Size Small
Going Small in an Era of Big
McMansions—or super-sized homes—have been a growing trend in the home building industry for several years. Gargantuan houses are popping up in residential neighborhoods and rural areas, blocking views, and dwarfing neighboring houses. With some homes as large as 11,000 square feet, many people wonder how long this trend will continue, and how much bigger our houses can get.
With energy prices soaring, and environmental catch phrases like “carbon footprint” becoming commonplace, more and more homeowners are questioning the decision to go “big.” Larger houses require more building materials in the construction phase, take longer to build, and use up much more energy than their moderately sized counterparts.
Environmental concerns are just some of the motivation behind what’s known as the Small House Movement, which is a growing community of homeowners and builders that are encouraging people to live in smaller homes or in multi-family dwellings.
Condos and townhouses offer a much more environmentally responsible choice when it comes to home ownership. As opposed to McMansions, multi-family residences involves shared walls and common rooms, which can greatly reduce heating and cooling costs, as well as promote a spirit of community.
North Americans today are isolating themselves in homes that are on average more than twice the size they were back in 1950. Yet, on average we have fewer children and often live far away from our extended families. The result is sky-high mortgage payments and heating bills, with minimal interaction between family members. This separation and need for large empty spaces isn’t healthy for us as a society, and indeed depression and loneliness continues to rise every year.
By choosing to live in a multi family dwelling, you’re opting to share resources and create a network of neighbors. You’re also learning to share space and respect boundaries in a way that a large house could never teach you.
Many who want the independence that comes with buying a detached home are opting for smaller spaces as well, buying or building homes that are less than 1,000 square feet in size.
Small homes are generally much cheaper in terms of their purchase price, and they also require much less energy to heat or cool throughout the year. In addition, small homes require less time to keep clean, so homeowners have more time to simply enjoy the space.
An added benefit of smaller homes is the fact that they force you to downsize your possessions, and to keep only those items that are necessary for your well-being. Living simpler, with less material possessions can be an emotionally freeing experience. Often, we keep buying things until we’ve filled our space, much like a goldfish grows to fit its tank. If we proactively set limits for ourselves, we’ll quickly adapt to smaller, more minimalist lifestyles.
Of course, living in 100 square feet is not for everyone. If you’re in a relationship or you have children, small spaces can easily become claustrophobic if there’s too much physical clutter in the home, or if family members don’t know how to share a tight space.
If you’re thinking about downsizing, make sure you and your partner establish boundaries right from the get-go to avoid conflict. Respect each other’s need for privacy, and be sure to pare down your belongings and organize the space as efficiently as possible.
Going small in an era of big will likely garner some strange looks from friends and neighbors, but when your energy bills are minuscule, and you’re able to spend your free time relaxing rather than working overtime to afford your mortgage payments, they’ll soon see the wisdom in your choice.
About the Author
Complete Calgary MLS search: View all real estate listings including Calgary luxury real estate. Access photos, virtual tours, neighbourhood info, maps and more at JustinHavre.com.
Size Small Friend Record 1982
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Abercrombie & Fitch Striped Tank Top Shirt Women or Junior Size Small $0.99 |
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TROUSER: WOMAN’S AIR FORCE CAMOUFLAGE PANTS SIZE SMALL / USED (310) $9.99 |
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CAROLE LITTLE BOHO CHIC PINK EMBROIDERED LINEN TOP BLOUSE SIZE SMALL VGC $19.99 |
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ARDEN B. BLACK RUFFLE SKIRT SIZE SMALL $5.00 |
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Cabela’s Womens Pima Cotton Button Up Down Shirt Carbon Size Small NWT!!! $14.99 |
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American Rag Dress- Size Small $15.00 |
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Abercrombie & Fitch Morgan Mountain Shirt Henley NWT (Dark Blue) Size S Small $19.99 |
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WOMENS SIZE SMALL PADDED TOP PRINT BIKINI/SWIM SUIT $1.99 |
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BFS03~BEBE Size S Small Black Studded Accent Long Sleeve Knit Shirt Top $18.99 |
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Motherhood tan dress pants size small {NWOT} $24.95 |
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Uniform Scrub Top Size Small by Cherokee – Pink Black & Lime Green Circles $5.00 |
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RODIER Red Wool Pleated Elastic Waist Knee Length Skirt Size Small $39.00 |
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Tommy Bahama Green Stripe Bikini Bottoms Swimwear NWT 40.00 size xs x small $4.99 |
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Boys Size 8 Small Swimming Trunks – Mauii And Sons- Excellent Condition- 2 Pair $4.99 |
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Aeropostale Pink Zippered hoodie Sweatshirt Size Small $8.99 |
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Baby Phat Dress Brand New with Tags Size Small $24.99 |
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Forever 21 Dress Teal And Black Size Small $6.00 |
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VICTORIA’S SECRET PINK EUC CUTE PINK & WHITE LOVE PINK TANK TOP SIZE X-SMALL $4.95 |
