Size Small

McMansions—or super-sized homes—have been a growing trend in the home building industry for several years. Gargantuan houses are popping up in residential neighborhoods and rural areas, blocking views, and dwarfing neighboring houses. With some homes as large as 11,000 square feet, many people wonder how long this trend will continue, and how much bigger our houses can get.

With energy prices soaring, and environmental catch phrases like "carbon footprint" becoming commonplace, more and more homeowners are questioning the decision to go "big." Larger houses require more building materials in the construction phase, take longer to build, and use up much more energy than their moderately sized counterparts.

Environmental concerns are just some of the motivation behind what's known as the Small House Movement, which is a growing community of homeowners and builders that are encouraging people to live in smaller homes or in multi-family dwellings.

Condos and townhouses offer a much more environmentally responsible choice when it comes to home ownership. As opposed to McMansions, multi-family residences involves shared walls and common rooms, which can greatly reduce heating and cooling costs, as well as promote a spirit of community.

North Americans today are isolating themselves in homes that are on average more than twice the size they were back in 1950. Yet, on average we have fewer children and often live far away from our extended families. The result is sky-high mortgage payments and heating bills, with minimal interaction between family members. This separation and need for large empty spaces isn't healthy for us as a society, and indeed depression and loneliness continues to rise every year.

By choosing to live in a multi family dwelling, you're opting to share resources and create a network of neighbors. You're also learning to share space and respect boundaries in a way that a large house could never teach you.

Many who want the independence that comes with buying a detached home are opting for smaller spaces as well, buying or building homes that are less than 1,000 square feet in size.

Small homes are generally much cheaper in terms of their purchase price, and they also require much less energy to heat or cool throughout the year. In addition, small homes require less time to keep clean, so homeowners have more time to simply enjoy the space.

An added benefit of smaller homes is the fact that they force you to downsize your possessions, and to keep only those items that are necessary for your well-being. Living simpler, with less material possessions can be an emotionally freeing experience. Often, we keep buying things until we've filled our space, much like a goldfish grows to fit its tank. If we proactively set limits for ourselves, we'll quickly adapt to smaller, more minimalist lifestyles.

Of course, living in 100 square feet is not for everyone. If you're in a relationship or you have children, small spaces can easily become claustrophobic if there's too much physical clutter in the home, or if family members don't know how to share a tight space.

If you're thinking about downsizing, make sure you and your partner establish boundaries right from the get-go to avoid conflict. Respect each other's need for privacy, and be sure to pare down your belongings and organize the space as efficiently as possible.

Going small in an era of big will likely garner some strange looks from friends and neighbors, but when your energy bills are minuscule, and you're able to spend your free time relaxing rather than working overtime to afford your mortgage payments, they'll soon see the wisdom in your choice.

Zombie T Shirts Choose From 5 Designs 100 Cotton Cult Horror Outbreak Survival $7.99 Time Remaining: 20d 5h 14m Buy It Now for only: $7.99

WOMENS BANANA REPUBLIC SMALL S BRAIDED EMBELLISHED SLEEVELESS SHELL TANK TOP $10.75 Time Remaining: 4d 7h 53m Buy It Now for only: $22.00

FLAX Button Down Shirt Top Sz S Light Blue 100 Linen $12.99 Time Remaining: 6d 9h 43m Buy It Now for only: $19.50

New ROCK REPUBLIC Reegan V neck Women Top Blouse Small S $9.95 Time Remaining: 6d 10h 51m Buy It Now for only: $23.00

New ECD ESPRIT Mens Plain Stripe Shirts Slim Fit Black White Blue Grey Tops $20.25 Time Remaining: 25d 18h 54m Buy It Now for only: $20.25

AEROPOSTALE Sz S Henley Knit Babydoll Shirt Pink Polka Dots $0.99 Time Remaining: 4d 10h 1m Buy It Now for only: $5.00

Eileen Fisher 100 Silk Lined Ruched Tank Top Blouse Shirt Charcoal S M $24.99 Time Remaining: 6d 10h 7m Buy It Now for only: $39.99

