Bigger Is Not Always Better: Making the Most of the Space You Have
In today’s world, it’s so easy to feel like we need more space. Homes are getting bigger, and the push to “upgrade” is everywhere you look. But here’s the truth: you don’t necessarily need more space—you might just need to rethink what you’re holding on to. With a little decluttering and some strategic organizing, you can rekindle your love for your home without the hassle and expense of moving. Here’s how to make it happen.
More Space Doesn’t Solve Clutter—It Can Magnify It
Many people believe that upgrading to a bigger house will fix their space issues. But often, more square footage just means more room for stuff to pile up. Instead of tackling the real issue—too many belongings—adding space can actually make the clutter worse.
Think about it: do you have a small storage room? Maybe you only keep a couple bins of Christmas decorations there. If you don’t have a designated toy room, consider rotating toys and keeping just a few in your living areas. It’s all about finding a balance between what’s important to you and the space you have.2.
Identify What You Truly Use
Just the other day, I was working with a client and we stumbled upon an old bread maker in her storage room. She had wonderful memories of making bread for her kids, but it hadn’t seen the light of day in years. She had to ask herself if it truly added value to her daily life. In the end, she decided to let it go, realizing it didn’t align with her goal of downsizing.
Decluttering isn’t about minimalism for the sake of it; it’s about living with intention.
Assess Your Buying Habits to Prevent Future Clutter
Before you buy something new, take a moment to ask yourself: Do I already own something that serves the same purpose? Do I really need this item? Can I see myself using it in a year? In five years? By being more intentional with your purchases, you can break the cycle of accumulation that leads to that nagging feeling of “needing more space.”
My husband loves to joke that I need a “one in, one out” rule for my shoes (what can I say? We all have our vices!). Honestly, though, he might just have a point!
Create Zones for a Better Flow
No matter how big or small your home is, it works best when each area has a clear purpose. If you’ve ever felt like rooms are overflowing or not functioning well, it might be because they lack designated zones.
In our kitchen, for instance, we’ve created a breakfast zone. It’s a pullout cabinet where we keep the toaster, breads, spreads, blender (for those morning smoothies), and our most-used smoothie ingredients. It makes the morning routine so much smoother!
Gain a Sense of Contentment with Less
One of the most rewarding parts of decluttering and organizing is the peace that comes with it. When we’re not overwhelmed by stuff, we often find ourselves more content with what we already have.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t to say that bigger is bad. If upgrading your home fits within your budget and goals, then go for it! Sometimes a larger space can enhance the functionality you need. But if you’re looking to fall back in love with your home, start by simplifying, organizing, and being intentional about your belongings. You might find that’s all you really need.
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