How small is too small

[iuhihpebbles]

We are FTB with a small child and have just seen a lovely cottage in a great location but it's tiny -only 60m2. It has a lovely garden and is super cute but DH thinks that we will just outgrow it too fast. Would it be crazy to move somewhere that small? Has anyone made it work somewhere that tiny.

How much further will your budget go? Is it in the exact area you want? Do you want a garden or would not be happy in a flat?

60 square m is small but it often depends on layout. If you look at new houses they squeeze a lot into a small space as there are no/very little hallways.

Most people would prefer larger but presumably if you could afford a four bed detached in this area you wouldn't be looking at it!

The main points for me would be do you want a second child and would they fit?

And storage. Small if you can build decent storage as a garage/ shed/ some kind of outhouse is easier. If it has loft space also a big plus.

But all your child's bulky stuff second hand, then you can sell it for virtually what you paid and aren't hanging onto stuff they've outgrown in case you need it again and are happy to part with it sooner so you rotate rather than accumulate.

Firstly what's FTB?

Too small will drive you crazy, it's costs to keep moving, my advice would be no to this property.

I know people living in city flats of 60sqm or so with 2 children plus dog, so it can be done. but it is very small and they have to be ruthless about throwing stuff out.

things to consider

• are you planning more children?
• is there scope to extend?
• is the location right? walking distance to schools / shops etc
• could you get something much bigger for the same money if you compromise on looks?

First time buyer.

Is there room for a storage shed?

It's not an impossible size for 2 adults and a baby unless you are trying to work from home while anyone else is there. But you will need to be sensible about storage and ruthless about only keeping what you need if you don't want to feel squashed the whole time.

I’ve lived in a small flat with children and it can be done happily if there is storage. That is absolutely key I think. Can you fit a shed in the garden for tools and bikes and so on; outdoor storage for cushions; is there attic space you could put the Christmas box and suitcases in? If all of those are there, it will probably be ok. Without them it will be hell.

if you want another child, look to see if the room would fit bunk beds, or if the ceiling is too low / eaves etc.

Will have to double check whether the cottage has a usable loft for storage. I can see how that would be a problem. Thankfully we are out of the buggy stage but DC does still have toys lying around.

Toy storage is easy so long as you don’t overdo it. For me the essentials would be space for everyone to sit and watch TV, space for a table big enough for everyone to eat at, upstairs bathroom that isn’t accessed through a bedroom, master bedroom big enough for a king sized bed and double wardrobe, DC’s room big enough for a single bed, small wardrobe and a desk, is there somewhere to put the hoover, suitcases bikes. You may have to get creative- we have a fence mounted bike rack in the garden, the hoover lives in the spare bedroom wardrobe, suitcases are mostly stored under beds.

Do you have a floor plan and room measurements

You say it has a lovely garden - big enough to extend into? You can extend a certain way into your garden with no need for planning permission so should be fairly straightforward if you need a bit more room later (provided not listed etc etc).

You need to be careful about storage and also think through each piece of furniture carefully (eg kitchen bench with storage underneath, drawers under beds, use space above and below stairs, etc etc. and do check out the loft! You may be able to get another room up there)

What's the floor plan like? I think the layout makes a big difference. Is it open plan at all or is it split into more small rooms? The latter makes it feel like you're on top of each other and can feel cramped. It can also make it harder to accommodate guests. Open plan but small can be doable.

We have living space of 70 square metres.

Downstairs is the kitchen/diner and living room. Tiny hall with stairs.

Upstairs we have 3 bedrooms and bathroom. Tiny landing. Hall cupboard.

Me, DH, 2 teenage DC (both taller than me now! And I'm 5'7") and 2 cats live here.

Storage in loft and shed outside. We manage.

We have the same exact space with one small child and are due to move in the next few weeks to a 5 bed, if you aren’t going to have any m more kids then I think it could work but perhaps a squeeze / lack of privacy when your child hits teenage years.

DH and I lived in a house with 80sqm, it was far, far too small for us.

What I thought would be cosy was suffocating.

But everyone is different!

I think it’s far too small. Do either of you work from home? is there space for enough wardrobes in bedrooms; a desk in your child’s room; room for kids computers and art stuff and toys. Room for a grown up living space and a kitchen table and a Christmas tree? Is the kitchen big enough with room for washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher? Could you accommodate occasional overnight guests? Sleepovers for the kids?

those are things that will eventually drive you bonkers.

i think you would become frustrated pretty fast.

I recently moved from a house with rubbish storage to one with loads and it has been life changing.

I don't know what 60 squared or 70
Is what size are rooms

Can we have a diagram if no floor plan

I live in a small two-bedroom mid-terrace with a baby and it’s 90sqm. So yes, 60 is absolutely tiny and I’m afraid I agree that you’ll outgrow it v v quickly

i Feel like you pay a premium for a nice looking cottage. We could have bought a 1/2 tiny period cottage in our town but chose a less attractive but bigger 50s semi as we thought it was a better investment

At 60m2, it can't be more than a 2 bed at a push, and a pretty small one at that.

If you want another DC, it's definitely too small.

If you plan to stay there being just the 3 of you, you'll be on top of each other, so it's still too small.

I'd keep looking if I were you.

I live in 65sqm with 2 DC and a small dog. It's fine. I am always tidying up. I'm mindful of what gets brought into the house. I can't afford to move but I love the area. The garden is my escape. I'm out there all weathers working on something. I don't have the worry of a large mortgage. Playdates were fine when the kids were small. They understand that we can't have sleepovers; there's no room. I may build a teenage shelter or small hangout in the garden and I plan to board the loft and make it more liveable as an alternative space.

On the downside, it's tough for half an hour or so after I've visited friends, much larger, houses and come back to my small home. Some of the DCs school friend's parents have been a bit snobby but that's just ridiculous. Parties have to be held in the garden and I pray it doesn't pour down. I've never hosted Christmas as I have too large a family and it's too cold to have dinner in the garden!