Infographic: Size Does Matter (and Why Small Space Living Might Be Better For You)

In a world where bigger is perceived to be better (coffee! cars! houses!), sometimes it's good to step back and scale down when it comes to how we live.

Tiny homes are all the rage these days, and it's no longer unusual to hear about folks giving up their 2,000-square-foot suburban homes for DIY cabins, RVs and campers, modular homes, container homes, and other diminutive dwellings. This is especially true of empty nesters who find all their newfound space a bit much to maintain as they're aging and their kids move farther away from home.

What are some benefits to small-space living? For one, you save money in a number of areas: mortgage, interest, insurance, utilities, maintenance. If you spend wisely, you won't be saddled with debt for the next 30 years, leaving you more money to travel or pursue hobbies. You spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your family and friends. And less debt/more time always translates to better mental health, as your house won't end up owning you.

Small-appliance seller Compact Appliance (who may know a thing or two about living within a smaller footprint) has put together this handy infographic showing that size does matter — but not in the way you think.