Sharp Dressed T Shirts Choose From 3 Designs Cotton Mens Tuxedo Tie Headphones $7.99 Time Remaining: 19d 23h 35m Buy It Now for only: $7.99

Johnny Was Collection Seafoam Rayon Cassing Poncho Top S $89.00 Time Remaining: 6d 10h 30m Buy It Now for only: $119.00

NWT NEW TALBOTS TOP SHIRT sz S 100 Cotton V front with 3 4 sleeves Savings $17.79 Time Remaining: 4d 2h 27m Buy It Now for only: $19.88

Cult Internet T Shirts Choose From 5 Designs Cotton Mens Honey Badger Video $7.99 Time Remaining: 20d 1h 36m Buy It Now for only: $7.99

RUE 21 TOP BLOUSE green lace embroidery tunic top blouse Sz Small S $14.95 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 4m Buy It Now for only: $25.00

YOURHIQUE Cap Sleeve Stretch Tunic Top Semi Sheer Womens Juniors Size Small $0.99 Time Remaining: 6d 4h 54m Buy It Now for only: $5.95

6 Pack Russell Athletic Mens 50 50 Poly Cotton Solid Color T Shirt 64030MK $19.99 Time Remaining: 10d 3h 23m Buy It Now for only: $19.99

Womens Size SMALL 6 8 Career Casual Olive Green Stripe Dolman Top Blouse $16.99 Time Remaining: 6d 5h 47m Buy It Now for only: $18.99

NWT Gap Womens Lot Tops Shirts Sequined Jangles sz S Hard To Find Pink White $2.99 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 20m Buy It Now for only: $19.99

Beer Drinking T Shirts Choose From 5 Designs 100 Cotton Mens Drunk Party Humor $7.99 Time Remaining: 19d 23h 22m Buy It Now for only: $7.99

Black white summer ruched silk blouse top by Belldini size S small nwots nice $9.50 Time Remaining: 2d 6h 32m Buy It Now for only: $18.50

Sage SILK Oversize BOYFRIEND Blouse TUNIC Equipment Style IsdaCo Shirt Size S M $24.95 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 30m Buy It Now for only: $36.00

Zombie T Shirts Choose From 5 Designs 100 Cotton Mens Cult Horror Movie Monster $7.99 Time Remaining: 19d 4h 50m Buy It Now for only: $7.99

ANN TAYLOR WOMENS SIZE SMALL 3 4 SLEEVE CANARY YELLOW TOP BLOUSE $7.00 Time Remaining: 5d 11h 17m Buy It Now for only: $8.00

BISOU BISOU MICHELE BOMBOT Sexy Long Black White Lace Tank Top Knit Top Sz S $7.99 Time Remaining: 6d 5h 8m Buy It Now for only: $12.00

Movie T Shirts Choose From 5 Designs 100 Cotton Mens Cult Film Theme $7.99 Time Remaining: 19d 4h 57m Buy It Now for only: $7.99

HOLLISTER by Abercrombie Fitch Womens Fashion Top Shirt Size S HIGHWAY nwt NEW $16.90 Time Remaining: 6d 13h 37m Buy It Now for only: $24.90

Johnny Was Collection Ruffled Rayon Top Smokey Blue S $89.00 Time Remaining: 6d 11h 24m Buy It Now for only: $119.00

Cult Comedy T Shirts Choose From 4 Designs 100 Cotton Mens Pop Humor Theme $7.99 Time Remaining: 19d 5h 1m Buy It Now for only: $7.99

Small Womens Hollister HCO Tank Top Blouse Shirt Blue Fast Shipping New $28.99 Time Remaining: 6d 7h 24m Buy It Now for only: $31.99

Banana Republic black crocheted halter top size small stretch knit bra top nwots $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 4m Buy It Now for only: $18.50

Geek T Shirts Choose From 4 Designs 100 Cotton Mens Tech Nerdy Science Theme $7.99 Time Remaining: 19d 6h 3m Buy It Now for only: $7.99

