| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Catherine L |
Posted - Dec 05 2010 : 5:19:14 PM
Does anyone live in a small house? We live in a house of 1250 sq. feet, but are wanting to downsize even more. Any hints, tips, or ideas about living in a small space would be appreciated. I want a lot of ideas before we build or find a place. |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Sweet_Tea |
Posted - Mar 31 2011 : 09:44:02 AM
our house is small.. and it's been added onto a few times before we bought it. I do not think it is over 1000 sq. ft. But, I try to throw away anything that we aren't using.. And I have one room dedicated to "stuff" and I have packed it all in a closet in those big plastic containers. but, I need to go through and get rid of more stuff we aren't using. It is hard to keep a small house not cluttered.. I have no idea what to do with dvds and cds and things like that. The bedrooms are tiny, My bedroom set didn't fit into the room. the dresser is out in this hallway type thing, its not really a hallway because it's almost the size of a room just oddly shaped.
The only picture I could find right now is a pic from this winter. but, I love the porch.. "the stuff" is definitely the problem. but, There is also less to clean ;)
~ http://notsosweettea.blogspot.com/
"The air of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears"
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| chickenladycris |
Posted - Mar 30 2011 : 5:21:47 PM
I just had to add my two-cents worth! I have a small cottage, about 900 square feet, that was originally a small barn. I have one "real" closet, which functions as my clothing storage, pantry, laundry, and guest linen/luggage rack area. I did build a sort-of closet upstairs in the old hayloft (where I sleep under slanted eaves!), where I dry my herbs and store extra canned goods and winter squashes. It's not very big, but great for drying and storing things like that. I have discovered the beauty of underbed storage, coffee tables made out of old suitcases (storage!), and skinny bookcases that I attach casters onto so I can slide it next to the sofa (it rolls out whenever I need a particular book). I love small houses, and I was so lucky to find this one. Someday, I do want to convert the leaky sunporch into a permanent livable space (more kitchen for me!), but that would only be another 50 feet or so. Small houses are great for ease of cleaning, low heat costs, and you just can't beat the charm! Check out my blog for pictures, and to find out what you can do with a small 3/4 acre lot, too. Good luck in your downsizing!
www.chickenladysgreatadventures.blogspot.com
"A farmgirl can never have enough chickens!"--me |
| Twinsmom |
Posted - Mar 03 2011 : 07:25:51 AM
Barbara,
Your cottage sounds wonderful.
Debbie
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| Tea Lady |
Posted - Feb 27 2011 : 12:47:58 PM
I love small homes/cabins too Barbara - you waterfront cottage sounds wonderful.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| Catherine L |
Posted - Feb 27 2011 : 06:43:29 AM
Thanks to every one for your input. Cathy
~Catherine~
Farmgirl 2428 |
| nh.farmgirl |
Posted - Feb 26 2011 : 7:20:13 PM
This probably doesn't count since I don't live there, but last August I bought a tiny waterfront cottage across the lake from my house. The cottage is only 144 square feet! :(( Because it is so small (8x18) what I am doing is 1.) I bought an antique Hoosier cabinet at an auction, and the Hoosier will be my kitchen. I got a small refridge that I am putting inside a bottom cupboard of the Hoosier - will have to remove a shelf for the refridge to fit, but that's fine with me. I also got a gas stove - not a cook stove, but a heater stove - very small, maybe boat size.
Let's see, what else? A twin bed is too small, a double bed is too b ig for the cottage, so I got an antique three-quarter bed. I am cutting down a double bed size mattress (have thought through the entire process and know I can do this), and I will sew adjustments on full size sheets.
Another thing: I got an old mahogany card table to use as a kitchen table. The table folds into half the size when not needing it square for cards - so folded in half, it's still fine for morning coffee, toast and an egg with hub. Anyway, maybe there's some little thing I'm doing in my itsy bitsy cottage that will give you an idea for your small space. Good luck! :)
Barbara
"If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint."
- Edward Hopper
www.newhampshirefarmgirl.blogspot.com
Farmgirl Sister
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| PaddyLynn |
Posted - Feb 08 2011 : 4:19:12 PM
I am moving soon from a 3000 sf house to a 900 sf house, I am really going to go through and read these posts, I have some big planning to do!! My bedroom is a loft with a skylight over the bed and it seems like the best place ever!! Small yes but feels like home!! |
| Tina Kay |
Posted - Feb 01 2011 : 3:33:41 PM
My home is 1100. I love small homes! We live in every part of it. All of it gets used.
