While minimalism is not a new concept or trend, it has become a prevalent part of our modern world—even a part of how we design homes. First created in the 1950s and 1960s, it began as a way to embrace simplicity, but now, it has become a way for us to be intentional about what we spend, how we design our spaces, and what we purchase. If you’re on the lookout for cottage homes or small house communities, you can embrace the simple life through minimalism.
In this article, we’ll explore more about what minimalism is, how it connects to housing, how cottage homes are the epitome of minimalistic living, and how you can transition to a minimalist lifestyle. If you’re eager to learn more, read on!
What is Minimalism?
Minimalism is the belief and practice of “less is more,” or a rejection of overly materialistic consumerism that is present in some parts of the world today. It’s about living with less, focusing on what matters, and avoiding excess, but instead living a life of intentionality.
When you live a minimalistic life, you focus on intent rather than how much of something you have. For many people, it can be a rewarding experience that gives them a new perspective.
How Minimalism Influences Housing Today
A minimalist might choose to have a reduced wardrobe and fewer belongings but also opt for smaller living spaces. Cottage homes or little homes have become a prevalent part of the minimalist lifestyle, blending practical layouts with multipurpose living spaces that enhance a home’s efficiency.
With less square footage but the same number of features, minimalist cottage homes are becoming more readily available as people downsize and live smart.
Tiny Houses and Cottage Homes: The Epitome of Minimalist Living
For those seeking a truly minimalistic lifestyle, small house communities and cottage homes are the best place to start. Not only do cottage homes offer a smaller, more manageable size of home, but they also come with unique design features. Cottage homes are not just your typical tiny homes, but they are so much more than that.
For most cottage homes, you’ll enjoy anywhere from 350 square feet to 1,000 square feet, depending on the layout that you prefer. At Simple Life’s The Hamlet community, many of our cottage homes are between 394 and 540 square feet. With each of these cottage homes, you’ll also enjoy unique design features, like flexible spaces, multipurpose lofts, and even an outdoor patio for a truly active lifestyle.
With these homes, you maximize your space and enjoy the very best features, from stainless-steel appliances to top-of-the-line laundry units installed in your unit. When you choose to live in little house communities, you’ll position your family well for a minimalistic lifestyle that embraces simplicity, sustainability, and purposeful living no matter where you live.
The Benefits of a Simpler Lifestyle in Cottage Homes and Small House Communities
There are so many pros to living in cottage homes and within little house communities! If you’re eager to save money, protect the planet’s health, and improve your quality of life, living in one of these little homes is ideal for you and your family. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of cottage homes and small house communities:
- Save Money: One of the most apparent benefits is that you’ll save a lot! Most cottage homes are only a fraction of the cost of an ordinary home, even if you build your dream home. Additionally, because you’ll have a smaller space, you’ll have fewer bills related to maintenance, utilities, and other living expenses.
- Protect the Planet: When you choose little homes, you’ll also be helping the world that we live in. A smaller floor plan means you’ll contribute a smaller carbon footprint because you’ll use less energy and fewer materials to build it. You might even say owning cottage homes makes you an example of sustainable living!
- Improve Your Quality of Life: If you’re looking for a means of improving your lifestyle, moving into cottage homes and little house communities is one of the best ways to do so. You’ll remove the clutter from your life to embrace a more organized home and enjoy a sense of community within little house communities that help you focus on relationships, your hobbies, and leading an active lifestyle.
With so many benefits, you might be itching to find some cottage homes for your family. But how do you transition to a minimalist lifestyle? That’s what we will look at next!
Tips for Transitioning to a Minimalist Lifestyle
Even if you’re not living in cottage homes or little house communities already, you can take steps to lead a minimalist lifestyle. Here are some practical tips to help you become more minimalistic.
Tip #1: Start to Declutter Your Space
If you want to live a genuinely minimalist lifestyle, get rid of the items you don’t need in your life. You can do this all in one day or one room at a time. Some of the best methods include the KonMari Method by Marie Kondo or the One-In-One-Out Rule!
Tip #2: Practice Mindful Purchasing
How often do you come home to find that you have bought something you already have? If you learn how to buy with intention, you can avoid impulse purchases and only buy what you need. Additionally, you can focus on buying higher quality, multi-functional items that save you money while you get more use out of them in the long term.
Tip #3: Create Multi-Purpose Spaces
Being a minimalist also means being creative with the items and spaces you do have. So, for that reason, create spaces that are versatile and functional. You can use room dividers to do this, foldable furniture that is easily put away, or even use other space-saving solutions to make the most out of your cottage homes.
Tip #4: Join a Community of Minimalists
For those seeking inspiration, there are so many communities all around the country you can join. Today, on social media, all you have to do is search for “minimalists,” and you’re bound to find people in your area or digital communities that you can join to learn more, make friends, and truly embrace your new way of living.
Find Your New Home Today at Simple Life
With so many benefits to the minimalist lifestyle, you have so much to gain by embracing a lifestyle of intentionality. Whether you opt for cottage homes and want to browse other small house communities across the country or simply make changes to your lifestyle, you can contribute to a better world.
To find your new cottage house today, visit Simple Life to browse our available properties. From North Carolina to Florida, our little house communities offer a minimalist, active lifestyle with an unparalleled community atmosphere. We can’t wait to welcome you home!
