Living in small spaces

About a year ago I started becoming interested in living in smaller spaces. My current little 1/1 is a test to this interest ;-). I think the typical trade off of living in a smaller space is sacrificing living area to be in a more livable area. It's a way to live in or near downtown, a way to stay out of the suburbs with their commute, chain restaurants, strip malls and tiny tree in the front yard slightly off center.

Living in a smaller space does require a shift. Any pack rat tendencies need to be addressed. For me the great part is purging crap that I've moved around for years and rarely used. When you're pressed for space the decision becomes easier on whether to keep that sweater you've worn once in the last 4 years. Also, it requires creativity when figuring out where things go, and how to optimize the little space you have to work with.

Here's a fun article from the statesman on the art of small living. I loved the pictures of some creative space saving solutions.

I like my tiny house. I like figuring out how to make what I have work better in the little space that I have. I like it much better than living in a place that's much bigger than I need and trying to fill the space to make it feel lived in.