The Upside of Living Small: Lessons from Our Petite Apt
- Hannah Susan
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 31
We live in a cozy 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom rental apartment in Austin, TX. It’s just about 1000 square feet, and it comfortably houses three of us. Some might find that a tight squeeze, but for us, it’s the sweet spot—by choice and by design.
In a world where bigger often feels like the better option, we’ve chosen a smaller footprint, not because we had to, but because it truly works for us. Here’s a deeper look at why we intentionally live small, and what it’s given us in return.
lower costs
Whether you're renting or buying, a smaller home typically means lower costs across the board—rent, mortgage, utilities, maintenance, and even insurance. For our family, renting a smaller space continues to align with both our financial goals and the lifestyle flexibility we value. It allows us to invest in experiences rather than extra square footage.
The money we save on rent each month goes toward travel, quality time, savings and our humble goal of being financially independent in 8 years. In a time when financial pressure is high for many households, living in a small space has provided us with more breathing room in our budget. It has also given us freedom—we can move more easily, pivot with our careers, or explore new opportunities without the stress of being tied to a large, expensive property.
// the money we save on rent each month goes towards travel, quality time, savings and our humble goal of being financially independent in 8 years.
furnishing with intention
In a small home, every item counts. There's no room for filler furniture or decor that doesn’t serve a purpose. This limitation has become a creative strength. It’s easier to furnish thoughtfully, prioritize quality over quantity, and be intentional about each piece that comes through the door.
// the small space has encouraged us to adopt a mindset of "less but better," which translates into fewer impulse buys, more secondhand finds, and a more harmonious aesthetic overall.
Instead of rushing to fill rooms, we take our time curating pieces that truly reflect our style and values. Our home features items we love, use, and have meaning. The small space has encouraged us to adopt a mindset of "less but better," which translates into fewer impulse buys, more secondhand finds, and a more harmonious aesthetic overall. There is a calm clarity that comes from knowing everything in your space has been chosen with care.
easier to organize and maintain
Smaller spaces are simply easier to clean and maintain—and with a little one in the mix, that matters a lot. A full clean-up can happen in under an hour, and everything has its place. It takes less time to tidy up, which means more time for the things that matter to us: playing with our child, reading, cooking, resting.
Staying organized is also easier because the boundaries of our space force us to keep systems in place. From baskets for toys to a streamlined kitchen setup, we’ve had to think carefully about how we use our space. And the rewards are clear: our home feels light, orderly, and calm.
// It takes less time to tidy up, which means more time for the things that matter to us: playing with our child, reading, cooking, resting.
embracing minimal storage
This might not be everyone's favorite feature, but minimal storage has been a surprising benefit. At first, the lack of closet and cabinet space felt like a challenge. But over time, it’s become one of our favorite things about living small.
Why? Because it forces us to be mindful about what we bring into our home. We ask ourselves, "Do we really need this?" We buy only what we use, regularly donate or sell unused items, and avoid the temptation of off-site storage. There’s a freedom that comes from not being surrounded by things you don’t need. Fewer things mean fewer decisions, less stress, and more time spent living.
This mindset shift has also impacted how we approach gifting, holidays, and even how we teach our child about consumption. We value things that are useful, beautiful, and lasting.
a lighter footprint
Living small is also better for the environment. A smaller home consumes less energy, requires fewer materials, and encourages simpler living. We use less electricity, less heating and cooling, and generate less waste overall.
It’s worth noting that the average American home size has more than doubled in the last 50 years—from about 1000 square feet in the 1970s to over 2,300 square feet today. Yet, studies show that much of that added space often goes unused. Guest rooms that sit empty, formal dining rooms rarely touched, storage rooms filled with forgotten items.
Some reflection questions: How much space do you truly need? Or could you downsize to a smaller home? Are there any pros in doing so?
We’ve found joy in living more like people used to—with just what we need and love. And in the process, we’re doing a small part in reducing our environmental impact. Every bit counts.
closing thoughts
More than anything, living small has helped us create a home that aligns with what we value most: simplicity, connection, sustainability, and intention. Our space encourages closeness, sparks creativity, and constantly reminds us to live with purpose.
Want to go deeper? If you're curious about the small living movement or looking for inspiration, we recommend:
The Little Book of Living Small by Laura Fenton; Substack: Living Small
Small Space Style by Whitney Leigh Morris; Substack: Right-sizing
These books and Substack newsletters offer practical tips and thoughtful insights for anyone considering downsizing or simply wanting to live with more intention.
We’re not anti-space—we simply believe that right-sizing your home is about more than square footage. It’s about designing a life that feels fulfilling, not just filled. Living small is a daily choice, and it’s one we continue to make with gratitude.
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