Modern Australian
The Times Real Estate

.

Downsizing: What Is Too Small?

  • Written by News Company


Downsizing where we live is becoming more and more common these days in a bid to reduce living costs, have less cleaning and maintenance to take care, and because a bigger house can often feel a bit lonely and empty if only a couple of people are living in it.

Tiny houses constructed in many different ways and from a variety of materials are all the rage these days, but is there such a thing as going “too small”?

The answer to that question is really up to the individual and your personal requirements. And while some people can handle something really small and cozy, for another that environment might just prove to be too claustrophobic.

Let’s look at some advantages of downsizing our homes and some tips to keep in mind so you don’t end up going too small.

 

Avoiding the Clutter

Even a really small home can have more than enough space if you don’t treat it like a storage facility.

That’s what often happens when people live in a large, spacious house. You tend to collect things and rarely purge anything. Instead, you end up with a garage and closet space jam packed full of stuff that nobody ever uses.

If you are planning on downsizing you can’t be a hoarder, or you’ll soon find your “possessions” take over your life.

If you love to just collect stuff and keep it forever, then maybe downsizing won’t be the right move, but if you can get into the habit of culling unwanted things and only maintaining what’s necessary, most people will find they still have more than enough space in a tiny house.

 

Design Open Plan Living Areas

Nothing will make a tiny home feel more boxed in than sectioning off every single room with walls. Now while you might want the bedroom and bathroom to be more discreet, there’s no reason for the kitchen, dining and livings areas to be partitioned off.

A more open plan is one of the tricks that can make a tiny home look and feel more spacious, and this is definitely important for people who don’t want to feel like the walls are closing in on them.

 

Be Certain of Your Reasons To Downsize

In order not to go too small, you really need to be clear on your reasons for downsizing to begin with. If you’re uncertain about the idea, or not clear on what the benefits are and embrace those benefits, you could end up downsizing and finding yourself regretting it.

Compiling a list of reasons why downsizing is a good idea for you, and then making a plan based around your requirements is the best way to avoid going too small and possibly having second thoughts about it after the event.

 

Making the Most of Available Space

Unless you’re an architect, you’ll probably require the help of a creative professional to really make full use of the amount of space you’ll have in your tiny house.

Innovative planning and thinking outside the box can often make even the smallest of spaces useable, and often for a dual purpose.

Before going ahead and constructing a tiny home, this part of the process really needs some thought and time put into it. Ideas don’t always come at once, so again making a list of possibilities and continually adding to that list will ultimately help you plan and make use of the available space as efficiently as possible.

 

Spend More Time On Living and Less On Cleaning and Maintenance

The real secret to taking advantage of and really enjoying a tiny house is to continually remind yourself of the advantages.

While your neighbours might be spending all weekend doing chores to upkeep a larger home, you’ll actually have more time to get out there and enjoy life.

Imagine just how quick it will be to clean a tiny house, and even repairs and maintenance will be at a minimum.

Life is all about living, and not just spending all your free time maintaining the home.

 

Tiny Homes Made From Shipping Containers

The humble shipping container is no longer used exclusively for transporting cargo or storage. These days cargo containers are being repurposed and modified for all manner of cool ideas.

Things like:

  • *  Roadside kitchens

  • *  Pop-up shops

  • *  Office space

  • *  And more...

Now more than ever shipping containers are being transformed into both tiny homes as well as spacious, large plan houses. One of the great advantages of shipping containers is you can use just one container, or as many as is required to build your house.

That’s one way to ensure your tiny house is not too tiny for your needs, and expansion is a lot faster and easier when you primarily build with shipping containers too.

Let’s list just a few positives:

  • *  Much of the construction is already done

  • *  Shipping containers are tough and durable

  • *  They are stackable, making it easy to build a second storey

  • *  Building with containers is much cheaper than other building methods

  • *  If you find you outgrow your tiny house, expansion is quite easy

  • *  There are different size shipping containers for versatility


This is just a short list. There are many benefits to building a home from new or used shipping containers, and it’s definitely an option that warrants serious consideration.


Summary

To avoid going too small you really need to be clear on what your reasons for downsizing are, as well as the objectives you hope to achieve by going through with it. Rushing your decision to downsize is likely only going to result in mistakes.

Time needs to be taken to formulate ideas and plan what you are really going for. Downsizing is meant to be all about improving your lifestyle and not cramping it, so if you are concerned about going too small, just take your time before committing and making the plunge.

If you fully understand your needs, what the advantages are and make full use of available space, once you successfully downsize, you’ll wonder how you ever lived any other way.

