Downsized living space

[gekkoplus]

We just moved to a smaller apartment (1000sq.ft to 700 sq.ft) which will save us $200/pm. Well it was not easy as we had to get rid of a few things which were nice to have but not necessary. But considering that we will be in here for at least 2 years, that would save us almost $5K (and ~$7K pre-tax). That to me is a considerable savings.

I remember I used to have just two suitcases full of absolute necessary stuff during my student life and lived like that for more than 3 years - and I did not miss any fun in the life. Of course living in a bigger apartment is nice, but hey - we just need to get used to new living space and we would do just fine.

[TBH]

We did that several years ago, before we bought our house. We were renting a huge house because rent was so cheap, and we didn't realize the utilities would kill us. We moved into a much smaller space, cut our rent and utility bills in half.

Of course, right after we moved in we found out we were pregnant, so we only lived there for a year and a half, but it did feel good. Less to heat. Less to clean. Less stuff.

[MYOM]

As long as I have a table to eat at, a bed to sleep in, a shower to bath in, I am a very happy camper. I grew up living in a renovated garage and I now I live in a really nice custom home. I was just as happy living in an apartment. I have been rich and I have been poor. I do prefer rich.

Dan Clemons

[Cassandra]

It is hard downsizing.

Before my family lost our house, my room was about 1100 sq. feet. I had an entire floor to myself. Then my parents had to move into a condo and I moved in with my grandma. Our apartment is about 1000 sq. feet. I didn't have to get rid of a lot of stuff. I went from a queen sized bed to a twin and had to get rid of some purses and clothes to fit everything in my new closet, but that's pretty much it. What I missed the most was having all of that space to move around.

Once I got used to the apartment, I really like having a smaller room. It feels more cozy and so much simpler and easier to clean. My only requirement for any future apartment: a walk-in closet.

[kork13]

Originally Posted by Cassandra

Once I got used to the apartment, I really like having a smaller room. It feels more cozy and so much simpler and easier to clean. My only requirement for any future apartment: a walk-in closet.

For me, moving into my apartment was actually a step up (from a dorm room, go figure), but I do kinda like having a reasonably-sized, though still rather small room. Also, the place I found has walk-in closets... I initially thought "pfft... why do I need a closet that big?" but now, I totally see where you're coming from... hahaha it's nice to not have everything squeezed together, and a bit more organized.

However, my parents have always lived in fairly small homes, much to the chagrin of my mother. We moved around alot, so we always have had to keep the amount of 'stuff' to a reasonably low level. However, my mom loves to collect things (furniture, baskets, crafting stuff, etc.), so my family will move somewhere, she'll slowly stock up on stuff, then when it's time to move again, she has to downsize all over again. My father hates that she does it, but my mom sees it as an opportunity for a change. haha to each their own....