What is the right size home?

I am blessed to have a lovely home with a garden in a safe neighborhood. When Tevis and Sarah lived at home full-time I often thought our home, as Goldilocks would say, was "just right." We did a major re-model over 10 years ago and rebuilt the house to 1250 square feet. There are three smallish bedrooms and two smallish bathrooms. We have lots of common living space including a separate dining room between the kitchen and living room. We designed it from the homes we saw in the Australian outback. So it includes a wrap around porch and a compact design with room for all of our needs.

At the time it was a stretch to afford. Since completion, I've made other improvements with flooring and paint. Almost everyday I thank God that I have this home for me and my children. Home base. A place we can own pets. While my income has increased, it's been affordable and I've never been keen to move.

I moved so much until we bought this house 23 years ago, that I just love that I've lived in the same place for so long. This is the only home Tevis and Sarah have lived in with me. When the kids moved to college apartments I spread out my crafts and created a guest room. Now when they are both home, it is tough to give them both a comfortable place to sleep. Yet, I cannot help but think I have too much space.

I am in the business of ending homelessness. I'm trying to integrate what I advocate at Housing California with my own life. If we all consume less resources there are more to share with others.

In the most recent edition of Country Living (February 2009) there is an article, "Tiny Houses for Sale" that inspired me to rethink my future and whether I need more than 800 square feet. Jay Shafer's Tumbleweed Tiny House Co. in Sebastapol is close enough that I could visit in person. Another website I'm exploring is resourcesforlife.com, the website for the Small House Society. It also provides freedom from as much maintenance. You cannot collect clutter because there is literally no space to store it. It also makes living by the ocean or mountains more affordable.