring small spaces. I love these spreads for how they model living with less and the creative use of space (e.g., storage drawers under stairs and in raised floors, murphy bed hidden behind a curtain, and dining/work tables that creatively tuck away when not in use).

The advantages of small living are many:

• spend less money on stuff to fill the space
• spend less money on housing
• more environmentally friendly:  less stuff saves resources, less space to heat and light, and easier to invest in quality, eco-friendly materials
• save time and money by having less to maintain
• greater flexibility (not burdened by stuff)
• avoid the materialistic pull of consumerism

For more ideas on small homes and living small, check out:

• ThisTinyHouse
• Small Living Journal
• Small House Society

I tried to find references specifically for the UK, but there’s barely anything.  Then again, the average UK home is something like 900 square feet (84 sq metres).  That’s compared to around 2300 square feet (214 sq metres) in the USA…so maybe this post if more for my American compatriots?

Photo by Tet_Sy.