"What we see depends on what we look for." ~John Lubbock |
| HollyG |
Posted - Feb 01 2011 : 08:30:30 AM
We moved from a 12 x 65 foot house trailer to a 2 bedroom home that's still under 900 square feet. It's more than enough for the two of us, in fact, I have a long, narrow living room and half is going nearly unused. Our house was built in 1963, so closets were at a minumum. He uses the one in the master bedroom, and I have the larger one in the guest bedroom. We use two rods so it doubles our space - shirts on top, pants on bottom. Mine is a half rod on the bottom for hanging dresses on the other end. I bought bed stacker thingies (don't you love my terminology?) to raise the bed frame in my extra bedroom. At that height - just an extra 6 or 7 inches, I can slide under file boxes and tons of rubbermaid for out of season clothes, etc. I keep mini-file cabinets as tables - cut a round top and cover with fabric. Extra out of sight storage is always good.
Moving in with my husband gave me a new philosophy I've stuck by for the 17 years we've been married. I try to purge my house about twice a year - once really good in the summer, then again over my Christmas vacation (I'm a teacher.) My rule of thumb is - if I haven't seen it, used it, or worn it in 6 months, get rid of it. Exceptions are made for out of season clothes, but they must still fit and I must commit to wear them.
I am not a pack-rat, but was raised by two. I've minimized my magazine subscriptions and sort through them every month - discarding or passing along those of interest to others. I only buy books I've read previously (from the public library) and will read again. The Kindle helps! Trial sizes and samples of cosmetics, toiletries, etc., are passed along to friends or co-workers, or donated to our school nurse who passes them to needy children, if appropriate. As far as my kitchen, I try to multi-task items. I see no need for a quesadilla (sp?) maker if I can do the same thing with two skillets. It may not be as "pretty", but it's still melted and crispy! I've weeded through my plastic storage and even serving platters, etc. I'm in the process of thinning china I've never used and miscellaneous cake pans, etc.
I find it very liberating to live in a clean, unclutterd home. It makes me feel more productive and even a better steward of how I manage my money and time. Now, I'm not perfect - sometimes things pile up on me, but one thing about living in a small home, you can't hide it for long! You've gotta face the music!
HollyG
Farmgirl #2513
www.mydeepwoodslife.com |
| Old Spirit |
Posted - Jan 30 2011 : 5:15:47 PM
We are in about 864 feet. It is a challenge. Right now the only room with walls in the bathroom. It was going to be a garage and well.... we have lots to do but have ideas that I hope will help.
Because of the great economy our youngest daughter is living with us as she graduated from college and can only find part time work. When it is the 2 of us only will be a bit better but it is working. (feel bad for her)
Hubby built a big island/cupboard type think which is awesome. We are going to get cabinets to hang from ceiling above it. Will also be more of a divider between kitchen & living room.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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| Sitnalta |
Posted - Jan 29 2011 : 7:20:57 PM
I live in a mobile home. I have found that I have to really decide what I want in it to be able to utilize the most of my space. Things like baskets and shelves are a huge help. In our closets we have shortened the hanging space and put in shelves. Places like until the bed, I have baskets of things lining the outer edges underneath. It hides what I need hidden, but also keeps it nice and neat.
My bathroom has room for one cupboard in it so we have two cabinets on the wall and shelves. Lots of shelves. :)
can you tell I addicted to shelving? lol We don't have much floor space, open or otherwise and with belongings for two adults and 3 toddlers, we have to be as stinjy with our space as we can. :)
hugs
jessie
"Wonder Woman hasn't got a cape, she just turned her apron around"
Farmgirl Sister #235 |
| goneriding |
Posted - Jan 29 2011 : 4:26:50 PM
I was in TX somewhere, just recently, and saw where someone is building small houses to sell. They looked portable. Not like a trailer though. It was getting on to dusk and kinda cloudy so I didn't see them very well...that, and driving by at 65 MPH!! They must be legal because there were plenty of them sitting out.
A couple of weeks ago, I went by a place that builds the little sheds and gives them cute exteriors, like an old storefront, and they had a building that could have been a small house. I wondered if they could build a small house to our specs and everything be legal. I'll have to stop in one day to ask.
