How to Live as a Big Family in a Small Space
A few years ago I returned to Canada for a visit. I woke up at my sister’s house and looked out the window – everything seemed so BIG compared to Europe. Beefy trucks with bulky snowmobiles were parked in front of massive houses.
Now, I admit that I miss trucks. On the very rare occasion that I see one here, I wish I could buy one. I would seriously love some snow (although my type of sledding usually involves walking uphill).
But the huge houses…I’ll leave them. My dream house, for our family of 6, is about 110 m2 (1180 ft2). My dream house also has innovative furniture, like a desk on hydraulics that transforms into a guest bed without disturbing the stuff on the desk. (You can find more of my house aesthetics on Pinterest on the That Someday House board, as well as some separate bedroom boards.)
Right now though, I don’t have the fancy furniture or even custom storage. I’ve got 6 people in 70 m2 (750 ft2). I’m not crazy organized or a great housekeeper, but we manage to live in our home fairly comfortably.
There are a few tricks, though, that help make that easier. I’ve written some of those tricks at Nourishing Minimalism, an inspiring blog about minimalism with a family.
Seriously, every time I vacuum, I’m glad the house isn’t bigger. Who’s got time to vacuum anyway? And if you like vacuuming, you’re welcome here anytime!
Dec 16, 2014 @ 11:19:25
Merry Christmas to you and your big family, Naomi. 🙂 I’d sure love some snow right now, too.
Dec 16, 2014 @ 14:39:51
Thank you, a Merry Christmas to you too! If we wish hard enough maybe it will come 🙂
Dec 16, 2014 @ 11:30:03
I was surprised about the small apartments when I moved to Europe from the US. However, I am now used to them.
I hope you find that bigger house.
Dec 16, 2014 @ 14:46:26
The first apartment my husband and I lived in was 35m2! I think that only happens in NY in N. America.
Thanks, I’m sure it’s waiting for us in the future!
Dec 17, 2014 @ 00:35:24
More than a bigger house, just a house would be great so I don’t have to come up three flights of stairs with little kids! Those stairs have seen many attempts at increasing patience!
Dec 16, 2014 @ 16:19:11
Hi Naomi, I can definitely relate! Asian apartments are much smaller than those in western countries, and takes some getting used to. Your current home sounds small for a family of six, but that depends on how many bedrooms there are, and how big they are compared to the rest of the rooms. In Asia, the kitchens are TINY, and the living rooms usually larger than bedrooms!
Dec 17, 2014 @ 00:37:37
Yes, Asian kitchens, or at least the Japanese kitchens I’ve seen, are tiny. I mostly remember some relatives rolling away their futons in a cupboard and presto – it was the living room. We have two bedrooms, and the kitchen is a fair size.
Dec 20, 2014 @ 00:09:19
Thanks for sharing, really fun to read. I’ll have to read more at Nourishing Minimalism! 🙂