Living Small: Why Bigger Homes Might Not Mean Happier Lives

The Dream of a Big House

People often dream of having a big house with lots of space. But what if having more space actually makes life harder? Recent studies show that bigger homes don't always lead to happiness. In fact, they might do the opposite.

The Growing Size of Homes

Since the 1970s, the average home size in the U.S. has almost doubled. But instead of making people happier, it seems to be doing the opposite. Bigger homes come with bigger problems: higher costs, more cleaning, and less time spent with family.

The Emotional Impact

Economist Mariano Rojas explains that moving to a larger home can create emotional distance between family members. The excitement of a bigger house fades quickly. Soon, people realize that all that extra space just means more stress and less happiness.

The Miller Family's Experience

But some families are finding that living in a smaller space can be better. Take the Millers, for example. They used to live in a huge house in Tennessee. But when they moved to New York City, they downsized to a much smaller apartment. Surprisingly, they found that living in a smaller space brought them closer together.

A Closer Family

In their new apartment, the Millers spend more time together. The open layout of their home keeps them connected, even during everyday activities. Lisa Miller, the mom, says that cooking in the open kitchen allows her to spend time with her family while doing chores.

Less Clutter, More Joy

Living in a smaller space also means less clutter and fewer things to worry about. The Millers don't miss their big house at all. They enjoy the simplicity and the extra time they spend together.

The Benefits of City Living

In a city like New York, there's always something to do. The Millers don't feel like they're missing out on anything by living in a smaller space. In fact, they feel happier and more connected than ever.