Yes to more about Shira Gill’s new book. You introduced her to me and in joy her very-different-from-mine style and her direct and refreshing take on decluttering, organizing and living. I’d appreciate some focused deep-dives on the last.
In response to what has living small given/taken away:
I'm at the beginning of the journey, having sold my 1450 sq ft house last April that I lived in for 29 years, where I raised my children, and just moved into my custom-built tiny house (391 sq ft) in October. I'm still unpacking-- maneuvering around boxes as I bring a load each day in my tiny car from storage--but already aware of what it's given and taken away.
Given: my dream!--even from the time I was about 5, I can remember wanting to live in a tiny house--I'd even draw floor plans way back then! I am lucky to have been able to work with the builders to accommodate my loves in the design--a library for all my books, and storage for my fiber arts supplies. I am so happy in the coziness of small space, not having to spend much time cleaning, and I love being forced to pare back my belongings--it feels good to me to evaluate what I really need and is most important to me, and send things I love to new homes where they are also loved, even things that I treasured-- like my grandfather's antique postmaster's desk--far too large to keep, but the person who got it is thrilled and making wonderful use of it. The joy of giving more than balances out the sadness of giving it up. Also, my tiny house is situated on my daughter's property, so I can be a daily part of my grandchildren's lives-- it's a big difference from driving back and forth between houses even when close. (And a silver lining I hadn't thought of before moving in: I'm a friendly introvert, which means I need lots of time alone, but also really like people one-on-one or in very small groups... tiny living means I'll never feel obligated to host big holidays!)
Taken away: While I love evaluating what is most important to me, it can be hard to let go of some sentimental items--I'm still trying to figure out how I can keep some of them without feeling cluttered, or how I could find a home that would truly appreciate them (like a small wooden cabinet hand-made by my great-grandfather, with drawers originally for nails and such things). I know it will be okay, but the process can be painful. I didn't really know until I was in my house how much I would be able to keep, so I brought more than I can keep.
I completely understand the joy of having a home to small to host overnight guests in. :) Wishing you luck as you figure out what fits in your new space. I am sure you'll find the right balance of what to keep (the handmade cabinet sounds like it should make the cut!).
Your newsletters are such a highlight for me — it’s how I was introduced to Substack, and Shira Gill (so yes would love to hear more about her book)! But also wanted to say thank you for the writing and work you share ❤️
The biggest gift living small has given us is the ability to “retire often”. We’re in our late 30s but we’ve already taken multiple 6-12 month breaks from work to travel, raise babies, and move across the continent. We prioritize “elastic spending” so we can drastically reduce our living costs during these mini-retirements, and the biggest piece of this has been not having huge monthly expenses.
But (!) we’re now debating building a small house in the Pacific Northerst, so I’m even more interested in small living / small house inspiration. I know your guests often offer recommendations, but do you have a list anywhere of fav design inspirations?
Thank you for this nice note--made my day. I love the idea of "retiring often," and wish I had taken off more time to do some of those things.
As for house inspiration, one of my favorite small houses is in the Pacific Northwest: https://www.jhinteriordesign.com/tiny-house But in general, look for inspiration that also shows floorplans when you can find them--they are so helpful.
(sorry)enthusiasm for her combination air fryer- oven and even more by your mention of the toaster oven on your counter. I am a toaster oven enthusiast who wonders if I should consider a combination instead. Please do a deep dive or even a Chat devoted to toaster ovens v, air fryers. Toast quality is an important factor to me, maybe the most important, so I would request attention to that in the discussion.
Love this. I am looking to do a kitchen remodel and Stephnie's design had many ideas I may borrow. I also really like the idea of minimalizing. I am in the just processing what this really looks like stage.
Financially 2024 looked different than we hoped it would. Grateful we live in the right size house for us because a too big mortgage on a house further out in the suburbs might have sunk us. So I think that’s a gift of peace of mind.
YES: 100-percent. In fact, when my first book came out in April 2020, I was worried that all the people featured in it would be going crazy during stay-at-home orders of the early pandemic. But when I reached out, every single one of them said they were so grateful to have a smaller mortgage/rent during a time of great uncertainty.
Yes to more about Shira Gill’s new book. You introduced her to me and in joy her very-different-from-mine style and her direct and refreshing take on decluttering, organizing and living. I’d appreciate some focused deep-dives on the last.
