No, I haven't yet read it, but I'm adding it to my wish list. From what I understand, author James Wallman coined the catchy term "stuffocation" to describe the oppressive sensation a First-World occupant feels when overcome with too much stuff. This is the very sensation that I believe folks who are editing their belongings and choosing to live in small houses (like many of the homeowners featured in my upcoming book The New Small House) are aiming to avoid. Apparently, Wallman advocates less for simple living and more for experiential living. I, however, suspect that the simple living -- that inhabiting a well-designed small-house affords -- enables more experiential living. Admittedly, having not yet read Stuffocation, I don't know what type of experiences Wallman is promoting; I guess I'll just have to read the book to find out. In any case, the word "stuffocation" itself is enough to capture my interest. It's not quite as fun a word as Stephen Colbert's "truthiness", but it may be as timely.

by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast