Is Tiny Home Living Right for You?
Tiny homes continue to be a popular option for people who seek to simplify their lives, reduce their environmental impact, have a smaller mortgage, and lower utility bills. But how can you know if tiny home living is a good choice for you? Here are some tips and insights.
What are tiny homes?
Tiny homes are dwellings that typically range from 100 to 400 square feet, although some stretch the upper limit to 500 or 600 square feet. They can be built on foundations or wheels, and they can have various styles and designs. Some are custom-made, while others are prefabricated or converted from existing structures like buses, shipping containers, or sheds. Some are technically considered RV’s and will be labeled as such, and the construction will be different than traditional stick or stone builds.
Why live tiny?
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There are many reasons why people choose to live in tiny homes. Some of the most common ones are:
Affordability: Tiny homes can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $250,000 depending on the size, materials, and features. They also have lower maintenance and utility costs, and they can help you save money on taxes, insurance, and mortgage payments. Note: the cost per square foot of tiny homes is higher than that of larger, traditional homes.
Eco-Friendly: Tiny homes are more environmentally friendly than traditional homes because they require fewer materials and resources to build. Tiny homes also use less energy and water, and they produce less waste and emissions.
Freedom: Some models are more flexible than traditional homes. Those built on a trailer chassis can be moved to different locations, depending on the owner's needs and preferences. Note: there are some limitations. Some may arrive on site on wheels but be set on a foundation. The homes can still be moved, but it requires more work.
Flexibility: Many people use their tiny home as their primary residence, but they can also be used as vacation homes, guest houses, home offices, studios, or rental properties to generate income.
Simplicity: Moving to a tiny home requires you evaluate your ‘stuff’ and make decisions about those things that bring you joy or serve a purpose. Through this rightsizing process, you declutter and shed things you don’t really need. Fewer possessions can lead to a more organized and less stressful life.
Reconnect: Smaller living spaces encourage people to venture outdoors and connect with their natural surroundings and with others. Tiny home communities are also emerging around the country, where people can share amenities, resources, and experiences with like-minded neighbors. More about that can be found here.
What are the challenges of tiny home living?
While tiny home living can offer many benefits, it also comes with some challenges that you should consider before making the leap. Some of the most common ones are:
Space: Living in a tiny home means having less space for your belongings, indoor activities, and guests. You may have to compromise on things such as having a full-size kitchen, large closets, an array of kitchen appliances, and displays for expansive collections, for example. You will need to get creative with storage solutions, multifunctional furniture, and the use of vertical space.
Privacy: Living in a tiny home means having less privacy if you share it with someone else. You may have to deal with noise and interruptions more often than you did when in a larger space. And if living in a tiny home community, one of the trade-offs to the many benefits is the potential loss of privacy.
Legal: Many areas have strict zoning laws, building codes, and regulations that limit the size, type, and location of tiny homes. One reason is the loss of tax revenue. Larger homes carry higher values which is the basis for property tax, thus minimum square footage requirements in many areas of a home. You should do some research, contact local authorities, and obtain the necessary permits and approvals. One of the benefits of Tiny Home Communities is they have worked all this out. You can read our tips for finding tiny home communities here.
Social: Hosting parties in a tiny home can be a challenge. You may also have to deal with some stigma, stereotypes, and misconceptions about tiny home living from your friends, family, and coworkers.
Is tiny home living right for me?
The decision to live in a tiny home is a personal one that depends on your goals, values, and preferences. Here are a few considerations to help you make your decision:
Why do you want to live in a tiny home? What are your main motivations and expectations? Write these down and evaluate where you live now and imagine what your future life could be like. How would living tiny change your life?
What are your needs and wants in terms of space, comfort, and amenities? Again, evaluate your current situation. What can you do without? Do you really need all this ‘stuff’ in your life?
How much can you afford to spend on buying or building your tiny home?
Where do you want to live? Do you prefer a rural, urban, or suburban setting? Do you want to stay in one place or move around?
What are the legal and practical implications of living in a tiny home in your area of choice?
How do you plan to use your tiny home? Is it your primary residence, a secondary home, or an income source?
How will living in a tiny home affect your lifestyle, relationships, and career?
Are you ready to make some sacrifices, compromises, and adjustments to live in a tiny home?
Still not sure?
Here are our top three additional tips based on our experiences:
Stay in several different tiny homes of various sizes and configurations. You can easily find tiny homes on Airbnb or Vrbo. Stay at least two nights to get a sense of the space. I quickly learned loft space was a challenge for me. Not only were the lofts too small, but when over the kitchen, it lowered the ceiling enough to make the kitchen feel too tight. That is the experience of a tall person. You will have your own experiences. I have met many tiny home owners who love their lofts. Go out there and have your own experiences and enjoy the process.
Ask yourself which you value more - experiences or things. There is no wrong or right answer. It wasn’t until a parent passed, and we emptied their home of things acquired over decades that no one wanted, that we realized we didn’t want others in 40 years to have do the same. Items were pulled from the backs of closets, under beds, in cabinets, and from high up on dusty garage shelves. We filled two construction dumpsters with things that in an instant went from possessions to junk. Their community did not have a donation center and the space had to be emptied within two days.
Approach this as an Adventure! Have fun with your research and enjoy the process. Keep in mind, nothing is permanent and if you embrace tiny living but then decide it isn’t for you, it wasn’t a mistake. It was an adventure. Imagine the experiences you will have had and the memories you will have made!
Wrap-up
Tiny home living is not for everyone, but it can be a rewarding and fulfilling choice for those who seek to simplify their lives, reduce their environmental impact, and save money on housing and energy consumption. It can also offer more freedom, flexibility, and creativity, as well as opportunities to reconnect with nature and community. Perhaps a tiny home adventure is out there for you!
Credits: All uncredited photos generated by Copilot Designer