10 Tips for Living Small so you can Live Large

There's all this talk of people living a large life while living small but what does that really mean? In this blog, I will attempt to give my version of what it's like to choose to live smaller so life can be larger.

First let's talk about space...Living smaller than the average US home of 2500 square feet offers a range of benefits that go beyond the initial challenges of limited space. Embracing a smaller living environment can lead to a more intentional, sustainable, and fulfilling lifestyle. Here's a top ten list for how to manage the physical space so we can move into the living large opportunity.

1. Maximize Vertical Space: Utilize wall-mounted shelves, hooks, and hanging storage to make the most of your vertical space. This keeps surfaces clear and adds storage without taking up floor area. We used baskets that attach to the wall with small caribeaners (Which are hidden from sight) to give us more vertical storage. 
2. Multi-Functional Furniture: Invest in furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes. A sofa bed, fold-out desk, or a coffee table with storage can transform your living space as needed. Our multi-functional dining table is well used and comes in 4 stages 1) Fully down 2) Small table Up 3) Full Table to seat 6 up and 4) large table up with small table down for a unique sitting experience (see table in picture in the small seats 3 mode) 
3. Declutter Regularly: Everything has a place and everything in its place is a reality not just a gimmick. Keeping only what you truly need and love helps with keeping the space clear and having time to live life instead of dealing with clutter. Be sure to have a box or bag that is always ready to receive unwanted things and take it to the thrift store as often as possible. 
4. Light, Height and Bright- The height of your ceiling along with natural window light and white or light colored walls gives a feeling of spaciousness. Opt for light-colored walls, furniture, and décor to create an illusion of spaciousness. Light hues reflect more light, making a room feel airy and open. Feel free to add pops of color on an accent wall, pillows and art but keep the room open.
5. Mirrors for Depth: Mirrors can make a small space appear larger by reflecting light and creating a sense of depth. Consider placing a large mirror strategically to visually expand the room.
6. Mindful Design: Small spaces benefit from thoughtful design choices. Consider the flow of the room, the balance of colors, and the placement of furniture to create a harmonious space that visually expands beyond its physical limitations.
7. Minimalist Design: Embrace a minimalist design style that focuses on clean lines and simplicity. This approach prevents the space from feeling cluttered and promotes a sense of calm. Think about the design of the cabinet doors and if you are considering open shelves, think about less is more.
8. Smart Storage Solutions: Invest in storage containers that fit under beds, inside closets, and in corners. Use modular storage systems that can adapt to your changing needs. Don't forget about the toe-kicks and storage under stairs, everything counts in a Tiny Home.
9. Functional Room Dividers: If needed, use open bookshelves, curtains, or folding screens to create separate zones within a small space. This adds privacy and defines different areas without closing off the room entirely. Need a zoom background but it just doesn't fit in a Tiny Home...think about folding screen.
10. Optimize Lighting: Good lighting can open up a small space. Incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to eliminate dark corners and visually expand the room.

​Living large in a small space is all about maximizing functionality, optimizing storage, and creating the illusion of spaciousness through design and organization. By following these tips, you can transform your compact living area into a comfortable and stylish haven.

Now that you've embraced the physical space we want to dive into what it means to Live large and give voice to what that truly means. Living in a small space goes beyond mere physical dimensions—by living smaller than what the regular scheduled program promotes is a Mindset shift. This change in physical space allows you to maximize the potential of your life space and focus on the aspects of life that truly matter. 

Here's my list on what it means to LIVE LARGE...

1. Mindful Consumption: Living large means being deliberate about what you bring into your space. Instead of accumulating countless possessions, and getting caught in the trap of "I need that thing to make me happy". Being truly aware of what you are buying and why is the beginning of this mindful consumerism so every "thing" you buy contribute positively to your life.
2. Be a steward of your space and your life: Living Large is all about prioritizing experiences over material possessions. Instead of being weighed down by stuff, allocate your resources towards meaningful experiences, time spent with family and friends, travel, volunteering locally, learning a new hobby. Lean into activities that enrich your life.
3. Personal Expression: Living Large will require more thought about what your personality and style is and what elements you want in your surroundings. Are your design and art choices thought out or handed down from someone else? This gives you more freedom to explore. Not sure what to put on a wall? Leave it blank intentionally until you know what needs to go there. Be free from what others may think...turn it on it's side and have a wall party where you have friends give input on what they think could go there...and take all suggestions with a grain of salt...it's your wall after all.
4. Decluttered Oasis: Living Large is also about creating a calm space that feels open and rejuvenating...the more rejuvenating you feel the more energy you have. We chose a bathtub in our Tiny Home when most people were amazed by this choice. For us it's a way to unwind at the end of the day or week and just because we live smaller doesn't mean we don't need to unwind any differently.
5. Flexibility: Living Large means proving to yourself that you can change both your physical space and your mental space. Do you think differently about the world now that you have gone through this transformation? We have one precious life to live...the ongoing question each day is how do you want to live it? By challenging yourself to live smaller and not go with the "buy a large home" status quo it can create other benefits of flexibility that may not be realized with living in a larger home.
6. Connection with Outdoors: Living large doesn't confine you to the indoors. Extend your living space by creating a cozy outside deck can connect you with nature. Just living smaller means nature is closer than ever! Living large means breathing more fresh air!
7. Gratitude and Contentment: Living Large starts cultivating a sense of gratitude and contentment. Focusing on the positives, appreciating the comfort and shelter your space provides no matter what the status quo gremlins say. Placing value on the simplicity of your lifestyle can lead to a more fulfilling way of living.

By adopting these principles, you can transform a small living space into a haven of purpose, intention, and fulfillment. Living large becomes less about physical size and more about embracing the beauty and potential of the space you call home and the life you design.