Small Space Utilization
Regardless of where you live in the US, it is obvious that housing costs are on the rise and are already out of reach for many middle-class folks. Even if money wasn't a issue and everyone could afford to live the mansion of their dreams, what about other considerations such as environmental impact, or the time you waste walking all the way from your bathroom to your kitchen and back and forth when you forget your sunscreen and when you need to brush your teeth?
Living smaller has the benefit of saving you money - the initial cost savings of lower rent/purchase price, plus lower taxes, and less maintenance - plus has a lower impact on the environment, and is more efficient in general.
A smaller space means less time cleaning and organizing. It also means you are more likely to know where to find your stuff so you save time and energy there.
The first step in preparing to move into a smaller space is deciding how much space you truly need. This decision should be based on the purpose of your living space, not on the amount of stuff you currently own. For example if you work from home and you home-school your children, you're going to need a bit more space than a single person who works outside of their home.
Finding the space that is right for your needs can sometimes mean making some compromises and being open to save-spacing solutions. Having an objective small-space expert along for the ride can help keep you on track by reminding you of your goals and pointing out space saving solutions you may not have considered.