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S small SM XS size 6 Juniors jrs skirt green Mossimo jr junior summer beach $1.99 |
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I’M SORRY BUT I DON’T KNOW ANY WORDS SMALL ENOUGH NEW T-SHIRT SIZE XL $9.00 |
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NWT DANSKIN NOW LADIES SKORT MELON WITH WHITE PIPING SIZE SMALL 4 / 6 $2.99 |
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White House Black Market Womens Blouse Shirt Top Size XS Extra Small Pretty Cute $9.95 |
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WOMENS LADIES DIAMANTE COWL NECK PARTY VEST TOP SIZE 6 8 10 12 14 $18.95 |
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Womens POLO Jeans T shirt New York Ralph Lauren Size Small POLO $4.99 |
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EUC MM BRAND ? TOP SIZE SMALL , GORGEOUS, WORN ONCE ?? $12.99 |
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2012 Hollister by Abercrombie womens t-shirt top NEW NWT size small $11.00 |
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THEORY MEGENTA 100% SILK,TIE AT THE FRONT BLOUSE,SIZE SMALL $18.00 |
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Womens Under Armour And Nike Shorts Size Small $31.00 |
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Lilly Pulitzer Swim Trunks size Small 4 5 $11.50 |
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IMPRESSIONS Pretty Lace Trim Paisley Top Shirt size Small Petite SP $9.99 |
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Womens Dress Size 7 Small 7 $0.99 |
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Women’s AMANDA Red & Orange Leopard Print Open Jacket Size Small NWT $5.99 |
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Womens ROYAL CREATIONS Made n Hawaii Zip Sundress Size Small $26.90 |
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XPEED XF708 STREET HELMET PROFUSION BLUE SIZE SMALL $234.95 |
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SIZE US 0-4 Small Leopard Print Leggings Tights Girl Women Pants LP498-389-3 $0.99 |
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VTG 80s 1986 New York NY Mets World Series Jersey, Size Small-to-Medium 36 38 $9.95 |
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NWT Converse One Star for Target Light Purple Polo Style Shirt Top- Size Small $2.85 |
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2012 Hollister by Abercrombie womens t-shirt top NEW NWT size small $4.87 |
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NWT Hobby Horse Super Slinky Katura Limited Edition Tunic-Size X-Small $65.00 |
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Miniature Hardware Parts Pack of 100 Small #2 Steel Flat Washers -2-56 Size- $5.84 |
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Miniature Hardware Parts Pack of 100 Small #2 Split Lock Washers -2-56 Size- $3.84 |
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NWOT RED PAILEY PRINT BLOUSE FROM COLDWATER CREEK SIZE X-SMALL ( GENEROUS ) $9.99 |
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NU DIMENSION STRETCH WOMENS SCRUB TOP SIZE SMALL IN GREAT CONDITION!! $5.00 |
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PATAGONIA WOMENS SAGE GREEN HIKING/ATHLETIC LIGHT NYLON PANTS SIZE SMALL $18.50 |
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EXPRESS Pretty Red Shirt Top Size Small S $9.99 |
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Le Chateau Silk Blouses, Lot of Two, Size Extra Small, Retails @ $98 each $40.00 |
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Bebe Upscale Boutique Womens Junior Black Top Shirt Size Small Pretty Sexy Cute! $9.95 |
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Ralph Lauren Sport Polo shirt, pink, size small, slim fit $7.00 |
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KENNETH COLE NEW YORK DRESS SHIRT SIZE SMALL GRAY $10.99 |
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KENNETH COLE NEW YORK DRESS SHIRT SIZE SMALL LIGHT BLUE 100% NYLON $11.99 |
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Krups 203 Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder with Stainless-Steel Blades … |
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Cuisinart CSB-76 SmartStick 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender The versatile stick design of the Cuisinart Smart stick Hand Blender lets users blend ingredients right in pots, pitchers, bowls, or clear plastic beaker that’s included. A powerful 200-watt motor operates with an easy one-touch control. Blends drinks, purees soup, mixes pancake and crepe batters in seconds! Both stainless steel blending shaft and beaker are dishwasher-safe…. |
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EatSmart Precision Pro – Multifunction Digital Kitchen Scale w/ Extra Large LCD and 11 Lb. Capacity The EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale is a versatile multifunction home appliance. Designed to be highly accurate and aesthetically pleasing, the Precision Pro is manufactured to the highest quality specifications. Weigh items up to 11 lbs quickly and accurately, with results displayed in four different units: grams / ounces / pounds / kilograms. For cooks – Weigh food items directly on… |
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Antennas Direct DB8 Multidirectional HDTV Antenna $64.59 This powerful multidirectional HDTV antenna lets you receive over-the-air high-definition signals and features up to a 15.8dB gain for improved reception…. |
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Not a Fan Small Group Study $37.69 Get back on the court as some of the greatest NBA players of all time in NBA 2K12 for PS3®. Featuring legendary players and teams from NBA history, NBA 2K12 lets you truly settle the argument of who is the greatest. Relive the league’s most celebrated careers and rivalries, re-created in unbelievable detail. Take to the court as 15 NBA legends, including Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird,… |
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Take Care [CD/Large T-Shirt Bundle] $23.34 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
