Professionals Real Estate 
Does tiny house living appeal to you? There are ways you can make a smaller home or apartment work for you and your family.
With urban living on the rise and housing prices continuing to disrupt the ‘great Australian dream’ of a three or four-bedroom home on a quarter-acre block, more families in Australia are choosing to live in apartments or smaller houses. According to the 2021 Census, 10.3 per cent of us now live in apartments and the number has probably risen since then.
While downsizing or choosing a smaller space for family life can come with challenges, it also offers several benefits, including proximity to amenities, less maintenance work and reduced upkeep costs.
The key to making family life work in a smaller home lies in smart planning, creative design and intentional living. Here’s how to make it a success.
Optimise space with multifunctional furniture
One of the biggest challenges of living in an apartment or smaller home is maximising the use of space. However, with a little creativity, every square metre can be put to good use.
Multifunctional furniture is an excellent way to optimise your living area. For example, a sofa bed can turn your living room into a guest room, or a coffee table with built-in storage can keep clutter at bay.
Bunk beds or loft beds are perfect for children’s rooms, freeing up floor space for play or study areas. You can also opt for beds with storage drawers in the bases or fold-away desks and dining tables that can be packed up when not in use. IKEA and Pinterest are a great place to start for inspiration.
Declutter and embrace minimalism
Living in a smaller home requires a more minimalist approach to possessions. Clutter can quickly take over when space is limited, so it’s essential to keep only what you need. A good rule of thumb is to regularly declutter, getting rid of items that no longer serve a purpose or are not used frequently. Some families have a ‘something in/something out’ rule, where bringing home a new possession means something has to go.
Encouraging all family members to take part in decluttering can also foster good habits for children, teaching them the importance of valuing and maintaining their belongings. Having designated storage for toys, clothing, backpacks and shoes will keep things organised, making your space feel more functional.
Prioritise storage solutions
In a small home, storage is key. Having enough storage options keeps your living space tidy and makes day-to-day life more manageable. In smaller homes, vertical storage is often the best solution. Tall shelving units, wall-mounted hooks and cupboards that reach the ceiling will help you make the most of every square inch of space.
If space really is at a premium inside, think about renting a garage or storage unit. This comes at a monthly cost but can still be cheaper than paying off a large mortgage. Your storage unit can house your sports equipment, camping gear and extra bedding (just make sure it’s not going to get damp).
Love where you live
Families that thrive in apartments can often be found away from them. The library, beach, park and local cafe or community centre become locations for connection, socialising, play or quiet time. If you are considering living in a smaller place, take your living preferences and priorities into account. This type of home can give you the advantage of a lock-up and leave lifestyle as well as a smaller mortgage but it has to suit your needs and habits.
