Pros & cons of small space living

As a blogger who makes a living showcasing the best small spaces around the world on, it’s safe to say I’ve encountered the best and worst aspects of small space living. While I certainly believe there are more pros than cons – I have put my ‘Small Space Design’ hat to one side to objectively look at both the good and the bad when it comes to small space living.

Eco friendly:
PRO: One of the best aspects to small space living is the lack of environmental footprint the owners leave. With less power needed for lighting, heating and cooling your bills will decrease in size and you can sleep easy knowing that your decision to live small has made less of an impact on the world around you.

Open plan living
CON: Small homes often come with open plan living arrangements, which could be a problem if you’re looking for some alone time while you quietly cook in the kitchen or read a magazine on the couch with a cuppa.

PRO: For the majority of the time open plan living not only makes entertaining and socialising easy, it also encourages family time. Think helping the kids with their homework at the dining table whilst cooking dinner in the kitchen.

Portable
PRO: We’ve all dreamt of packing up, buying a caravan and trekking across the country. Well the clever companies creating these homes on wheels (they’re simply too incredible to be called motorhomes or caravans) have really taken their designs to the next level. You really can have all the luxuries you’re used to in a traditional home.

CON: The only thing to consider with this lifestyle is that if it’s your first home, you may decide that you would like to put some roots down eventually. If you have been out of the market for some time trekking across the country, you may find it more difficult as you wont have built up as much equity as someone in the traditional housing market (however it’s safe to say you will have had more amazing experiences than many have in a lifetime).

Clever use of space
PRO: Small homes allow you to make the most of every last bit of space within your home. For example converting the attic space into a bedroom or two.

CON: The downside is that attic space can get unbearably hot during an Australian summer and quite cool in winter. But don’t worry – it’s easily solved with the installation of a reverse cycle air conditioner.

Less is more
PRO: Apartment living is becoming more popular and it’s not hard to see why. One of the best aspects of apartment living is the incredible view that many traditional homes simply don’t have access to.

CON: One of the only things to consider when purchasing an apartment is that it can be nearly impossible to increase your square footage (unless you purchase the apartment next door). As a result it’s important to make sure you think carefully about your needs – and those of your family – and how they might change over the next few years to ensure your apartment meets your requirements.

Close quarters
PRO: Admit it, the image below has you dreaming of a cup of tea, a good book and a nap in the afternoon. Small homes are cosy. Yes, part of the reason is because they’re small. However another reason they look great is because you’re never very far away from natural light!

CON: Some might say (not us) that cosy is great until you need some time alone or you and your family outgrow the space.

Clean and tidy

CON: Ok, it’s true. Small homes do get messy quickly.

PRO: But the best part is, they tidy up just as fast!