For four years, my family of six lived in Hong Kong in a high-rise apartment, about half the size of our house in California. My sons shared a bedroom, my daughters had tiny rooms, there was no family room and only a small kitchen. Our yard was a 5’ x 3’ concrete patio that overlooked the South China Sea. And we absolutely loved it.

Our family grew closer during those years of living in a small space. I saw the same thing happen in other families, too. Tight quarters became a blessing. As one dad said, “Back home, my teenager would head off to her room and disappear. Here, she can’t hide.”

Contrary to logic, small can be good. Very good. 

My theme for the month of May is “Small is the New Big.” Do you have a short story to share about how you have survived and thrived in small spaces? Or ideas to organize when space is at a premium? Let us know! You’ll be entered into a giveaway for Godiva’s mini-cupcakes, delivered right to your door! A small way to say thank you.