Input on downsizing living space

abc

I recall seeing some threads in the recent past about downsizing your home. I'd like to hear more about your experiences.

Why did you downsize?
How much did you downsize?
Do you find living in a smaller space is harder in some way, or possibly even better?
What were your dealbreakers when looking for a smaller space?
What has been the hardest adjustment for you in the smaller space?
If you could do it all over again, would you still downsize?
What would you do differently, if anything?

If you would be willing to share your thoughts and experiences with me, I would really appreciate it.

We are a family of 4 considering moving into a smaller space, most likely an apartment. We live in a population dense city, so I'd love to learn from those who have done this before.

Thank you so much!!

abc

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12 years ago

Off Topic

16 replies

Latest reply was from lyn*

ironkurtin

Veteran

Small spaces require excellent storage solutions. Make sure you can use your kitchen and bathrooms easily. Other than that I think it varies.

12 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

No advice exactly, but you may want to check out the work of Sarah Susanka ("The Not So Big House"), an architect who focuses on making spaces livable with less.

For years I lived in a 750 sf space with my husband, where we also were both self-employed (but at two very different endeavors) and had to share office space. We also had my stepsons living there for part of the year, sleeping on air mattresses in our living room, and I wouldn't want to go back to that. I'm enjoying the space we have, but maybe could see downsizing some day in 15 years or so. One thing I would have to have is some sort of quiet space that I can somehow have to myself, even if everyone is home. As an introvert in a family with extroverts, I require a bit of space to retreat and recharge. And of course, adequate storage space in the form of closets, pantry, etc.

Raisin was talking about this some months back as well. I wonder if she had any further thoughts on it.

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I downsized because I moved in from the suburbs to the city. Apartments are simply smaller in the city, and my move cut my space in half. It's harder because I had stuff to fill twice the space and am still trying to get rid of it/find somewhere to put it (4 years later!). But it's a lot more fun - compact living is where all the design innovation is happening, and there's lots of entertainment and eye candy in this regard. Also, makes you more focused about what you're about.

I really didn't have any deal breakers, and frankly, I had the same storage problems. I just tend to overfill. I'm sure I'd do it again. I have contemplated even moving into a studio... the challenge intrigues me and I like the idea of one room living. Although, I don't know what I'd do with DD... hehe. Kids come back like black cats, hehe.

If I had one thing to do differently, I might try and hold out for a place with a balcony. But those are also hard to come by in town. Balconies are a suburban thing, apparently.

12 years ago

Sylvie

Veteran

We live in a 660 sq foot 1br/1ba and I'm longing for more space. We have previously lived in a 900ish sq foot 2br/2ba and a 700ish sq foot 1br/1ba.

Storage space is a big issue for us because we both have hobbies. IMHO, you don't need that many rooms, but you do need place to put your "stuff". We've downsized our stuff quite a bit (replaced many physical books with ebooks) but you know, I'd be sad if I couldn't do my hobbies because I didn't have the necessary equipment or supplies.

The other key factor is bathrooms. We'd really like to have an extra half bath to make it easier to host guests.

12 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

I left my husband and moved from 1700 square foot, 3 bedroom/2bath house into a 900 square foot, 1 bedroom/1 bath/loft apartment six months ago.

The one thing that was absolutely non-negotiable to me was that I had to have a washer and dryer in the unit. Having to carry my laundry, even down the hall, was a dealbreaker for me. As it is, I have a stackable washer and dryer and they are very small. It's okay for one person but for a family of four, you would be doing laundry all the time, or you would have to send it out.

I'm fortunate because I have a fair amount of storage space -- big walk-in closet plus a decent sized linen closet and a couple of coat closets. Again, it's just me. For a family it would be harder. On the other hand, there's an upside to not being able to store a bunch of stuff -- if you can't store it, you won't buy it.

I miss the outdoor space like crazy. I loved having a yard and a garden. I have a little balcony at least and a nice big green tree outside my window, but it's not the same.

Noise is always an issue. I'm lucky because my building is new and has great soundproofing. Older buildings can be more problematic. You need to think not only about whether you can handle the noise from your neighbors, but whether your children will be able to be quiet enough for apartment living. Kids like to run and jump and when there are neighbors downstairs it can be problematic.

Bottom line: I like my Bachelorette Pad more than I expected to when I got here, but I can't wait to get back to my house.

12 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Mary's reply brought something to mind that my niece has recently discovered: city dwelling means not only increased noise but also light at nighttime. There is a big, bright light outside of her new building that stays lit all night. Like that Seinfeld episode? She is in the market for some serious light-blocking curtains for her bedroom.