The real cabin I'd like is gorgeous and way tooooo expensive for us. But if I were rich, that's what I'd buy.
As for the books, you can never have too many books!! I love the paperbacks. I can download books onto my phone (Kindle and Nook) but I get eyestrain and it's just not as satisfying somehow. The local used bookstore is kind of worried about ebooks and they'll have to adapt probably, but I'm a paperback girl! Always will be!!
For some 'venting'-type of entertainment, please read my blog, http://lostadventuresintrucking.blogspot.com . Now with pictures!!
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| RedGateGal |
Posted - Jan 21 2011 : 6:47:22 PM
We live in a 1929's small farm house of about 950 square feet. It's just my husband, our 3 dogs and myself...but we are all inside this one bedroom/one bath cozy home. There are times when I'd given anything for more storage, but then I'm reminded of how nice it is to not have "stuff" in my life anymore.
If I don't use it within 6 months, it's gone. Recycled or given to a better home. I grew up in the "burbs" of Atlanta. Never thought I'd be perfectly content in this SMALL, OLD, SAGGING, DRAFTY, GLORIOUS HOUSE!
Sister #2574 |
| Juliekay |
Posted - Jan 21 2011 : 2:39:08 PM
My husband, 4 year old and I live in 851 sq feet. Currently not using all the house as we are working on it. The mother fixer upper but it's paid for. We have a woodstove, a working bathroom, and one bedroom. We also have a bedroom in the living room, and our current kitchen is in what will be the master bedroom. Kitchen is currently a plywood floor and I do have a kitchen sink in there to wash dishes. Kind of urban homesteading. It's a tight squeeze but we are living with it.
Julie |
| kathyjane |
Posted - Jan 21 2011 : 2:19:51 PM
I live in a 900 sq foot house that was built in the 1950's by my grandparents. I raised and schooled my 4 children here with two bedrooms and one bath. Years ago there was a country music song that said:
Love grows best in little houses
With fewer walls to seperate,
Where you even sleep so close
together
You cain't help but communicate
Oh, and if we had more room between
us think of all we'd miss
Cause love grows best in houses just
like this.
It speaks such truth and is still one of my favorite songs!
Kathy Jane
Farmgirl # 2565 |
| alterationsbyemily |
Posted - Jan 14 2011 : 3:18:10 PM
I am the anti keep woman, I love to give it away, sell it anything, once we are done with it I have to get rid of it. My husband wants to keep everything, hence his book problem. I think Rose that you and him have the same memory issue, he wants to keep everything so he can remember that he went X-place and did X-things. Also I am guilty of keeping a book or two for those purposes also but to be honest 10 of the shelves are comic books!
Karla, your house sounds amazing, I have always wanted a historic home that was once a school house.
Catherine, I got a kindle for Christmas and I love it, but I hate spending money so I still will order books on Paperbookswap.com which then up in the donated bag when I am done.
--
See my custom costumes, download free patterns, and hear some spook EVPs from Gettysburg, PA on my site, www.alterationsbyemily.com |
| Catherine L |
Posted - Jan 14 2011 : 11:34:24 AM
I love books as well. I have books everywhere. I bought a Kindle and my husband said that will take the place of the bookcases. I don't think so. The Kindle is nice, but nothing will take the place of the books. Looking at the shelves sort of tells the story of my life. I can look at my books and remember what part of life I was in or I can think of the person who gave it to me. How could I get rid of that?
I am thinking with small living that built ins are a must, so I am planning to try to get my husband to catch the vision and start building.
~Catherine~
Farmgirl 2428 |
| karla |
Posted - Jan 14 2011 : 10:58:59 AM
My husband & I live in an old schoolhouse with 2 wings added. We have only about 1000 sq ft. It is definitely a challenge! It teaches you to do without all the stuff! There just is not room for any extra.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
http://rua2j-grammysheirlooms.blogspot.com/ |
| Prairie Gypsy |
Posted - Jan 14 2011 : 10:41:24 AM
Emily - I can feel for you but I'm the culprit. I have 5 book cases that are crammed full and I still purchase more. I'm thinking about getting a Kindle or Nook to help with this issue but don't know since I adore books so much. If we could enlarge our kitchen (which still would keep it under 1000 sqft) I would have no issues with the house. What frustrates me is that he has taken over the library/computer room as his and I have no place to call my own until my youngest moves out and I can take over his room.
