Diminutive dwellings are all the rage right now. Thanks to the tiny home movement, we’re seeing more people following the motto “less is more” and moving to smaller abodes.

Aside from numerous financial and environmental benefits, choosing to live in teensy living quarters brings many psychological benefits as well.

Let’s take a look at the psychology behind the small space living trend and what makes it so appealing.

An affordable way to enhance the quality of life

One of the prominent features of small apartments is their affordability. Larger spaces require more money to furnish and decorate, they cost more, and cleaning and maintaining them can be very time-consuming.

Living small is infinitely easier. There’s no need for excessive decor, furniture is versatile and compact, and smaller rent leaves more wiggle room in your budget for things you actually want and need.

Smaller spaces also tend to be more practical and functional when organized just right, meaning you can stay productive and focused on your day-to-day routine. There’s less cleaning involved, which means you have more time for things that enrich the soul, whether it’s learning new things, meditating, doing yoga, hanging out with friends, or spending more time outside.

In other words, by downsizing and opting for a smaller apartment, you get to save money, time, and energy, while also enhancing the quality of life.

Small space living as an opportunity for privacy

Privacy can be an issue when we’re surrounded by family members or roommates, so having a strong desire to have a place of our own is psychologically justified. That’s why it makes sense for a lot of people to get a smaller place where they can be on their own.

For this reason, many people choose to rent service apartments as a safe and convenient accommodation option when they’re traveling. Thanks to the laid back, cozy environment, these apartments act as a home away from home. Having a comfy and safe place to stay makes it easier for individuals to focus on their personal goals since they have the much-needed privacy.

However, humans are social beings too, and communal lounges are perfect for when you want to socialize with other residents. You get to meet new people, learn more about new cultures, and make lasting friendships.

And whenever you feel like winding up with a book or just taking a break from the hustle and bustle, you can always head to the roof top and enjoy solo.

Small space living as a chance to learn how adaptive you are

Each one of us strives to live a comfortable life – it’s a part of our nature. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to live comfortably, the problem arises when we get too comfortable in life, always choosing to play it safe instead of taking the plunge into the unknown.

Stepping out of a comfort zone is essential for growth, so every now and then, it’s good to try to shake things up a bit and see how well you are able to adapt. Putting yourself in a new situation such as learning how to live in a smaller apartment really challenges you to be creative and think more carefully about the things you choose to bring into both your apartment and your life.

You begin asking yourself whether something really is a necessity, will you really use it, and why you want it in the first place. What small space living really is is an opportunity to get to know yourself and your capabilities while at the same time learning what’s really important in life and what’s not.

A greater sense of control and more time for yourself

One of the facts of life is that each day is filled with uncertainties. Our lives are full of ups and downs, and the inevitability of these events can lead to feelings of anxiety and harmful levels of stress. Each one of us has their own coping mechanism of dealing with such negative feelings.

Being in control of your physical environment certainly helps alleviate anxiety, and living in a smaller space makes it easier to stay on top of your surroundings.

The fact that there’s less stuff, space, and energy to deal with on a daily basis gives you a greater sense of control while also freeing up a significant amount of time in your daily schedule, giving you more time to focus on yourself and things that truly matter.

While giving up some square footage might seem downright impossible to some, downsizing comes with a lengthy list of psychological benefits. Living large in a tiny loveable home, is easier than ever before, and if you’re all about simplifying your life, the small space living trend might be worth a shot.

About the author:

Tracey Clayton is a mom of three girls. She feels she knows a thing or two about raising happy, healthy and confident kids. She’s also passionate about traveling, fashion and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live."