It is quite true that you can live happily in small places. However, it doesn't mean it is preferable to do so.
Having lived with my wife in a 490 sq foot jr. one bedroom for one year - and now in a 2 bedroom, ~800 sq foot place, I can say I really don't get the whole minimal housing thing. Our new place is objectively better; aside from price and the most marginal savings in cleaning time, there was no advantage to living in the smaller place.
Improvements:
* It was impossible in old place to fit bikes, TV, and 2 computer stations in living area. So 1 computer station went into bedroom. Causes conflicts if one person is sleeping and other is awake -- moving computer + associated papers/books is an annoyance.
* Dedicated sleeping room. No need to disturb other sleeping person while getting clothes, etc.
* Place to retreat: In a small place, if you just want to be alone, you really can't be. We have lower stress levels with 2 bedrooms.
* Space to move around: We feel healthier having more space to move around.
* Can now actually invite more than just 3 people over at a time.
That said there are limits; we'd gain little from more space. But there's a lot to be said for having at least one bedroom per person.
Having lived with my wife in a 490 sq foot jr. one bedroom for one year - and now in a 2 bedroom, ~800 sq foot place, I can say I really don't get the whole minimal housing thing. Our new place is objectively better; aside from price and the most marginal savings in cleaning time, there was no advantage to living in the smaller place.
Improvements:
* It was impossible in old place to fit bikes, TV, and 2 computer stations in living area. So 1 computer station went into bedroom. Causes conflicts if one person is sleeping and other is awake -- moving computer + associated papers/books is an annoyance.
* Dedicated sleeping room. No need to disturb other sleeping person while getting clothes, etc.
* Place to retreat: In a small place, if you just want to be alone, you really can't be. We have lower stress levels with 2 bedrooms.
* Space to move around: We feel healthier having more space to move around.
* Can now actually invite more than just 3 people over at a time.
That said there are limits; we'd gain little from more space. But there's a lot to be said for having at least one bedroom per person.