Farmgirl Sister # 2363
http://twilightburrough.blogspot.com/
Warren, MI
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| prayin granny |
Posted - Jan 14 2011 : 06:54:07 AM
I love small homes sooo much!! I moved a year ago from a rural home to a suburrban city apt of about 920 sq ft. My daughter and I share the apt. I love the downsizing part, but it is hard with 'the stuff'. I think the problem here in the U.S. is we have tooooo much stuff!! How did we all get like this?! It has gotten a bit crazy!! Anyway, I too, am working on getting some of the extra out, it is not easy. But I love smaller spaces and want to make it work. I hope eventually, maybe, to rent one of the very tiny older 1 brd homes that are so common out here. They are soo cute and homey!! Blessings, Linda
http://www.scatteredlittleblessings.blogspot.com
Country at Heart |
| alterationsbyemily |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 5:26:11 PM
Our house is about 1100 square feet and two bedrooms and one bath two-story. I went from a 2000 square foot 4 bedroom. God, do I miss my house in Pittsburgh so much. I am all for small living, but storage is such a huge issue for us. I have to pack everything into every corner. I would probably give my left arm for a basement.
Sorry to be a damper on the subject of small houses but it drives me up the wall. I could see how small is appealing but I need my own space, seeing my DH 15 shelves of books "he can't live without" drives me crazy!
--
See my custom costumes, download free patterns, and hear some spook EVPs from Gettysburg, PA on my site, www.alterationsbyemily.com |
| Twinsmom |
Posted - Dec 08 2010 : 3:16:35 PM
Our home is small. Storage is usually the issue, but I have downsized alot. Our children have the majority of stuff in the house! I live by the thought that more is not always better! I can see my children play with their toys while I am cooking and I love that. America I think is wearing themselves out thinking they need more and more. I like to live simply!
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| Lady Woodworker |
Posted - Dec 07 2010 : 12:18:24 PM
I romanticize about building a small, customized house with my own hands. I dream of building a writer's get-away--but with amenities. I'd like a claw-foot tub, a porch, a cozy loft and lots of natural light.
My grandmother was one of 13 children. Their farm had only a very small, hand-hewn log house. No indoor plumbing and no electricity. Of course, the older children were off on their own by the time the youngest came along but still--this lifestyle was the norm for many. And here I think of a house about this size (with indoor plumbing and electricity) as a challenge for just myself and my husband!
Has anyone here built a small house (or any buildings)?
I appreciate all the wonderful blogs, websites and good stories in this thread. So much to see and dream about...
Karen
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| Marybeth |
Posted - Dec 07 2010 : 11:42:47 AM
Our first house was a 950 sq. foot home. Onebedroom, one bath anda finshed attic room. Knee walls and all.
We raised 4 girls there and finally added on when the youngest was a baby. We just went out the front and moved things around. And the house looked the same. It had a large kitchen and very open living and dining room. So with the upstairs room we had 4 bedroom and 1100sq. feet. try to think of 4 teenage girls in one bathroom. We all did fine. We lived on that little farm for 36yrs until progress forced us out. I still miss it. It is gone now.
As for storage the other half of the upstairs was all attic. Perfect.
So small surely is very doable. Go for it. MB
http://www.smallcityscenes.blogspot.com
www.day4plus.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
| frannie |
Posted - Dec 07 2010 : 10:59:22 AM
our house is about 600-700 square ft. it is a one bedroom one bath(converted from the porch). but it has interesting features like a wood burning fireplace with a very rustic mantle. an ample pass through from the kitchen to the living room and french doors. it has a tiny annex for a spare bedroom or office with two outside doors to nowhere. the bathroom used to have a door to nowhere, but my dh built a walkway so it would connect back to the kitchen. our house , when we moved here had a screened in porch that surrounded the house and was actually bigger than the house, which i loved, so for a while we called the house the inside out house.
it has been a treat living here, although it hasnt been easy. we are on 16 acreas though so when it seems a little crowded you can always go outside to the woods, or the pond.
at this point i love "the farm" and i cant imagine being any where else.
 of 100_1621.jpg)
love
frannie in texas
farmgirl sister#807
home of "green"crafts,
where no scrap is left behind
(http://abunnystale.wordpress.com/)
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