People often dream of large houses — dedicated rooms solely for working or practicing hobbies, extra bedrooms for house guests and spacious living areas for entertaining. But, a bigger house also means expensive mortgage payments, more frequent maintenance and additional rooms to clean. So, is it worth investing in a big house?
Organizing expert Shira Gill doesn’t think so. Since 2013, Shira’s family of four has lived in a 1,200-square-foot house in the San Francisco Bay Area. The 1916 craftsman bungalow has only three bedrooms, one bathroom, two closets and a very small basement, but the pro organizer finds her family thrives in a cozier environment.
With more financial freedom and less time spent cleaning the house, Shira is a believer of “less is more” and doesn’t dream of upgrading to a larger property.
“Our small home isn’t a compromise — it’s a conscious choice that aligns perfectly with our values and lifestyle,” says Shira, author of three organizing books, including the recently published LifeStyled. “It gives us the financial freedom, time and energy to focus on meaningful experiences, travel and adventures.”
Whether you’re considering a move or thinking critically about your current abode, here’s a few major reasons why a small home may improve your quality of life — and the environment.
What are the perks of a smaller house?
It limits financial stress.
Smaller houses tend to cost less to buy and maintain, plus less square footage tends to be cheaper to heat, cool and power. A smaller footprint means saving money in most areas — from lower mortgage payments and smaller utility bills to reduced expenses on furniture, house paint and cleaning supplies.
“Because we have chosen to live within our means, we don’t feel the financial strain that comes with investing in a bigger or more impressive plot of real estate,” says Gill. “Being able to comfortably pay for our home and maintain it leads to less overall stress and relationship strain, and frees up resources we can use towards travel, personal development and even philanthropy.”
There’s less to clean and maintain.
Smaller rooms means it’s faster to clean, declutter and organize on a regular basis — which means more time for yourself. “A quick vacuum and wipe down of surfaces takes us less than 15 minutes and leaves us with more time, energy and freedom for all the things we actually want to be spending time on,” says Shira.
It’s better for the planet.
If you’re worried about the environmental footprint, a smaller house requires less energy and resources. “Heating and utility bills are smaller because there’s less space to heat and cool,” says Shira. “A smaller home requires less furniture and decor, so small space dwellers can consume less, which also means less packaging and less waste.”
It’s more reasonable to invest in quality home items.
Furnishing a home can get expensive, but when you have limited space, it’s easier to justify a splurge. “With less to buy, we can invest in higher quality essentials — even little luxuries like fresh flowers each week,” says Shira. “I truly love every item in our home from our plush towels and bedding to the wooden dish brush by our kitchen sink.”
There’s a more comfortable, cozy feel.
Often, a smaller house feels warmer and more inviting. It encourages family members to spend more time together, whether that’s kids sharing a bedroom or the whole family gathering in the living room for movie night.
“Our kids have had to learn how to share, compromise and be team players,” says Shira. “In the end, the small space not only brings us closer physically — it builds character and collaboration that they’ll carry into adulthood.”
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
