Size Up, Size Down: Disadvantages Of A Smaller Home

Last week, in the penultimate entry of our Size Up, Size Down series, we took a look at some of the great advantages of living in a smaller property.

It was not, despite what you might believe, at all a difficult list to compile. We think we made a jolly good case for purchasing something a little more modest and may even have convinced you to, at the very least, have a think about what it is you want for a home in the present moment or, indeed, in the future.

Of course, in order to complete this circle and shut up shop on this enjoyable mini-series bound for the highest bidding streaming service, we must now roll onto our inevitable destination.

You may think you have all the answers. You may think, if you are especially bold, that you know where this emotional rollercoaster of a story is bound to rest. You might be right! Or, maybe, just maybe, there is a cunning twist laying around the corner that will infuriate and challenge audiences on late night forums for years – nay, generations – to come? Like Game Of Thrones! Except good!

In any case, here it is. What we’ve all been waiting for. The end of the road. The emotional climax of what people are calling “A must have guide to existing”. Ladies and gentlemen, may we present to you, the devastating conclusion to the Size Up, Size Down series. The grand finale!…Disadvantages Of A Smaller Home.

Storage: If, like so many, you like your stuff, you may very well find yourself having to have an awful lot less of it. That’s right. You know it. We know it. Everybody knows it. If you have a smaller property, you are going to have far less space available for all the little bits and pieces that can make a pad feel cuddly and homely. If you’re moving from a larger place, you may very well have to part ways with quite a lot of things that you may have become quite attached to. Is that something you are fully prepared to do?

Business: Working from home can be a challenge. Working from a small home can be utterly maddening.  The kids, the cat, the chatter…It is all far from ideal. If you want to work from home, then you may want to consider staying somewhere where there is enough space for you to breathe and think. Otherwise, you may find it very difficult to get anything done.

Privacy: This one is linked to the above issue, but makes the broader point on personal space. Living alone, this might not so much apply. But, one more person can fill the home entirely. This might not be a bad thing. Indeed, it is often just what is needed. But, let’s not kid ourselves here. We all need a bit of time and space from time to time. And, in a slighter place, such time and space will be far more difficult to find.

Sleepovers: Having guests over to stay a night or two should be an altogether fun and pleasant experience. In a smaller pad, however, prepare for nothing but stress. It may not be at all practical, in fact, to ever have anybody over to stay, which is quite a sad prospect for anybody who loves a nice bit of company over breakfast. Want to have people over from time to time? Maybe best going for somewhere a little bit more roomy.

Parties: Yes, parties. Do you remember those? It was when people used to get together and have a good time…Well, if you have a smaller property, it won’t just be the Coronavirus putting a limit on the number of people allowed into your home from other households. Late night Twister? Boogie at midnight? Forget it. If you want people over for a celebration, go for big. Otherwise, it’s just not a party. And we like to party.

Having somewhere that is a bit cosier in size can have all sorts of benefits, but it all depends on your own circumstances and how you want to live your life. Consider what is important to you and what sacrifices, if any, you are willing to make.

From everyone here at Belvoir Edinburgh, we hope you are all doing well. Hope fully we will be able to see you all again soon. Until then, take care and keep on smiling.

Happy Housekeeping.