12 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

The noise...When I first moved into my first floor condo it was pretty quiet. Then a woman moved in upstairs with a three year old she gets half time. I now have thundering elephants above me.

12 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I didn't downsize so much a right size. The process is very individual as we all have different requirements. When we contemplated moving, we each made a list of out top three wants/needs in a home. Then we compared and planned from there. For me, it was space for entertaining, a large bathroom, a smaller yard and my own quiet space. Like Janet, I felt it was important to have a room that would be mine for when I need quiet time.

Perhaps a family meeting is needed to sort through the needs and wants of each member and then go from there. If the children are young, proximity and quality of schools and parks may be a big factor.

12 years ago

ramya

Veteran

I lived in Mumbai,India Well if any one knows the normal homes are real tiny there:)
As well as here in Norway we are in process of moving into our own apartment. We always had smaller home roughly 700 sq.ft. My criteria is simple smaller place, lesser clutter.
As long as the storages are in place, I personally feel smaller homes are great. I am happy as long as the kitchen is good, I have a wardrobe and I have "my place" in the living room(Which usually is a spot on the couch with my book rack/kindle being right near it

12 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Yes, Anna's 'thundering elephants' are called human bowling balls here A 2 year old is the visiting bowling ball we deal with. Side neighbor noise isn't so big a deal - above is very different.
We seem to have more space than we need both here and in Tahoe. That said, we don't have a lot of 'stuff'. Mostly big girl and boy toys like snowboards, bikes, our home gym, etc. We have 2 bedrooms and a loft in Tahoe. We alternate between the master and the loft. It's like having a winter and a summer bedroom, but we only really need one or the other, not both. 2 baths - basically one is his and one is mine. He has the shower I have the jet tub. But again, we could get by with just 1 easily. (heck, when I lived with my mom in high school there were 5 of us and 1 bath - with 3 teenagers).
Just having a deck and no real outdoor space to care for works great for us. Room for the grill and me to lay in the sun with a magazine in summer. Perfect. Of course, we have no kids and no dog at the moment.

12 years ago

abc

Veteran

Thank you all so much for your input.

My gut reaction to the replies is that I've had to adjust my expectations living in a country other than the US. I've come to realize things like large rooms, logical layouts, walk in closets and quiet in the city are pretty much impossible to find. I know it will take time and I suppose I am experiencing something like what the folks on Property Virgins go through - what are the must haves?

The suggestion about storage solutions is spot on. It doesn't matter how big a closet is if it's laid out badly or not organized well, it's not going to be able to be utilized to its capacity. I learned this lesson back in the States, I finally splurged on a custom closet and more than doubled my storage capacity. Oh what I wouldn't give to have THAT closet back again...

@IK - you are so right about storage. I wish we had an Ikea here but we don't. I will have to bring stuff back with me (that fits in suitcases) when I can. I'm such a dork but I love all things organization. Now if only I could get the hubs to join the club...

@Janet - I will def check out the site you suggested. Also, I totally identify with needing your own space. Right now, many times, we are home together but in separate rooms. I lived alone for many, MANY years and need my personal space, so I get it. Our last place lacked this ability and sometimes we annoyed each other being right up on one another. Something to keep in mind for sure.

@rachylou, I identify with your comments, too. I think this is the root of my issue. If we moved into a 16 bedroom house I would probably fill all of the closets! And with what and why? I need a serious purge before we move again. And as for the balcony, I hear you. I live smack in the city and I grew up in rural midwest USA, so I need to see some green, even if it is just like MK's treetop view. I think this is an issue with our current place, I feel closed in because of it and don't like this feeling despite being a big house.

@sylvie, I agree on the baths! When we rented this house it supposedly had 2 baths but only one was working. A few months, we fixed it (with x deducted off of the rent) and it feels great having 2 baths. I hope you get a 2nd one soon.

@MK, I'm glad you like your space more than you expected. I miss green space, too. It just doesn't happen here in single family homes unless you spend about 1 million dollars. Not in my price range The laundry situation is an interesting one here, too. I def need W/D in the unit, there is no way I am traipsing anywhere with a family of 4's clothes/sheets/towels/etc. No way. Thanks for reminding me, I think I was taking that as a given! As for noise, I am so accustomed to it nowadays it is hardly an issue. Funny, it seems like Mexicans have a tolerance for noise way greater than I do. Everything has a sound here - the guy that sells tamales, the ice cream guy, the guy that fills your stationary gas tank in your house, the guys that deliver bottles of drinking water, etc ! It was definitely an adjustment for me but I kind of like it, I feel like the city is vibrant and alive around me and somehow I find safety in that. Strange coming from a girl who grew up in a town of only 350 people!

