Find out if a cozy small home or a spacious bigger house suits your family, budget, and future plans. Get the facts for a profitable choice.
Deciding whether a small home is right for you or if a more expansive living space would better suit your needs is a significant first step in finding your perfect dwelling. It's about the life you'll lead in those walls.
Are you comfortable in a small home's quaint, cozy nooks, or do you envision yourself roaming the halls of a bigger home with space to accommodate every aspect of your lifestyle? In a small home, you'll find intimacy and charm, where every square inch has a purpose, and keeping things tidy is a breeze. The simplicity of a smaller footprint can mean more money in your pocket and more time for what you love outside the constraints of home maintenance. On the other hand, a bigger home offers room to grow, spaces to fill with memories, and an undeniable sense of freedom. Whether it's room for a new baby, a home theater, or a sprawling garden to tend, a bigger home can be a canvas for your dreams and ambitions.
As we unpack the layers of small versus large living, remember that the best choice is the one that reflects who you are, what you value, and where you see yourself in the years to come.
A small home means a place with less square footage, generally less than 1,000 square feet. It’s the spot that’s easy to manage, where you can reach for the popcorn from the couch without missing a beat. You’ll find a couple of bedrooms, a welcoming living space, and a kitchen just the right size for your famous Sunday pancakes.
Pro Tip: Go vertical with storage to maximize the space in a small home.
A bigger home can be classified as starting around 2,000 square feet. It's for folks who love a house that has places to explore, from multiple bedrooms and bathrooms to a kitchen that could host its own cooking show. Larger homes often have additional rooms such as a home office, separated living spaces, larger closets, and more. And outside? You'll get enough yard for the kids to run free or to plant that garden you've always wanted.
Pro Tip: Consider smart thermostats to help manage heating and cooling costs in a big house.
Living in a small home is about keeping things simple. It will be practical for your bank account when it's time to pay the mortgage or the power bill. Plus, cleaning's a snap—you won't spend all day dusting rooms you never use. There's something about a small home that just feels right; it's snug, without a corner of wasted space.
Pro Tip: Multifunctional furniture is your best friend in a small home. These include beds with built-in drawers.
Choosing a bigger house gives you a world of options. Got guests? No problem. Want a home office? You got it. And if you like to remain fit, there's room for your own workout space. A bigger home's yard means you can throw the ultimate barbecue or even build that treehouse you’ve dreamed about.
Pro Tip: Use different lighting in areas of a bigger house to create distinct “zones” and moods.
Before you decide, consider your budget and ask yourself what lifestyle you lead. Do you hold onto everything you've ever owned, or are you a minimalist? How much space do you and your family need to feel comfortable but not lost?
Imagine your daily routine. If you work from home, will a small home provide enough peace? If you have a growing family, will a bigger house still be the right size in a few years? It's all about your current and future plans.
Pro Tip: Spend time in rooms similar to both home sizes to see which feels more 'you.'
Ultimately, choosing between a small home and a bigger home is about finding the right home to match your lifestyle. It's less about the number of rooms and more about how those rooms make you feel. Whether you opt for a small home's charm and simplicity or a bigger home's generous expanse, it should be where every "Welcome home!" feels just right.
Quality of life isn’t just about size—it’s about how well your space fits your needs. Some may enjoy the extra space a bigger house provides, while others prefer the simplicity and ease of a small home.
Often, yes. A small home might be more common in a city where space is premium, while bigger houses are found more in suburban areas where land is less expensive.
Besides the obvious costs like higher utility bills and more maintenance, bigger houses may also come with higher property taxes, insurance rates, and the potential for more expensive repairs due to the larger area.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for up-to-date real estate industry trends, news, and insights.
Saved
