A minimalist lifestyle is about living with less, but not sacrificing quality or luxuries. Minimalism gives you the opportunity to do what matters to you in life, without worrying about all of the excesses that clutter your living space and time. A financial aspect of minimalism includes buying things for their utility, and not just for how they look. Financial tips for minimalists include looking at homes in a different way, and there are a few tips to keep in mind if you’re a minimalist looking to buy a small house.
1. The Loan You Need
The first rule of minimalism is to only have what you need, not everything you can afford. The same applies when it comes to buying a home. Sometimes lenders tend to push people into getting the biggest loan they can afford. As a minimalist, it’s important to think about what exactly you need from a house, and then set a budget according to those needs.
Just like with anything else, being picky when it comes to selecting a lending option is important as well. While the price of homes will certainly vary depending on where you are, in the experience of , the number of lending options can make this complicated. They note that a small initial difference in the mortgage rates in their city can end up making a huge difference once all is said and done, and chances are – this applies to anywhere. With that said, make sure you do your research and look around for the best deal on a mortgage.
2. Location
Minimalists tend to be attracted to small homes, but there’s more to consider than just the size. If it’s really close to all of your favorite places in town – that’s great news. You’ll save on gas, and you’ll be able to you want to go. If the house is a little bit out of your way, but still close enough to all of your favorite places – that could work too, especially if it’s more affordable than other options in the area. Location is really important when it comes to purchasing a small house, so keep that in mind during your search.
The good news is, small houses are generally less expensive than regular-sized ones, which means you’ll have more money to work with. This can help you get a house that’s in a better location for your current needs.
3. Insulation
Sometimes, small houses are made from materials that don’t really do much when it comes to insulation. If you find a house that fits your needs perfectly and is in a great location, the next step is to see it’s made out of. If you’re buying a home in a climate where there are extreme temperatures, you might want to factor in the insulation upgrades that need to be done when considering the price.
While it may pose a bigger initial investment, it will save you money in the long run. Not only do small houses come with equally small utility bills already, but if you add insulation, you’ll find yourself saving even more!
4. Downsize Wisely
When buying a small house, it’s important to make sure that you look around your current home and consider what you might need if you were to downsize your belongings as well. More than likely, your things will get rearranged, and you’ll get rid of a lot of the excess. By putting out all the furniture you won’t need up for sale, you may even come up with part of the down payment. Doing this will also help you get rid of things that are taking up space in your living area, and it’ll make it easier for you to move if necessary.
Take a look at the floor plan of the house you’re thinking of buying, and visualize where you’d put each piece of furniture. Everything that doesn’t fit or that is outside of your needs can be sold.
5. Utilitarian Decor
As suggested in the name itself, a small house doesn’t offer too much access room. In that vein, a good way to save on money is to only get the decor that has a practical function as well. You don’t need a lot of knick-knacks or expensive decorations to make the house feel cozy. For example, getting a sculptural wall shelf can bring architectural interest into a room, while still having a practical purpose for your everyday life. In a similar sense, a nice woven basket can bring an organic touch to any room, while providing you with storage options as well.
Small houses can be just as beautiful and interesting as big ones if they’re filled with the right kind of decor. Just remember to use your space wisely and try not to fill it with things that don’t serve a purpose – besides staying in the spirit of minimalism, doing this will also help you save money.
A minimalist lifestyle will not only help you save money on your monthly expenses but also when you’re buying a home. Cutting down on unnecessary spending and eliminating clutter from your home can be done at the same time, so why not give it a try? Living in a small house means that you can’t buy too many things or own unnecessary items. The minimalist lifestyle can not only offer freedom from unnecessary things but can also help you save money for the experiences you want to have.
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