@Janet, LOL on the light and Seinfeld episode.

@anna, oh no, I hope the neighbor kid grows out of the elephant stage fast. Luckily here construction is with concrete so I think it blocks sound more than typical US construction methods. That or I have just adjusted.

@dianthus, that is an excellent suggestion on how to approach the situation. Very methodical, I like it

@ramya, the spaces in India sound more like where I live. For most people I think around 500-700 sq ft is the norm, sometimes I'm amazed at how they squeeze 2-3 bedrooms, living room/dining room, kitchen and 1-2 baths in that space but somehow they do it! I've heard of kids rooming with parents but unless they're babies in cribs I draw the line. I guess we Americans are just used to living in much bigger spaces. Somehow many make this setup work.

@Mo, I long for the days of laying out in the sun with a magazine! LOL Your space sounds great for you guys. With a jetted tub, I'd be in heaven! They'd likely never get me out, haha. I know the move may have been hard for you but it sounds like at least you have a good living situation. For me, my home is my sanctuary and I need it to be as cozy as possible. If not, as they say - if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!

Again, thank you for your responses!!! Lots to think about...

12 years ago

Elly

Veteran

I agree that good use of space and layout is way more important than space itself. I would trade the extra-large master at the SO's for a bigger second bedroom, extra closets, or a garage space. He and I work opposite schedules, so the bedroom is in constant rotation but only for sleeping-- no reading or TV watching. Actually, because we get so little time together, we usually don't mind spending all our time in the same room. He will put on headphones on to watch TV or do other things so I can read, or give up the prime spot in the living room if I need a place to work just so we can be present together and still communicate and touch easily. Most of the time we rarely use the second bathroom, but it is indispensible when one or the other is on opposite schedule and don't want to use the master in fear of waking up the other, or we have guests.

However, storage becomes an issue, and so does space to have projects spread out. When I work from home I would love to be in the central space, not closeted away, but that means giving up our lounging or eating space if I have electronics and paperwork all around. When I am doing artwork, I like a quiet out of the way place, but it can get messy and currently the gym/storage/art studio isn't really conducive to creativity or working out beyond treadmill use.

The SO is a craftsman, and currently has no where to store his tools or do his work. We have a spare bedroom just stuffed around the edges and into the closets with his stuff, most of which really belongs in a garage. If we had a garage, we could handle having a very small second bedroom or even give it up. We don't even have my stuff moved into the place, almost everything is stored elsewhere. He isn't great at utilizing storage, he either spreads into the space or doesn't think outside the box. We have small stacks of things behind the sofa, but empty cupboards and closets. I like to downsize and hide clutter. He has a hard time pitching things (doesn't get attached but doesn't go through the process/make decisions on stuff well) and is more into utilizing space for storage in a visible way.

I personally could give up the home gym in exchange for a public gym or complex gym, but he is the one that sometimes works out at odd hours and he also is concerned about both our security.

If I could design an idea small space for us it would be a garage with 1-2 floors directly above it, a medium to large balcony, a kitchen with lots of counter room and an alternative eating area (counter with stools, bistro table under window, etc.), a cozy living room that adjoins the kitchen and a alcove for a table/office and a small master with 2 closets or a walk in, 2 bathrooms, and a small second bedroom with closet storage, my painting setup, and a treadmill if necessary.

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Have to chime back in to say design really does matter. When I moved to a dog-friendly apartment, the apartment was 100 sq feet larger, but much much harder to arrange. No broom closet, no pantry. All my pots and pans and dried goods had to be stored outside the kitchen. What a pain to walk across my apartment to get a pan.

12 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Elly, you basically described my Tahoe condo lol. Except the kitchen is quite small and the living room and master quite large

12 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

Muji may also offer good solutions. In a pinch a metal shop rack and pretty bins will do. Or bookcases.

12 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I have a 600 sqft place and it actually feels a lot bigger than my old place of 750 sqft because again, of design. There are essentially no hallways and no wasted space. There is a large storage/walk-in facility that is good for my bulk purchases and off-season stuff. I don't have a walk-in closet which is a bummer though, but a very large pantry and broom cupboard, and shelving easy to build in. Also; 10 ft ceilings make storage up top very nice too!

12 years ago

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