Ode to a Small Space

Henry David Thoreau wrote in On Walden Pond that a large shipping crate, as one might obtain from the docks, could be altered a little as to become suitable basic housing for one person and would not cost him very much in which to live. Henry didn't follow this thought to the logical end, which would have him acually buying and living in such a place. His thoughts on the experiment after a sharp New England winter would have been worth reading. But I think his basic idea is good. One person does not need a large place to live. (I can see the real estate people gathering their torches and pitchforks as I write.) I will write about one person living in a small space because that is what I am doing. I started out in a small house with three tiny bedrooms, one bathroom, and a kitchen too small to put a dining table for seven, the number of people living there at the time. We moved to a large farmhouse with five bedrooms ( a storeroom was opened up later to serve as a sixth), a living room with 14-foot ceilings, two bathrooms, and a kitchen that could seat 10 without crowding. From there I moved to a number of differently-sized buildings that served as hired-man quarters. Some were two story houses, others half a house, and some the size of a mobile home. The last house I lived in was 1200 sq. ft. and feaured a large kitchen, one bathroom, a living room with a low ceiling, and three bedrooms. I now find myself in a studio apartment (read galley kitchen, 3/4 bath, bed next to the TV) that suits me fine. I discover that I like small spaces. I am older now and live alone, although my daughter is only blocks away. A small apace means that I can clean it within one hour. My storage is limited, so I do not have extra clothing, appliances, furniture, or useless objects cluttering up valuable space. I do have a 5X8 storage unit, so I can pack away books and other things I want to keep. But since I have many books and other things, I must choose just what I will keep and dispose of the rest. I have sold some, but I have discovered the fun in donating things to Goodwill and my local school. A small space means that for my peace of mind, I can't leave coats, dishes, papers, etc. lying about. Thus my place usually looks presentable, should company drop by. A small space is cosy. Problems do not lurk behind doors, because there are no other doors, except the bathroom. A small bathroom means that I keep my toiletries up-to-date and my shelves organized. A small space means everything must be organized, from my cabinet shelves to my personal papers. My space is well-insulated by the connecting units so my rent and utilites are low. I have, besides my storage unit, an assigned parking space for my car and a place to put my lawn chair in the summer and my snow broom in the winter. It is a great thing to know my days of heavy consummerism are over. What need have I for new furniture, dishes, entertainment centers with 64-inch TVs, trendy clothing or shoes? Hurrah for the small, simple life. Try it.