 

Shipping container infographic(s) by Tiger Containers

 

A Fast Charging Power Bank and Wireless Power Bank: The Future of Power Bank Technology

As the use of mobile devices grows, so does the demand for better, more efficient, faster, and more imaginative methods to power them. Previously re...

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Power Bank: An Overview

Power banks are vital for ensuring your devices are powered while on the go, especially when on the move, outdoors, or during emergencies. They prov...

What is a Power Bank and How To Choose One

In a world filled with gadgets running out of battery is a real issue. This is where power banks can come in useful. They're portable, they hold pow...

Portable Chargers: How They Work & Essential Tips to Extend Battery Life

Portable chargers (also known as power banks) are essential accessories that keep your devices powered up while on the go — be it outdoor activiti...

How Artificial Tulip Displays Enhance Your Home’s Aesthetic

Artificial tulip displays have grown to be a common option for improving interior decor because of their exquisite look and long-lasting quality. Th...

The Psychology of Relationships: How Therapy Can Strengthen Bonds

Relationships require effort, understanding and communication. Couples and individuals can have better relationships with the assistance of therap...

Taking It Up a Notch: How 12.5kg Dumbbells Fit Into Progressive Overload Training

Photo by Jason Grant on Unsplash When it comes to getting stronger, more sculpted, and better conditioned, one principle reigns supreme in the worl...

Behind the Bowl: What Makes Premium Dog Food Worth the Price Tag?

Photo by Ayla Verschueren on Unsplash When it comes to feeding our four-legged companions, the pet food aisle can be a maze of options—bags promi...

Davines Sustainable Haircare: Revolutionizing Eco-Friendly Beauty Solutions

Davines is a well-known brand in the world of haircare, known for its high-quality products that deliver exceptional results. Its commitment to sust...

The Role of CDNs in Enhancing Headless CMS Performance and Reliability

A headless CMS provides businesses with the ultimate freedom for content management and output possibilities across any number of channels. However...

Finding the Right Dentist in Perth for Your Dental Implants: A Complete Guide

Missing teeth can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting everything from your ability to eat and speak to your self-confidence. Dental...

Fix These 5 Technical SEO Issues Hurting Your Perth Business Rankings

Perth businesses face unique challenges when competing for visibility in local search results.  While many business owners focus on content creati...

How a Professional Bookkeeper Can Help Your Small Business

Running a small business in Australia comes with many responsibilities, from managing day-to-day operations to ensuring compliance with tax and fina...

How Pre-Employment Drug Testing Can Improve Your Company’s Culture

When it comes to curating a thriving workplace, culture is everything. It is the glue holding teams together, the driving force behind productivity...

How To Find Comfortable And Stylish Armchairs Online

Shopping online can be tricky, particularly when it comes to buying furniture. All homeowners, including you, want an armchair that is stylish and c...

Rope Rescue Training Explained: Techniques, Tools & Skills

Rope rescue training is critical for emergency responders, industrial workers, and anyone who operates in high-risk environments. Whether you're a fir...

The Different Career Paths in a Law Firm: From Clerk to Partner

The legal profession offers a structured yet diverse career path, with opportunities ranging from entry-level positions to esteemed leadership roles...

The Importance of Exercise for People with Disabilities: Adaptive Workouts

Exercise is a fundamental part of maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, and this holds true for people of all abilities. For individuals with d...

LIFE STYLE

How Artificial Tulip Displays Enhance Your Home’s Aesthetic

Artificial tulip displays have grown to be a common option for improving interior decor because of their exquisite look and long-lasting quality. These realistic flower arrangements provide different areas of...

How To Find Comfortable And Stylish Armchairs Online

Shopping online can be tricky, particularly when it comes to buying furniture. All homeowners, including you, want an armchair that is stylish and comfortable for everyday use. With so many...

Rope Rescue Training Explained: Techniques, Tools & Skills

Rope rescue training is critical for emergency responders, industrial workers, and anyone who operates in high-risk environments. Whether you're a firefighter, search and rescue team member, or working in confined...

Bathroom Tiling: Trends, Materials and Installation Tips

The world of bathroom tiling has come a long way, with new trends, improved materials, and innovative installation techniques, making it easier than ever to get a stunning and durable...

Australian Workplace Engagement Declines Amidst Shifting Employee Priorities

Global leader in employee engagement and HR technology, Reward Gateway, has today released its second annual Workplace Engagement Index. The report indicates a decline in employee engagement and productivity, alongside a...

Australians who want to buy their first home need concrete saving stratagems for their deposit

Many Australians aspire to own a house but face significant obstacles while trying to save for the necessary deposit. Given the increase in property prices together with living expenses pressures...