HARLEY DAVIDSON Eagle Tank Top sz S Black and Gray HOT $4.99 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 55m Buy It Now for only: $19.99

Calvin Klein Plum Scoopneck S S Shirt Size Small NWOT $0.99 Time Remaining: 6d 19h 26m Buy It Now for only: $16.00

New BREAKTHROUGH SKULL T Shirt $16.80 Time Remaining: 24d 21h 56m Buy It Now for only: $16.80

Theory NEW Ivory BHFO Blouse Sale Top S $3.75 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 6d 9h 19m Buy It Now for only: $76.00

LF Store Millau Sheer Floral Lace Ruffle Tier Top Blouse Shirt VTG BOHO XS S $45.00 Time Remaining: 4d 12h 29m Buy It Now for only: $120.00

TIBI Small NEW Long Tunic Short Dress Beaded Floral Spring 32 Bust Summer Top $38.39 Time Remaining: 29d 19h 17m Buy It Now for only: $38.39

SexyHot Mens Mini Thong Size Small GY 009 $0.50 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 6d 7h 55m Buy It Now for only: $9.99

Ann Taylor Dark Brown Cap Sleeve Size Small Shirt Silk Nylon $3.95 Time Remaining: 5d 23h 51m Buy It Now for only: $8.98

Lilly Pulitzer Janine Classic White Blue Eyed Girl one shoulder ruffle top S $42.99 Time Remaining: 29d 12h 51m Buy It Now for only: $42.99

ANN TAYLOR WOMENS SIZE SMALL 3 4 SLEEVE SALMON RED TOP BLOUSE $7.00 Time Remaining: 5d 11h 14m Buy It Now for only: $8.00

HOLLISTER NWT Short Sleeve Polo Shirt S Small $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 7h 48m Buy It Now for only: $32.50

Womens Mini Sleeveless T Shirt Girls Tank Tops Ladies Waistcoat Harness Vest $2.99 Time Remaining: 8d 1h 50m Buy It Now for only: $2.99

Johnny Was Black Rayon Eyelet Tie string Tunic S $89.00 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 36m Buy It Now for only: $125.00

Oilily tshirt roses florals great pattern and colors small $12.99 Time Remaining: 6d 1h 47m Buy It Now for only: $15.99

Style Attractive Classical Cardigan Tops 2pcs 9009 $9.99 Time Remaining: 15d 11h 47m Buy It Now for only: $9.99

NWT LONG SLEEVELESS WRAP ASYMMETRICAL TOP SIZE SMALL $7.50 Time Remaining: 6d 9h 33m Buy It Now for only: $10.00

Juniors HOLLISTER TANK TOP Small FREE SHIPPING $8.00 Time Remaining: 5d 11h 4m Buy It Now for only: $10.00

Military and Military Support Casual T Shirts $15.00 Time Remaining: 14d 13h 22m Buy It Now for only: $15.00

New Blue Metallic 86 Victorias Secret PINK Slouchy Racerback Tank Top Small M $8.07 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 6d 10h 44m Buy It Now for only: $22.50

Charter Club NEW White Embellished Blouse Sale Top S $1.25 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 9h 36m Buy It Now for only: $17.10

Lady Pocket Front Fresh Bird Painting Chiffon Tank Top Blouse Shirt S M L T97 $12.99 Time Remaining: 29d 1h 7m Buy It Now for only: $12.99

Johnny Was Collection Heart To Heart Top Rayon Top Beige S $89.00 Time Remaining: 6d 10h 39m Buy It Now for only: $115.00

Aidan Mattox NEW Black Sequined Blouse Embellished Top S $9.49 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 6d 9h 18m Buy It Now for only: $100.70

New PUG FACE T Shirt S 3XL The Mountain Official Tee $16.56 Time Remaining: 21d 7h 1m Buy It Now for only: $16.56

WASHINGTON REDSKINS NFL PLAYMAKERS SMALL SCALE TRUCK $1.39 Time Remaining: 6d 7h 57m Buy It Now for only: $1.59

