By Jane Dwinell

Ever wonder what it would be like to live in a really small space with just the basics? Ever wonder what it would be like to do this with your sweetheart? Could you stand to be together in such tight quarters, doing all the activities of daily living along with all the fun things you enjoy? Well, if you have a hobby that takes up a lot of space or needs tons of equipment (or you don't want to be that close with your loved one), living in 250 square feet may not be for you. But it is for me.

For part of the year Dana maintains our Montpelier homestead while my partner, Sky, and I travel the canals of France in our 27-foot houseboat. We have all the basics for a good life — a simple kitchen with a 2.8 cubic foot propane refrigerator, a small propane range (with attached cutting board lid), a sink (with running hot and cold water!), and enough storage space for dishes and a couple of weeks worth of food; a living area with couch that doubles as seats for the table; a bedroom with a nearly-double bed, three small drawers for clothes, plus a tiny closet; a toilet/sink room, and a two-foot-square shower. Creative storage (under the bed and couch, for example) allows for an efficient use of the small space.

We have DC power on board so that we can have lights, water pump, and charge our laptops and cell phone without being attached to shore electricity. If we do connect to AC power, we can run our very tiny washing machine (otherwise I do the laundry by hand) and switch the fridge from propane to electric. Hot water is created when the engine runs, or by AC power from the shore. A 200-gallon water tank gives us what we need for a couple of weeks. A small, covered deck looks out over the water at the stern, and we set up folding table and chairs there in nice weather (and hang up our laundry on the overhead clothesline). Several window boxes and plant pots provide us with a small garden — herbs, flowers, tomatoes, and various greens.

Many people wonder how we can possibly live in such a small space and still be happy and get along. Perhaps we have a great relationship, but I think it’s more than that. Most days, of course, we are navigating along the waterways, negotiating locks, enjoying the scenery and architecture, and meeting other boaters. When we're not in motion, we are happy reading books and doing crossword puzzles, talking, writing, and just hanging out (enjoying good French food and wine, in particular). We ride bikes, go running and do qi gong or yoga. There is much to do that doesn’t require very much space or equipment. There is a strength in slowing down, keeping things simple, and learning to go with the flow.

We live on the boat in both good weather and bad. It can feel a bit small in stormy or cold weather, but with two rooms and the great outdoors at our disposal there is rarely a lack for things to do, or space to be alone (or together). Just think what the same small space would feel like close to (or in) a town with a library, a movie theater, a selection of the arts, and recreational opportunities.

When choosing the place you live, it helps to know what it is you really want and need — in terms of material goods, and in terms of relationships. We have the basic minimum of clothes (less to wash and store!), linens, kitchen things, tools, and food. We also have our bikes, some books (always available for trade with
other boaters), and our laptops (for email, writing, music and photos). We rarely feel the need for anything else in terms of “stuff.” In a way, it seems easier than being in our home in Montpelier (which, at 1400 square feet for four people, is still small by today’s housing standards). We also know how to respect one another's need for time alone, time to do different activities, as well as time to be together.

Think about your wants and needs. Could you live in a smaller space? Not only would it be less expensive to build, buy, maintain, or rent, it would also take less fuel to heat or cool, less time and energy to clean, and less time to find what you're looking for! Take a lesson from life on a boat — you can do with less and still have a great time Give it a try.

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About Common Sense
Common Sense is written by Jane Dwinell and Dana Dwinell-Yardley, a mother-daughter blog team. They live on an urban homestead in Montpelier. Send them your questions and comments about food, fuel, family, or financial independence! Write to mountaingirl at vtlink dot net. You can also check out some of their other writings at their website: www.spiritoflifepublishing.com.