It really does. I always think about how much hard it would be to travel and pay for things like summer camp if we had a bigger home payment every month.
Thank you for all the work you put into this, Laura! You actually introduced me to Shira, and now I hear and have more ideas that I may never do (ha) but give me something wonderful to work toward in my tiny home. Happy new year.!
Wondering whether there is bandwidth here for a more critical take of this piece? I am familiar with Gill’s Substack and have read several posts since she removed the paywall. I think it’s important to remember that, as a professional organizer and “multi-hyphenate”, she is selling something, and pieces like this help her do that.
In my experience, the idea that a spotless, clutter-free, white-surfaced house like Gill’s results in “more time for what we actually enjoy” simply does not add up. These images suggest a disciplined daily regimen of tidying, straightening, and decluttering that would certainly eat up whatever time is gained from owning less. Isn’t there a natural settling point – in terms of time spent in service of our possessions – between drowning in excess and fanatical purging and straightening? In my experience, reaping the time rewards of owning less sometimes requires allowing a little clutter to build up around the edges.
More than likely, these images were staged for a photo shoot and don't tell the whole story. If that's the case, I'd be much more interested in photos that show her home on a more typical day. Anyone else?
Of course these are professional images of a home on its best day: That's when people like Shira (and all the other women featured in Living Small) have their homes photographed. I think people understand that when they see professional photos of interiors.
Likewise, most of the people featured in magazines, newsletters, and podcasts are selling something—and that's totally okay! I happily featured Shira to *help* her sell her excellent new book that came out a few weeks ago. Every time I feature an author I hope you will consider buying their book!
That said, having personally spent time in Shira's home, this isn't a far cry from what it looks like every day. As she explains, Shira has set up systems to keep it this way. Keeping an uber-tidy home takes work, but if you own less and limit what you bring in, I believe you DO spend considerably less time cleaning, looking for things, etc.
As a colorful and curated collector maximalist, Shira's home is such a contrast to ours, but that’s one of the things I love about homes—they come in so many forms, each with something to admire and learn from. Fun fact: I’ve actually visited Shira's home and yes, it truly looks this serene and clutter-free in real life. I kept walking around, peeking into cupboards and closets, and saying, “Wait, where is everything else?” And the answer is: that’s what there is! It almost made me want to go home and completely transform our rainbow-brite home :) For me, it’s inspiring to see how intentional and thoughtful living can create such a beautiful space. And the message (which I feel that you always embrace) is figuring out what works for you in your own home and everyone you live with. Thank you, Laura, for showcasing so many diverse and creative small spaces. Love your substack!
Such an important reminder (for me) that living small gives you more freedom in your life; I love that perspective!
It really does. I always think about how much hard it would be to travel and pay for things like summer camp if we had a bigger home payment every month.
Thanks for the shoutout, Laura! Thrilled to be back among excellent writers and thinkers like you.
I predict that you'll find many new readers eager for your smart takes on gardening.
Thank you for all the work you put into this, Laura! You actually introduced me to Shira, and now I hear and have more ideas that I may never do (ha) but give me something wonderful to work toward in my tiny home. Happy new year.!
So happy to have connected you to another fellow writer! Wishing you the best start to the year.
And oh my Lord, please remind me to proofread when I’m using voice to text 🤦🏻♀️
Wondering whether there is bandwidth here for a more critical take of this piece? I am familiar with Gill’s Substack and have read several posts since she removed the paywall. I think it’s important to remember that, as a professional organizer and “multi-hyphenate”, she is selling something, and pieces like this help her do that.
In my experience, the idea that a spotless, clutter-free, white-surfaced house like Gill’s results in “more time for what we actually enjoy” simply does not add up. These images suggest a disciplined daily regimen of tidying, straightening, and decluttering that would certainly eat up whatever time is gained from owning less. Isn’t there a natural settling point – in terms of time spent in service of our possessions – between drowning in excess and fanatical purging and straightening? In my experience, reaping the time rewards of owning less sometimes requires allowing a little clutter to build up around the edges.
More than likely, these images were staged for a photo shoot and don't tell the whole story. If that's the case, I'd be much more interested in photos that show her home on a more typical day. Anyone else?
Of course these are professional images of a home on its best day: That's when people like Shira (and all the other women featured in Living Small) have their homes photographed. I think people understand that when they see professional photos of interiors.
Likewise, most of the people featured in magazines, newsletters, and podcasts are selling something—and that's totally okay! I happily featured Shira to *help* her sell her excellent new book that came out a few weeks ago. Every time I feature an author I hope you will consider buying their book!
That said, having personally spent time in Shira's home, this isn't a far cry from what it looks like every day. As she explains, Shira has set up systems to keep it this way. Keeping an uber-tidy home takes work, but if you own less and limit what you bring in, I believe you DO spend considerably less time cleaning, looking for things, etc.
As a colorful and curated collector maximalist, Shira's home is such a contrast to ours, but that’s one of the things I love about homes—they come in so many forms, each with something to admire and learn from. Fun fact: I’ve actually visited Shira's home and yes, it truly looks this serene and clutter-free in real life. I kept walking around, peeking into cupboards and closets, and saying, “Wait, where is everything else?” And the answer is: that’s what there is! It almost made me want to go home and completely transform our rainbow-brite home :) For me, it’s inspiring to see how intentional and thoughtful living can create such a beautiful space. And the message (which I feel that you always embrace) is figuring out what works for you in your own home and everyone you live with. Thank you, Laura, for showcasing so many diverse and creative small spaces. Love your substack!
Many thanks for the lovely feature and for sharing my home. I have been enjoying this series so much and can't wait for your next one! x