Additional Coverage:
- My family gave up most of our belongings when we moved from the US to Spain. We’re surprised by what we actually miss. (businessinsider.com)
A Family’s Bold Move from Connecticut to a Spanish Suburb: Embracing Minimalism Abroad
Rebecca Cretella and her family recently transitioned from their long-time home in Connecticut to an apartment in Las Rozas de Madrid, a suburb northwest of Spain’s capital. Their relocation involved more than just a change of scenery-it was a deliberate choice to downsize dramatically and start fresh with fewer possessions.
After living for over four years in what they thought would be their forever home, the family had just three months to decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard before listing their house. Instead of shipping belongings or renting storage back in the U.S., they opted to part with most of their stuff and embrace a minimalist lifestyle upon arrival in Spain.
Adjusting to a smaller living space and different lifestyle has brought both challenges and unexpected benefits. For example, Rebecca and her husband traded their spacious American king-size bed for a European double mattress, which is notably smaller. Though they’ve adapted, the comfort of their old bed is still fondly remembered.
Laundry routines have also changed significantly. Without a dryer, clothes are hung indoors on racks, turning the family’s living space into a makeshift drying area. While hang-drying is environmentally friendly, the process can be lengthy and cumbersome, especially during colder months or when managing the constant laundry needs of two active boys.
One of the toughest sacrifices was parting with a large book collection. As a lifelong reader and English major, Rebecca had to leave most of her books behind, keeping only a few favorites and storing some with family back in the U.S. She misses the comfort and choice her personal library once provided.
The children, aged 10 and 7, brought only select toys and cherished stuffed animals with them. Occasionally, they mention items left behind, like a Lego Winter Village and a collection of monster trucks. However, new interests-like playing soccer at a nearby park-have taken precedence.
Despite these adjustments, the family finds they miss surprisingly little. They have grown to appreciate the freedom that comes with owning less-the ability to move about easily and live without the burden of excess possessions. The inconvenience of not having a car is offset by the excellent public transportation available in their neighborhood.
Seven months into their new life, the Cretellas value the intentional simplicity their move has fostered. What once felt indispensable now holds little sway, proving that sometimes, less truly is more.