NWT Womens American Eagle AE Feather Light Henley Pink New Small $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 12h 15m Buy It Now for only: $14.50

BETSEY JOHNSON FLORAL LACE SHORT SLEEVE TEE $46.80 Time Remaining: 29d 7h 8m Buy It Now for only: $46.80

WHITE+WARREN fitted sweater 100 CASHMERE ladies S womens geometric SOFT swirl $13.00 Time Remaining: 6d 36m Buy It Now for only: $33.00

LL BEAN WOMENS BELT SIZE S M NEW WITH TAGS STRAWBERRY BELT NEW WITH TAGS $7.95 Time Remaining: 6d 19h 48m Buy It Now for only: $9.95

NWT LUCKY BRAND FLOWER NAVY TEE SHIRT TOP S M L $25.99 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 40m Buy It Now for only: $25.99

AEROPOSTALE Sz S Graphic Embellished S S Spring Hoodie Sweatshirt White $0.99 Time Remaining: 4d 10h 1m Buy It Now for only: $5.00

NWT NEW ONeill Typhoon Tank Summer Top Shirt Oneill Size Small $14.99 Time Remaining: 1d 11h 4m Buy It Now for only: $19.99

PROMETHEUS Official Tablet Tee Shirt NEW ALIEN $20.31 Time Remaining: 28d 3h 19m Buy It Now for only: $20.31

COMFY MOTHERHOOD MATERNITY gathered front blouse shirt sz Small $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 11h 3m Buy It Now for only: $7.95

Navy Blue Nautical Sailor White Stripe Classic Jersey Knit Faux Wrap Dress S $25.99 Time Remaining: 4d 10h 15m Buy It Now for only: $29.85

Unique Drapes Front Cowl Neck 3 4 Sleeve Blouse Top $26.99 Time Remaining: 11d 17h 23m Buy It Now for only: $26.99

NEW Black Bright Pink Victorias Secret PINK Foldover Bootcut Yoga Pants Small $5.01 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 6d 10h 52m Buy It Now for only: $32.50

HM SMALL S ORIENTAL FLORAL TAPESTRY BELTED STRAPS N VELVET BUSTIER CORSET $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 10h 37m Buy It Now for only: $15.00

NEW Cream Victorian Style Lace Up Lace Trim Peasant BOHO Knit Shirt Top S M L XL $14.99 Time Remaining: 14d 5h 1m Buy It Now for only: $14.99

LN MACYS INC HALTER TOP SIZE SMALL $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 10h 32m Buy It Now for only: $13.00

Neiman Marcus Splendid green blue polkadot smocked bodice tank top tunic S $19.99 Time Remaining: 4d 6h 16m Buy It Now for only: $30.00

CITRON Santa Monica Black Asian Shirt Top Sz S Frog Closure $26.99 Time Remaining: 29d 11h 24m Buy It Now for only: $26.99

NWT Aldus Crochet Tee Shirt Sweater from Free People We The Free Small Black 98 $24.99 Time Remaining: 6d 15h 19m Buy It Now for only: $29.99

NWT Hollister by Abercrombie Womens Shelter Island Plaid Button Down Shirt Sz S $3.80 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 11h 57m Buy It Now for only: $29.50

SONOMA CASUAL COTTON BUTTON DOWN BLOUSE SIZE S FREE SHIPPING $7.99 Time Remaining: 29d 9h 21m Buy It Now for only: $7.99

MAUREEN N Y C KEENE LITTLE BLACK DRESS FLORAL HEM EMBELLISHED UNIQUE NWOT SMALL $1.99 Time Remaining: 6d 8h 3m Buy It Now for only: $21.99

Free People NEW Engineered Crochet Tunic Top Shirt 78 NWT Black S MUST HAVE $39.99 Time Remaining: 9d 9h 54m Buy It Now for only: $51.99

aeropostale womens a87 solid polo shirt $10.00 Time Remaining: 19d 5h 24m Buy It Now for only: $10.00