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Converse Guard/Small Forward Workout [VHS] $1.99 The Converse Guards Small Forwards Workout video features 30 drills to help you develop your dribbling, ball handling, and passing…. |
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BBC Worldwide Learning by Numbers. The Benefit of small Classes. $49.95 Box: Does class size affect a child’s education? This program indicates it does, and supports that finding by examing the results of a Tennessee study – the Star Program- that tracked the education progress of a group of students from elementary school through high school. The students, all of whom experienced the benefit of small classes in the lower grades, consistently outperfored a control gro… |
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Black & Decker AF-100-3ZP 30-Feet 0.065-Inch Line String Trimmer Replacement Spool, 3-Pack $11.50 Black & Decker String Trimmer Auto Feed System Replacement SpoolThe Black & Decker string trimmer Auto Feed System replacement spool provides a 30-foot replacement line for use in your auto feed string trimmer. This factory wound spool offers maximum reliability and eliminates the hassle of having to wind the spool yourself. The exclusive Black & Decker Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) system automatica… |
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Smith’s PP1 Pocket Pal Multifunction Sharpener $7.03 Smith’s pocket pal combination ceramic, carbide and diamond knife sharpener. Coarse carbide, fine ceramic, and fine diamond taper for sharpening straight and serrated blades. Compact and lightweight unit comes with lanyard hole…. |
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Dritz ‘My Double’ Size Small Dressform $144.09 My Double from Dritz is a sturdy dressform that allows for precise increment adjustments. This dressform features a folding tripod base for easy storage. |
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Winslow White Twin-size Small Cubbie Bench $89.78 Update your child’s bedroom furniture with this functional, stylish storage pieceBench constructed of durable composite wood and mdfVersatile white finish enhances any home decor |
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Broadway Black Twin-size Small Cubbie Bench $88.13 Update your child’s bedroom furniture with this functional, stylish storage pieceBench constructed of durable composite wood and mdfVersatile black finish enhances any home decor |
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Adjustable Mannequin Dress Form-Size Small $109 Get the same sewing results as a professional seamstress with this dress formThis valuable sewing accessory is made to last for yearsDress form adjusts form to the correct size and shape quickly and accurately |
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Clover Natural Fit Small Leather Thimble $9.11 Brand: CloverProduct: ThimbleSize: Small |
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West Paw Design Huck Small $7.99 Color: Blue, green, orangeMaterials: ZogoflexSize: Small, Large |
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Crown Pet Chestnut Brown 21-inch All Wood Gate $74.04 Color: TeakMaterials: Eco Friendly RubberwoodSize: Small Weight: 26 lbs |
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WWG Digger Small Green Glove $19.47 Material: Synthetic leather and spandexSize: SmallColor: Green and black |
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WWG Digger Small Purple Perwinkle Glove $19.8 Material: Synthetic leather and spandexSize: SmallColor: Purple and black |
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Prevue Animal Tubby Small Red Pet Cage $50.99 Brand: Prevue Pet ProductsCollection: Animal tubbySize: Small |
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Clover Small Round Quick Yo Yo Maker $6.99 Materials: PlasticColor: GreenSize: SmallPackage contains one (1) yo-yo template, instructions |
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Capix Destroyer Snow Helmet $20.99 Color options: Blue, skullMaterials: Plastic and foamSize: Small-extra large |
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Stella Brooksberry Small 30-inch Round Dog Bed $22.49 Color: Brooksberry beigeMaterials: 100-percent cottonSize: Small (30 inches) |
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Petsafe/Johnson Small Single Replacement Pet Door Flap (5.375 x  $19.71 Color: Transparent/brown tintMaterials: replacement pet door flapSize: Small 5.75 inches wide x 8 inches high |
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Patterned Obelisk Vases (Set of 3) $53.99 Enhance your home decor with a set of three obelisk vasesDecorative accessory features a pattern of raised, detailed flowers lined up to the rim Vase set features three sizes — small, medium, and large |
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Boxer Small Pink/ White Dog Bed (24 x 36) $32.99 Color: Pink Dots (reverses to Pink/White Stripe)Materials: Cotton Upholstery Grade FabricSize: Small (24 x 36″) |
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Faddism Men’s Crocodile Embossed Tan Belt (Small) $13.69 Sleek and sophisticated, this tan belt from Faddism features embossed crocodile texture. Available in a size small, this masculine belt is finished with a silvertone single-prong buckle. |
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Marlo Lorenz Zebra Faux Fur Hobo Bag $45.99 Size (Small, Medium, Large ), Medium Exterior Materials, Faux FurType of Bag – Hobo Bag *Color options: “[ zebra black white]” *Style: hobo *Construction: “[100% polyester] Exterior: “[pattern]Hardware: “[metal studs |
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Kirby ‘Moths: N. Plantaginis’ Gallery-wrapped Canvas Art $38.99 Artist: KirbyTitle: Moths: N. PlantaginisStyle: ContemporaryFormat: PortraitSize: SmallSubject: AbstractProduct Type: Gallery-wrapped canvas art |
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Faddism Men’s Corcodile Texture Black Belt (Small) $13.69 Sleek and sophisticated, this black leather belt from Faddism features embossed crocodile texture. Available in a size small, this masculine belt is finished with a silvertone single-prong buckle. |