Bigger isn’t always better, and sometimes the best things come in small packages. This is certainly true when it comes to the small living trend – a lifestyle trend that focuses on simplifying daily lives by embracing the concept “less is more”.
While adjusting to living with less and focusing on the essentials can be challenging for someone who is downsizing for the first time, this lifestyle certainly brings a host of benefits. If you are considering living in a studio apartment, here’s a list of reasons why you should definitely try it.
Less space means you need less furniture
With large spaces comes the need for more furniture. The larger the house is, the bigger the pieces you need to buy to furnish it. Living in a studio apartment lets you fill your home with fewer pieces, and since it leaves more room in your budget, you get to invest in high-quality pieces that will last you longer.
That being said, you also need to be more thoughtful about the furniture you purchase for your small home. Investing in versatile furniture pieces with storage is a nifty way to furnish your small place so that it looks airy and spacious instead of cramped and cluttered.
It’s easier to keep things organized
It’s easier to come up with an excuse not to keep everything clean and organized when you live in a larger home. This is why smaller spaces are often much more functional – they make it easy for you to keep things in their place. Plus, it is much harder to lose your keys or remote controller when there’s no clutter.
Living in a studio apartment also means there’s less room for storing your belongings, making it easier for you to declutter your home and live a more minimalist lifestyle overall, keeping only the things you love and use and that have a specific purpose. Plus, since there are fewer surfaces to clean, you also get to save on cleaning supplies – it’s a win-win situation all around.
Smaller spaces provide comfort and functionality
Taking care of a home is essential, but for busy individuals living in urban areas, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to socialize and stay on top of their careers while also running a household. All this can be very time-consuming, so it’s no surprise that more and more people are turning to a small space lifestyle, especially in metropolises such as Hong Kong.
A busy individual would often choose a service apartment in Hong Kong over other housing options as these apartments provide the comfort and functionality they need to be able to focus on their goals. Aside from linen change and cleaning services, these studio apartments often come with an all-inclusive monthly rent and access to communal areas including a fully-equipped kitchen. This means you get to reap all the benefits of living in a big city while also focusing on things that matter to you.
It encourages you to get out more
Aside from being practical and economic, small space living also encourages you to get out of your apartment more often. Less cleaning and fewer costs leave more time and money for you to spend on things you actually enjoy doing.
This is especially convenient for individuals living a digital nomad lifestyle which is all about flexibility and freedom. They get to explore the city they’re currently living in and enjoy all that it has to offer until deciding to move to another city and explore the world further. And even when you are at your small studio, you’re encouraged to spend more quality time as there are no barriers between you and people you live with as it is the case in larger homes.
It’s better for the environment
If you were thinking about downsizing for a while, here’s yet another reason to go for it. Small living means relying on less energy to run a home, making it a more economical housing option in the long run. Aside from being a great way to lower your monthly utility bills, choosing to live in a smaller space also means you’ll be doing something good for the environment.
Reducing your energy consumption will help you minimize your impact on the environment and lower your carbon footprint in general. Choosing to downsize is a significant step towards preserving the environment, but why stop there? There are a number of ways you can be more eco-friendly on a daily basis, from recycling and composting to eating a plant-based diet and switching to renewables.
Conclusion
While this growing lifestyle trend may not be everyone’s cup of tea, working with smaller square footage can be a great way to save money, live a more flexible lifestyle, reduce carbon footprint, and ensure an apartment at a great location. It’s all a matter of your personal priorities, so if any of these resonate with you, downsizing to a studio apartment could be that next step you can take to live more in line with your lifestyle and personal preferences.
About the author: Mike Johnston is an avid blogging enthusiast and experienced freelance writer with a focus in home improvement, interior design, family life, and sustainable living.