Rocawear NEW Strapless Juniors Purple Halter Top BHFO Sale Shirt S $0.99 Time Remaining: 4d 12h 34m Buy It Now for only: $14.82

TRACY M salmon pink linen chiffon detail flutter sleeve button down blouse S $14.99 Time Remaining: 5d 12h 10m Buy It Now for only: $24.99

New Womens Animal Print Leopard Tank Top Casual Sleeveless Cross Back Camisole $5.99 Time Remaining: 11d 37m Buy It Now for only: $5.99

HOLLISTER Sz S Vintage Embellished Newport Logo T Shirt Blue $0.99 Time Remaining: 4d 10h 1m Buy It Now for only: $5.00

Rampage NEW Ruffled Juniors Black Casual Dress Pattern Pintuck S $1.85 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 11h 55m Buy It Now for only: $22.42

2may12 Mens Casual Slim Fit T Shirts Polo Shirt Size XS S M L 4 Color C251 $12.41 Time Remaining: 15d 13h 37m Buy It Now for only: $12.41

EILEEN FISHER NWOTGREEN LIME100 SILK SHORT DRESS SMALL $19.99 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 4m Buy It Now for only: $24.99

BOSTON PROPER SEXY GORGEOUS EMBELLISHED CREAMY WHITE COLD SHOULDER TOP S NEW $24.94 Time Remaining: 6d 9h 58m Buy It Now for only: $29.94

Sexiest Corset Embroidered Cap Sleeve Top S M L XL $23.99 Time Remaining: 22d 13h 53m Buy It Now for only: $23.99

Abercrombie Fitch Womens New Green Sexy Cami Tank Top Women Size Small S NWT $16.95 Time Remaining: 6d 15h 6m Buy It Now for only: $24.90

Theory Blue Ribbed Camisole Tank Adjustable Straps 100 Cotton Size Small EUC $8.99 Time Remaining: 6d 8h 11m Buy It Now for only: $9.99

New Casual Chiffon Floral Short Sleeve Top Outerwears Blouse $11.99 Time Remaining: 29d 18h 29m Buy It Now for only: $11.99

Lot of 7 Tank Tops Womens Small Express American Eagle Old Navy Gently Used S $12.00 Time Remaining: 6d 8h 7m Buy It Now for only: $15.00

Beautiful Yellow Orange Green Blouse by Simply Irrestible in size small $9.99 Time Remaining: 5d 12h 54m Buy It Now for only: $12.99

Three 3 NEW Mens Callaway Tour Authentic Golf Gloves Pick Your Hand Size i $29.99 Time Remaining: 25d 3h 26m Buy It Now for only: $29.99

Theory NEW Pink Silk Blouse Sale Top S $3.25 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 6d 9h 20m Buy It Now for only: $76.00

Brown Black Leopard Print Halter Top Shirt Size Small Hot Kiss Brand $0.99 Time Remaining: 4d 3m Buy It Now for only: $8.50

TRENDY TOP TEES 2 tops per pack Colors Black White Size S M L XL As Seen on TV $17.99 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 56m Buy It Now for only: $17.99

TravelSmith 100 Cotton Black White Nubby Weave Roll Sleeve Shirt S EUC $9.99 Time Remaining: 5d 11h 2m Buy It Now for only: $14.00

Baby Phat NEW Juniors White Blouse Pattern Sale Top S $0.99 Time Remaining: 4d 11h 59m Buy It Now for only: $18.62

Womens Boho Fashion Cap Sleeve Tunic Top Floral Printed Red Cotton Blouse S $19.99 Time Remaining: 6d 14h 48m Buy It Now for only: $19.99

Vintage Lolita Rockability Polka Dot Long Sleeve Swing Dress S US2 UK6 MYCA121 $19.90 Time Remaining: 6d 4h 7m Buy It Now for only: $24.90

Rory Beca Emerald Green Silk Tee Sz S $30.00 Time Remaining: 6d 2h 43m Buy It Now for only: $45.00