Noted! Glad to know I helped you find a writer who inspired you.
Love today's post!
In response to what has living small given/taken away:
I'm at the beginning of the journey, having sold my 1450 sq ft house last April that I lived in for 29 years, where I raised my children, and just moved into my custom-built tiny house (391 sq ft) in October. I'm still unpacking-- maneuvering around boxes as I bring a load each day in my tiny car from storage--but already aware of what it's given and taken away.
Given: my dream!--even from the time I was about 5, I can remember wanting to live in a tiny house--I'd even draw floor plans way back then! I am lucky to have been able to work with the builders to accommodate my loves in the design--a library for all my books, and storage for my fiber arts supplies. I am so happy in the coziness of small space, not having to spend much time cleaning, and I love being forced to pare back my belongings--it feels good to me to evaluate what I really need and is most important to me, and send things I love to new homes where they are also loved, even things that I treasured-- like my grandfather's antique postmaster's desk--far too large to keep, but the person who got it is thrilled and making wonderful use of it. The joy of giving more than balances out the sadness of giving it up. Also, my tiny house is situated on my daughter's property, so I can be a daily part of my grandchildren's lives-- it's a big difference from driving back and forth between houses even when close. (And a silver lining I hadn't thought of before moving in: I'm a friendly introvert, which means I need lots of time alone, but also really like people one-on-one or in very small groups... tiny living means I'll never feel obligated to host big holidays!)
Taken away: While I love evaluating what is most important to me, it can be hard to let go of some sentimental items--I'm still trying to figure out how I can keep some of them without feeling cluttered, or how I could find a home that would truly appreciate them (like a small wooden cabinet hand-made by my great-grandfather, with drawers originally for nails and such things). I know it will be okay, but the process can be painful. I didn't really know until I was in my house how much I would be able to keep, so I brought more than I can keep.
I completely understand the joy of having a home to small to host overnight guests in. :) Wishing you luck as you figure out what fits in your new space. I am sure you'll find the right balance of what to keep (the handmade cabinet sounds like it should make the cut!).
Your newsletters are such a highlight for me — it’s how I was introduced to Substack, and Shira Gill (so yes would love to hear more about her book)! But also wanted to say thank you for the writing and work you share ❤️
The biggest gift living small has given us is the ability to “retire often”. We’re in our late 30s but we’ve already taken multiple 6-12 month breaks from work to travel, raise babies, and move across the continent. We prioritize “elastic spending” so we can drastically reduce our living costs during these mini-retirements, and the biggest piece of this has been not having huge monthly expenses.
But (!) we’re now debating building a small house in the Pacific Northerst, so I’m even more interested in small living / small house inspiration. I know your guests often offer recommendations, but do you have a list anywhere of fav design inspirations?
Thank you for this nice note--made my day. I love the idea of "retiring often," and wish I had taken off more time to do some of those things.
As for house inspiration, one of my favorite small houses is in the Pacific Northwest: https://www.jhinteriordesign.com/tiny-house But in general, look for inspiration that also shows floorplans when you can find them--they are so helpful.
(sorry)enthusiasm for her combination air fryer- oven and even more by your mention of the toaster oven on your counter. I am a toaster oven enthusiast who wonders if I should consider a combination instead. Please do a deep dive or even a Chat devoted to toaster ovens v, air fryers. Toast quality is an important factor to me, maybe the most important, so I would request attention to that in the discussion.
Love this. I am looking to do a kitchen remodel and Stephnie's design had many ideas I may borrow. I also really like the idea of minimalizing. I am in the just processing what this really looks like stage.
Also thanks for that puzzle rec ❤️
Hoping Santa brings them to our house ;)
Financially 2024 looked different than we hoped it would. Grateful we live in the right size house for us because a too big mortgage on a house further out in the suburbs might have sunk us. So I think that’s a gift of peace of mind.
YES: 100-percent. In fact, when my first book came out in April 2020, I was worried that all the people featured in it would be going crazy during stay-at-home orders of the early pandemic. But when I reached out, every single one of them said they were so grateful to have a smaller mortgage/rent during a time of great uncertainty.
Hi Laura,
A Shira Gill “short take” recommendation sent me back to this #LivingSmall interview. This time my attention was caught by Wong’s