Downsizing is a popular shift in American living. People are starting to see the value in living a simpler life, saving money, and spending it on experiences and travel, rather than things. Downsizing doesn’t mean small and cramped. You can still have a comfortable lifestyle with ample space in an apartment. Here are some reasons to ditch the house, and rent!

1. Less Upkeep: When you have less floor space, then you don’t have as much to clean. Even going from a four-bedroom, three-bathroom house to a two bedroom, two bath apartment is a huge difference. There’s less to sweep, less furniture to dust, and fewer linens to constantly do. By living in a smaller place, you are forced to get rid of the furniture and extras that aren’t completely essential to you. It teaches you how to prioritize the things in your life. You’ll find that you’ll start placing a higher value on a few quality things, rather than a bunch of low-cost items. You also don’t have the outdoor lawn chores to worry about. The grounds are perfectly kept for you to enjoy without having to pull a single weed. Have your Saturday mornings to yourself and forget about mowing the lawn in the heat. With less to upkeep, you’ll have more time to spend doing what you love.

2. Meet New People: Apartments are giant communities with plenty of neighbors all in one place. There are shared amenities, which helps you get out and meet new folks. It’s easier to randomly speak to a fellow neighbor on the elevator than it is someone in the supermarket. It’s easy to hang out and see friends more often when they live in the same building.

3. Save Money: It’s no secret that being a homeowner puts a financial strain on you and your family. With apartment-living, you’re able to save more on things like furniture. You won’t be trying to fill the many different rooms, and you won’t be paying for tons of square footage that barely gets used. Save your money and maximize the space that you live in by finding a smaller apartment.

4. Having More Intimate Space: Sometimes a home can be just plain too big. Everyone starts living separate lives in separate parts of the house. With the closer quarters, you’ll be able to spend more time together in shared space. It’s a great way to interact and bond with those you are living with. Of course, it’s still important to have your unique area where you can retreat to if you want to get away. By being physically closer, we can become emotionally closer as well.

Less can be more, and in the case of everyday living, less can be a blessing. Think about all of the time, money, and energy you’ll save by renting, allowing you to spend more of that time with the ones that you love. Use your saved funds to travel the world or donate causes that you are passionate about. Treat yourself by taking it easy and downsizing to a comfortable apartment.